First Day of Pre-School

Ethan started pre- school this morning. He was EXTREMELY excited to go. The morning went pretty well. Aside from a big bruise on the forehead and being completely surprised that he would have to do more than just "play" - I think he had a good day. Check him out before school with his favorite backpack!

The Natural Science Center

We spent Saturday and Sunday at the Natural Science Center in Greensboro. The Science Center recently added an outdoor Zoo: complete with monkeys, wallabies, farm animals, alligators, crocodiles, and even two Tigers. Ethan really enjoys the zoo part (but is a little frightened by the Tigers) and the indoor areas for preschoolers. The babies like it too- but slept through most of it. The babies were as popular at the Science Center as any of the caged animals. People kept stopping us, gawking, asking questions, etc. I found this endearing at first, but I have to admit I am now rather annoyed by it. Especially because they completely ignore Ethan (who is equally cute and charming) even if he is trying to talk to them. John is still very nice (of course) but most of the time I barely acknowledge the stares, questions, and pointing. I can not imagine what it would be like to have higher order multiples!

Ethan milking "Ole Bessie". He definitely preferred this cow statue to the real farm animals we saw. We tried to get him to pet the burrows and the horses. He talked a big game- but in the end was happy just watching.

John and Ethan "hiding" in the tortoise shell.

Some Friends Over

Yesterday, one of my best friends came for the day with her two children. Ethan loves her daughter to death! Here are two pics of them enjoying Toy Story. Lily, Ethan, and Jonah. (The babies were asleep).

What a Cold Summer???

Even though NC has had one of the warmest summers on record- Ethan insists on wearing his hat, jacket and gloves around the house. He claims he is very cold and does not want to get sick (no doubt someone told him this once and he now will claim it over and over).

4 Months Old

Hi Everybody.

It has been a while since we posted anything... basically nothing new.

We are all ready for September to arrive and activities to start back up.

Ethan will start pre- school in September and is VERY excited about it. The babies are doing well- they are both pretty happy all the time.

They are about 4 months now and went to their 4 month check - up yesterday.

Isaac weighed in at an impressive 17 lbs. and 7 oz. (85th %) and Olivia was 14 lbs. 12 oz. (75th %). Here are a couple recent pics of them around the house. Hope you enjoy.

Thanks for our cute matching outfits Matt and Holly!!!

Hoots Family Beach Trip 2007

For the 3rd year now - we went to the beach for a week with the Hoots Family. John's parents and his brother's family were also there. This year we stayed in Surf City on Topsail Island. John's cousin Beth recently bought a beach house there and we were the first guests to "try it out". We really enjoyed ourselves- on the sand and in the pool. Here are a few shots you may enjoy.


John's mom and Olivia.

John's parents and Ethan.

The whole family.

We have learned that it is nearly impossible to get a great shot of all five of us. The babies refused to smile, Ethan refused to stand still, etc.

Rainbow over the ocean.

In all my years as a beach bum - I have never seen a rainbow over the ocean before.

It was beautiful.

We also saw dolphins swimming- but I could not catch it on film.

Sandcastle Time.

The beach house.

If you do not know Ethan very well- this picture pretty much sums him up.

He enjoys life fully.

Everybody in the pool - the babies both really enjoy the water (but not the sunscreen).

The boys.

Ethan and his cousin Gavin in the pool.

The intercoastal waterways.

John and Olivia at Snead's Ferry. While we were talking on the trip, we discovered that Olivia is the first girl to be born into (as opposed to married into) the Hoots direct family line in 100 years! Crazy! John's brother Rob and his wife are expecting - maybe that baby will make 2 Hoots' girls.
The five of us at Snead's Ferry - we enjoyed some great seafood here.

The Hoots Men.

John's parents and the kids.