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...our new computer! Oh i'm so happy. Right now, I am typing on a keyboard that has all of it's keys. Crazy, I know. We were a little worried about getting a new computer, with Evan's grabby little fingers around, but our setup seems to be safe and mildly Evan-proof so we are quite pleased with ourselves.

More importantly, a lot has been going on around here! First, we had Evan's 2nd birthday, during which great fun was had by all. We had some friends over, and Evan had some friends over, and we ate lots of cake.

mmm. Hot dogs and strawberries. Best birthday ever!

When we asked Evan what his favorite part of the day was, he said blowing out the candles (more or less).

Mike got him a little tool set, which he has been playing with non-stop since he got it. He especially likes to "fix" all his tractors and trucks, and he even knows which tool is which! Daddy's little helper. He is pretty much over the moon with all his new birthday toys.

Also, my girlfriend Jeanine came to visit and we had a blast. We got fabulous haircuts and spent a lot of time shopping, so it was a good trip. We (and Evan) spent a wonderful day at the beach, and the water was warm enough to swim in--Evan loved jumping in the waves and he made a bunch of friends there. I think we're getting spoiled with this warm beach business.

In other news...we're going to have another baby! It's due February 24, and Evan says he wants a baby sister. I don't think he knows what that means though, because when we ask him if he wants a girl or a boy he says "boy". We will be happy with whatever we have, but we are definitely excited to find out--we have an ultrasound scheduled for September 25. I'm feeling like myself again (although slightly larger), and things are good in the Smith Household!

Discovery!

Grandma Jean was here for the last week, and we had a great time. I think Evan was pretty happy to have a new playmate!

But now she's gone and Evan just has me for a playmate during the day...bor-ing. Poor little Evan, his life is so unfair...

Just kidding, Evan's pretty happy. He was especially happy when we took him to the Children's Museum in Acton this last weekend. This place is officially the coolest place for toddlers ever. It might be the coolest place for moms too...not only were we as entertained as Evan but I think he could have kept himself completely busy there all day. I'm in love. So is Evan.

And it's cheap too! We got a pass from the library that made addmittance only $4.50 each. I think we'll try to make a trip there once a month. At least. We are so lucky to live where we live.

One room was a ball room. There were tubes and tracks running all around the room and ceiling and you could watch the balls roll around and activate little doo-dads and thingys. My favorite part was this dark little hidey-hole with christmas lights in it. I wish I was small so I could just sit in there with the pretty lights. In fact, I found myself wishing I was about 3 feet shorter all day.

The entire attic of the house (did I mention the museum was in a cute little house?) was ship themed. Pretty awesome. They even had ocean sounds playing over some speakers. At one point I looked over and noticed that Mike and his ship-mate had taken up residence in this little life boat and I thought it was pretty funny. Silly daddy.

Another room was a diner and it was by far Evan's favorite. In fact I had to drag him out of there (literally) when it was time to leave. (he has since obtained a kitchen set at home) Evan and this other little guy spent quite some time serving their grandmas some food.

Pretty fun. I can't wait to go back.

Good Times

Whew. We've been having a good time here in the Smith household. Heres a rundown:

Mike got a new uniform. Doesn't he look handsome? I think so--I'm a lucky girl. And aren't the patches sewn on nicely? (is that what they're called? I have no idea) I know they're hard to see, but i'll tell you, someone (me) did a very good job of sewing them on. A labor of love.

It's getting cold out (very cold-we added mittens to this ensemble shortly after this picture was taken-brrrr)

but Evan still loves the playground.

Here's a picture with me in it, simply because I wanted to join the other members of this post.

Mike and I have learned that Evan will snuggle with us when we read books with him. Otherwise, he's too busy too slow down and snuggle. Needless to say, we read books a lot in this house.

We went to Fourth Cliff (a military recreation area at the beach) with some friends this weekend and had a blast. We rented this little 3 bedroom cottage and spent the whole weekend doing nothing and hanging out. And playing Pictionary. We ate a lot too.




I didn't take a whole lot of pictures, so here's a picture of Evan. He likes his car seat.

Mike has this entire week off, and thats pretty exciting. We don't have any plans yet, but we don't really need any. It's nice to just see how things pan out. Although we do seem to have HBO (and Starz, and Showtime, and Cinemax, etc.) free for a month for some reason, so I plan on watching as many movies as possible. If you need me, I'll be on the couch.

Back From Montana

Evan and I just returned from a solo trip to Montana for a few days for grandma's 75th birthday celebration. We had a fantastic time, and Evan is a wonderful traveler (he's an angel anyway) so all around it was a good experience. Sure feels good to be home though! Evan's been having a grand time playing with all his toys again, as well as the dishwasher, the printer, Cody's water bowl, and all of his other favorite non-toy items.

It felt really good to be in Montana again with all the sights and smells that I grew up with (not to mention getting to spend time with my fabulous family)--not much has changed, which is reassuring. Evan had a wonderful time too, playing with his cousins,

and experiencing lots of new things, including horses,

and crazy old cowboys.

(just kidding, uncle Johnny, I don't think you're old!)

We got to see some pretty awesome weather too--they don't call it "big sky country" for nothing--sometimes you can look in every direction and the weather is different in each place. Wierd. Have you ever seen clouds like these?

They produced a pretty awesome thunderstorm.



Anyway, now we're back in incredibly crowded Massachusetts and continuing with life as usual. Although, more excitement is on the way, because saturday is Evan's first birthday! Let the festivities begin! Actually, I'm just making a cake and we're having a few friends over, but I think it will be a perfect birthday. By the way, no walking yet, but we'll keep you updated. What a big boy.

Stay tuned for "baby with cake-face pictures"!