Changes

It never ceases to amaze me how our lives change on an almost daily basis.  We have had more "big" changes in the last few months that may be worth letting our family and friends know about.

First and foremost, Josh changed jobs near the end of June.  He is now working on oil/gas rigs as a Well Site Geologist for a company called Geo-Link.  

Josh's rig at night.

He is basically doing the same job he did before we had Ethan.  This time, though, it is clear up in North Dakota in the Williston Basin.  

He is enjoying being able to use his brain again and I'm sure some of the time away from home :).  The major draw backs are:  long ass drive back home, long ass time between times at home (sometimes up to a month).  The major bonuses are:  using his degree again, making good money (able to support us with me at home again), some time apart for "distance makes the heart grow fonder".  

It has been an adjustment for all of us.  We don't usually know when he will leave (until a day or two before) and don't usually know when he will be home (until a day or two before) so it makes it kind of tough to plan anything major.  Ethan is doing well with it because Josh makes an effort to call and tell him good night every night.   

I've had a huge amount of support from our Burberry Way Family who we've gone camping with several times this summer - some without Josh.

Ethan and his buddy Tavin playing ARMY men in a ditch while we were camping.

Josh fishing with the boys during one of our camping trips.

Even without our friends, we find things to do.  We go to the library several times a week, Ethan plays dress up, we bake zucchini bread (and other stuff), take pictures, go to the free Kids Workshops at Lowes and Home Depot and the list goes on.

He was Woody for Halloween last year (and when ever he wants now).

Ethan took a picture of his trains.

Ethan wanted a photo shoot of and with his buddies, Woody and Buzz.

One of our Kids Workshop projects.

Helping make Zucchini Bread.

Andrew, Josh's little brother, has moved out on his own.  He has a tough road ahead of him and I hope he can find his way.  We've helped as much as we can, it's his turn now.  Love you, Andrew.

Ethan has also started Pre School! 

Ethan's first day of Pre School.

We were lucky enough to get into Douglas County Pre School Program and get it paid for through a state funded program (thank you to my sister Mandy for encouraging me to keep looking for something like this!).  So, he goes to the school just a few blocks away - close enough to walk (or scooter) - 4 days a week for 2 hours and 45 minutes each day.  He loves it! He comes home with a new skill, new lesson learned, new piece of art each and every day.  Don't get me wrong, Ethan is still being "challenging" (is there a no whining option I didn't know about when we put our order in for this beautiful boy?) but he loves school and I love the chance it gives him to explore and learn new things.  

His time at school gives me time to run errands, work on projects or just take a nap (usually what I do since I'm 5 1/2 months pregnant!).  I imagine this time will be taken up with fixing up our little girl's room which I can't wait to get started on! I've sewn a few things but the real work can't start till our bedding arrives (should be tomorrow).  

Here's to our lives continuing to change for the better.