Aunt Kelly & Grandma Caldwell

Aunt Kelly and Grandma Caldwell came to visit us this weekend. Kelly had a training class in Knoxville so they came early to spend some time with us. We took them to the aquarium in downtown Chattanooga and then to the Tortilla Factory to eat. The boys had so much fun with them.

Aunt Kelly is in the military. We are very proud of her service to our country. She currently helps soldiers with their orders. Ethan is very impressed with the fact that we have an army person in our family. He had fun chasing and running from Aunt Kelly. He even woke her up with a pillow fight.





Grandma and Grandpa Caldwell got Ethan his first real baseball outfit. He started baseball practice this week. He loves the pants, socks, and new shoes that Grandma helped pick out. He can change the color of his shoes to match his team color. Look for upcoming picutures of his games.

BMX Rider

Ethan recently took up the sport of BMX racing. There is a free track a few minutes from our house. We visit the track about once a week. Ethan hasn't competed in a race yet. He is still getting comfortable with all of the hills and turns. The first time he visited the track, he fell at least four times. He didn't realize how hard you have to peddle to make it up some of the steep hills. After his first time around, he did great. We were fortunate that there was an experienced biker there who gave Ethan some tips and encouraged him.

Ethan's grandma and grandpa in Ohio bought him a new BMX bike for his birthday present this year. Ethan was so excited to try it on the track. The bike even has pegs on the front for tricks. I don't see Ethan doing and jumps or wheelies any time soon. Since baseball starts next week, Ethan probably won't race with his bike this year, but look out next summer. Tyler brought his tricycle to the track and showed off his moves. Chris helped Tyler down one of the smaller hills. Chris wants to get his own bike now so he can ride with Ethan. He often rides Ethan's bike around the track. Crazy!

Pardon Me Boys...


Today we went to the Chattanooga Choo Choo. Since we only live 20 minutes from Chattanooga, we felt obligated. It also happens that Tyler is obsessed with trains right now. The Choo Choo is now a Holiday Inn, but it is still fun to visit. There are several trains for the kids to climb on and we had the chance to ride a Trolley around the complex. Ethan was in charge of ringing the trolley bell when we reached the intersections. There is also a model train museum that the kids enjoyed.




After a few hours at the Choo Choo, we climbed aboard the downtown free shuttle and went to the waterfront to eat and visit the aquarium. Tyler and Ethan love going and seeing the sharks. We are discovering so much to do in Chattanooga. It really is a great city.

First Day of School

Ethan started school today. He was very excited. He is in Mrs. Gibson's Kindergarten class at Mayfiled Elementary. Chris went into work late so the entire family could take Ethan to school. It was a great morning. Mrs. Gibson showed Ethan where to hang his backpack and where to put his lunch box. He sat right down and began working on Tanagram puzzles. He must have a math teacher for a mom :) When he seemed settled, Chris and I left. Tyler yelled "brother" the entire way our of the school. On the ride home, he kept pointing at Ethan's seat asking where brother was. I can tell it is going to be a long day with Tyler.

Ethan's teacher had him give me the following note with a Hershey's kiss, tissue, and a mint:
Thanks for taking such good care of me. I wanted you to have these things on my first day of Kindergarten because I know you'll miss me.
1. A "kiss" for all the kisses you'll miss while I'm at school today.
2. A tissue for drying any tears you might shed.
3. A mint because you mean a "mint" to me.

I will see you when my first day of Kindergarten is over!
Love,
Ethan

Ethan's 5!


Ethan turned 5 years old on August 1st. He is starting kindergarten next week. He is such a big boy! For his fifth birthday, we went to Six Flags in Atlanta, Georgia. He got to meet the Justice League super heros. He was so excited. He said that Wonder Woman was his favorite. He was tall enough to ride one of the big roller coasters. He looked terrified the entire time.




Tyler's favorite part of the day was the water park. We spent most of the afternoon there because it was so hot. We had fun at Six Flags, but we definitly think that King's Island is much better for children.

Welcome to the Zoo

I decided to jump on the 'cool' bandwagon and start a blog. It also seems like a great way to keep our dearly missed friends in Ohio updated about our new life in Tennessee. Since moving to Cleveland, we have spent our weekends enjoying this beautiful area in Southeast Tennessee. We took Ethan and Tyler to the Ocoee River. This is where the 1996 Olympics were held for White Water Rafting. We spent the day swimming in the "Blue Hole" and hiking in the woods. Ethan was worried about the bears, but Tyler was fearless.

We went to see the Atlanta Braves play this summer. Ethan played baseball on the minifield they have in Tooner Field. The Braves lost that night, but we didn't care because we had to leave early because Tyler can't sit still for more than 5 innings. Chris is planning on returning next year without the kids.

Our favorite spot is the Downtown Riverfront in Chattanooga. There is a beautiful Riverwalk with swimming areas for the kids. There is a spray park and a mile long walking bridge that crosses the Tennessee River. Ethan loves to visit the Tennessee Aquarium and pet the sting rays. Tyler likes to stand and yell at the sharks.