Not a lot new, but...

Things have been a lot of the same at the Lapins lately.
Ethan eats pancakes almost every morning for breakfast, followed by Jeff Corwin watching, then off to school, home for a couple rides around the block on either his scooter or his bike, stories especially the Fog Mound trilogy, then bed.
Willa is still jumping off the bed and being her crazy lovable self. I think she sometimes likes to be a little naughty. Every Monday is pink dress day. Humpty Dumpty spoons and forks are very important to her. She likes books, but especially pink ones, so Fancy Nancy is a hit. I think Karri said that if she wasn't so cute, she'd be pretty bratty, but it is hard to get angry with her, and of course she knows it.
This weekend we are off to a Mariner's game with our PEPS group. Willa has never been, but Ethan has been each of the last two years. It is Ichiro jersey day, so we will need to make sure we get there on time, although we will likely leave early.

I like to ride my bicycle...

Fourth of July weekend was big at the Lapin's house.
Friday was pretty typical with a trip to the playground, scootering and WeeRiding, followed by a trip to Macrina's Bakery. Karri got a little break and got to ride Grover. Afternoon, no
Saturday was go-go all day. In the morning we did a great hike just past North Bend - Twin Falls. Daphne came too. Picnic lunch. Dipped our feet in the river. We estimated that Ethan hiked about 2 3/4 miles and Willa about 2 1/2.
After getting home, Michael went to a memorial for Dick, who lived across the street. Explaining to Ethan that Dick had died was tough.
Then, when Willa woke up after about half an hour, it was off to Mollie Moon's for ice cream - honey lavender, strawberry, scout mint, and salted caramel.
Then, over to the wading pool at the digger park in Wallingford.
Then, the twins, Nick and Parker, came over to play with Ethan and run through the sprinkler.
Sunday was less crazy-busy. We were at the playground by about 9:30, but that is relatively late for us. It was great because we hooked up the "third-wheel" to my bike and Ethan and I took a long ride all over Queen Anne. He loves it. Then, later in the afternoon, when Willa had woken up from her nap, she decided she wanted to ride a bike too, so we took Ethan's old 12" bike and attached a push-bar and away she went. She is a natural and will probably be going full tilt without any assistance by this weekend.

Ladies Man

So at the oh so young age of 4, little Ethan has become quite the hot commodity among 4 year old girls. A couple of weeks ago he declared that he was going to marry Kate, but that his girlfriend was Anika. Ethan dropped Kate last week when he declared that now he was marrying Anika and moving to China (and according to Ethan, he is serious and not kidding).

Will this one last longer than a week? All signs point to yes. There are strong indications that maybe Ethan is serious. First, they play with animals together every morning. Second, they go to the bathroom together. Nothing says romance more than sitting on the toilet together. Third, and the biggest indication (according to his teacher Phyllis) is that they are crossing a hurdle that many four year couples never do -- they are playing at the playground together. Generally the playground is very segregated, boys play with boys, and girls with girls. But Ethan and Anika are playing together in the sandbox, holding hands while riding bikes, and giving each other rides in makeshift wagons.

Ahhhhh, true love. At least for now. Rumor has it that there is yet another four year old girl vying for Ethan's affection. We are all hoping that Ethan's appeal to age appropriate ladies does not peak at age four.

Injections

As most of you know, I have psoriatic arthritis (fortunately a relatviely mild case). I have been taking Enbrel for about 4 1/2 years via a weekly injection. I have a vasovagal reflex and almost passed out the first time I got the shot and then when I tried to do it myself. So, for the past 4 1/2 years, Karri has done my injections. She does not like doing it, but she has been awesome in always being there for me.

However, I am excited to report the coolest new thing in my life: Enbrel® (etanercept) SureClick® 50 mg/mL autoinjector.

I can do it myself, it hurts less, and I don't actually see the needle.

Pink Song

Yes, songs can be pink - according to Willa. And the one that she will listen to, spin to, and dance to is We Got the Beat by The Go Gos. Good thing the iPod has a repeat button because that is also the only song she will listen to. You can listen to the song here.