Happy 8th Birthday Ethan

Ethan, it is hard to believe that the boy who made me a mama turned 8 yesterday! It is also hard for me to believe that you are going to be in third grade, which is the grade I taught for 4 years. I am excited for you to go through 3rd grade, I know you will grow and learn so much.

Ethan you have grown so much this past year and faced so many of your former fears head on. You learned how to boogie board this summer in Pebble Beach and I can still remember you crying any time we tried to get you to touch the ocean. You love playing with our neighbor's dog now after several years of an immense fear of dogs. It is so exciting to see you grow out of these fears.

Ethan you and your brother are playing better and better together. It is fun for your dad and me to watch you interact nicely with each other. Hudson looks up to you and wants to do everything you do. Sometimes you like that and sometimes it annoys you....I am imagining that will be true for years to come:)

Ethan here you are with the instrument you created for school. You love going to school, both because it means you get to play with your friends and because you love to learn. You still ask why ALL THE TIME. Mostly I think that will continue to make you a very smart boy....and sometimes that gets you in trouble! I am so glad God has given you a curious mind because I know that means you will never stop learning and you will accomplish big things. You will move mountains my boy, just because you are that determined to do what you want to do!

It sure is fun watching you and all your siblings play. You four can have a lot of fun together. Most play is dictated by the creative mind of your sister Morgan, and you are usually more than willing to go along with what she wants to play. My prayer is that you will be a good role model for your siblings, that you will love them well so that Jesus love shines through you.

You loved our trip to San Francisco over spring break. It gave you a chance to learn something new on our cruise around Alcatraz, and you loved that. Mommy and daddy enjoy taking you to do new things and watch you soak up all your new surroundings. You love to go and do. Your first question when you wake up is, "Mom what are we doing today." 

You buddy love all things sports, whether it be running, soccer, hockey, baseball or golf. You love to play and to watch on TV with daddy. You have a stats mind just like daddy and can remember crazy facts about players. You are enjoying the sports now that allow you to play with your buddies. So while you are very good at golf, right now that is not your first love. You and I have started going on little runs together sometimes in the morning. I enjoy that time and I know you do to.

Finding crabs on the beach is still a favorite of yours, but climbing on the hard-to-get-to rocks may be a close second. 

Here is a good picture of some of your missing teeth. You have lost 8 teeth and they are finally all starting to grow back in. This is just another fun milestone of you growing up big guy. I have been enjoying your helpfulness around the house. You are more and more willing to help your siblings with things and will usually do what I ask you to do in order to help me.

Ethan your daddy and I love you so much and we are looking forward to watching you grow and learn more this year. I know you will love Third Grade. We are so proud of you both in your work in school and how you try to be the best boy God wants you to be.  I pray that God continues to soften your heart and show you what it means to be kind, patient and loving towards those around you. Love you buddy!