Happy 10th Birthday Ethan!

Ethan, your birthday is a few weeks past. But I still wanted to get a little post in recapping your 10th year of life. I can't believe I have been a mom for 10 years. But I think I say that each year when I write your birthday post! You have the blessing and curse of being the oldest child, so we get to experience everything with you for the first time. That can be good, and it can be hard! You have grown a lot this year academically, socially, spiritually, and emotionally. Here are a few highlights from your year.

All fourth-graders in California study California history. Part of that is doing a mission project. You studied of the Carmel Mission. You went on a trip with dad to see it and then you guys built a model together. You enjoyed the trip but I think the project frustrated you. You aren't much of a project guy!

Ethan you have become a big time Warriors fan the past couple years. You have completely jumped on that bandwagon. You love watching all the games, following all the stats and wearing all the gear.

Christmas this year found us in Edmonton. You really enjoyed playing in the snow and riding on the quad. You learned pretty quick that you couldn't go in and out of the house like we do at home, because you had to get yourself all geared up for the cold, cold weather.

Your little brother looks up to you more than you will ever understand. He is in copying mode, and wants to be like you most of the time. You get really annoyed when his answers are just like yours. But I hope you understand someday that it's just because he loves you so much. Overall you to really play well together and it is fun to watch.

The fad when you were in fourth grade was kendama's . You had a classroom city and so you chose for your business to be a kendama rental business. You kids played with those so much and had a lot of fun.

One highlight of this year was going to a cabin on a lake where you guys were able to fish whenever you wanted. You also took your BB gun out there and shot at everything that you could. I love watching your adventurous spirit outside, I wish we could do things like that more often!

You had the privilege of participating in the math Olympiad this year. You and six other classmates competed against fourth through sixth graders in the area. You guys had to try to solve super hard math problems. You didn't get a medal but you guys all did great. You scored the best out of your class!

This year you have really been into Harry Potter books. You have made it through all six. In this picture you and Morgan had to dress up like book characters for school. You and Morgan still get along when you want to, and it is fun to watch you work together for a common goal.

You had an awesome fourth grade year. Your teacher was perfect for you and you had lots of interactive learning opportunities. You grew a lot and it was fun to watch!

A hi light of the summer was visiting John and Brenda in Washington. You loved riding James' dirt bike!

You my firstborn, I can't believe you are a tween already! Mommy is doing her best to be the best mom to you that I can. I know that we have our arguments at times but I hope you know that I want you to grow up to be a young man who loves God and loves those around him. My prayer is that we can both show each other a lot of grace as we enter the teenage years! I love you more than you'll ever know buddy!

you had a sleepover for your 10th birthday. You guys did an outdoor laser tag afternoon. You had way too much fun! The sleepover was fun for you, and thankfully you were outside in a tent so we didn't have to hear you! Bedtime didn't happen until 4:30 AM😳

You look up to your dad so much. Your 10th birthday present has been promised for a few years. You finally got to play Poppy Hills! You played all 18 holes and shot 114. You had a lot of fun and daddy said that was one of the funnest outings he's ever had with you.

You and Hudson do a lot of golfing. You two are finally old enough that I can drop you off at Spring Creek and you can play for a couple hours. I love watching you be able to do this activity together and I love watching your skills develop.

We rented wetsuits one visit to the beach house this summer. You loved boogie boarding and not being freezing cold! You were such a big helper to your siblings as they learned how to boogie board as well. It was a fun day!

Our last big outing of the summer was a lake day with friends. You learned how to knee board and wakeboard! You are a natural! Tubing was also super fun that day.

I say it every year buddy but I can't believe you are another year older. 10 years and you've learned so much. My prayer this year is that you continue to grow and develop. That you continue to learn self-control, love for others and a hard-working attitude. Love you!