Simple Fun & Ethan's Actual 8th Birthday

Thursday of last week (10/25) was a gorgeous day outside. So, Landen and I got some much needed fresh air.  We took his battery-powered four wheeler down the road.  He LOVES that thing and looks so big when he rides it.  He did really well going down the road but got a little wild coming back.  I had to steer for him as I walked to keep him off of the curb.  Once we made it back to our house, Landen had a ball playing on his swing set out back.  He loves to climb, and swing, and slide.  I couldn't convince him to come in to eat lunch until finally Nannie came over for her weekly visit and he wanted to come inside to play with her in the playroom.  I love days where it's not too hot or too cold and we can get out and enjoy the sunshine!

Friday wasn't as warm and so we stayed inside and I let Landen keep his pj's on until noon.  We played in his bedroom reading, doing flashcards, dancing to Choo-Choo Soul, and working puzzles.  He is such a smart boy!  And so funny, he loves to put the puzzle pieces in the wrong place just to hear me say "No, not there!"  in a funny voice.  He giggles so much when I do that!

 Once Nannie came on Friday, I took cupcakes to Ethan's class to celebrate his birthday. His teacher sat him in her chair and spun him around eight times and then had him take a birthday run around the room while he was still dizzy.  Of course, he LOVED every second of it!

Ethan's actual birthday was on Sunday, October 28th.  He turned EIGHT years old!!  We had celebrated with a party back on October 6th while the weather was still fairly warm and so we had to find other ways to make his big day extra special.  I turned to Pinterest for a little inspiration and this is what Ethan woke up to...

8 balloons above his bed

A "Happy Birthday" sign on his door

And streamer to break through when he left his room

Birthday pancakes complete with a candle

To continue the celebrating, after church we had family over for a late lunch, birthday cake, and of course....Ethan opened a few more gifts!

 Ethan, I hope that you had a wonderful birthday and that you understand how truly loved you are.  The day that you were born is a day that I'll NEVER forget.  You changed my life for the better in more ways than I could ever explain. I am so thankful for you.  I couldn't imagine each day without your sweet smile, or your inquisitive questions, or your exuberant storytelling, but especially without your tight hugs and caring ways.  You are so smart....truly, so very intelligent!  You score above average across the board in your testing at school, you have NEVER had a behavior mark...not a single one since you started school three years ago!  You are in the gifted talent pool at school, you get to take part in Super Saturday at WKU for gifted and talented students, you take the "challenge" spelling test, the reading goal for 2nd grade is 72 wpm and you are reading at 172wpm, you are in the 99th percentile in both reading & math,  and every teacher that you've had adores you.  I could NOT be more proud of you and your eagerness to learn.  You're a wonderful boy with a huge heart and I couldn't be more proud to call you mine.  I love you sweet boy and thank God for blessing us with you!   ~Mom~


On Monday, October 29th, I went with Ethan on a field trip with the other members of your talent pool group to see a review (play) called "Rock the Presidents" at Skypac.  It was a fun show and then we spent the afternoon at the park before heading back to school.  I am so thankful to be a stay at home mom so that I can do these fun things with him!