Ethan's 9th Birthday~

Last year for Ethan's 8th birthday we had a HUGE party.  I mean the kind of party that I will never forget.  It was so loud and crazy that even Ethan was ready for it to end!  We talked last year about how he wasn't going to have a big birthday party again like that this year.  Well, last year we didn't really know that this year Ethan would have a teenage sister who happen to have a birthday the same week as he did and would really want to have a big birthday party for her first party ever.  That kind of made Ethan a bit sad.  He was upset that he was getting a family party but that he couldn't have a big friend party like Vika was.  He understood why, but it still wasn't fair.  So, we had a little compromise.  We told him he could invite over a few of his best friends (who we already were used to having at our house) for a game, dinner, a clone wars episode, and cupcakes.  That was great with Ethan and honestly as low key as it seemed it was my most successful party yet!

The kids were all amazed and entranced by the colored flames in the candles!  Spencer made Ethan's birthday dinner of choice, his famous chicken wings.  Our kids love them.  Ethan thought having his buddies over for dinner was pretty cool.  My favorite thing was that he invited Rex to come and he did!  Rex is the BYU football player / return missionary from Russia who came over all last summer to help Victoria with her English.  He also was our interpreter for the missionary discussions and when she was baptised he confirmed her.  Needless to say, we love Rex.  Our boys just love him because he comes over and plays with them.  He is one of the kids and they adore him.  Ezra ONLY refers to him as batman.

My favorite thing about my kids is that they are so sweet to each other.  If you look at any of the birthday pictures you will find Ezra right there along side of them blowing out candles or unwrapping their presents.  Ethan was very nice to let Ezra be a part of all of the birthday fun.  I think Ezra thought it was his party.

We played the present game.  I wrapped up a Lego set at least 20 times and they rolled dice to try to get doubles to unwrap it.  If they were the one to unwrap it the last time they got it!  It was funny because Ethan unwrapped it several times.  All of the kids got doubles a few times except for Eric.  The only time he got to unwrap it he won!  He was so happy.  It was fun.  They all loved that game.  After dinner they watched an episode of clone wars. 

When we finished the episode Ethan (and Ezra) opened gifts.  Victoria gave Ethan his sweet new gloves for skiing. 

He got a few fun toys and games from his friends and skiing stuff and clothes from his family. He was thrilled.  It really was so much better to have such a small crowd.  They all had more fun.

These are the party animals.  The other picture is better, but I just love Eric's face in this one and had to have both! 

From left to right: Nathan, Eric, Ethan, Ezra, Ryan, and Rex. 

A few things I love about Ethan are:
He is the sweetest, most thoughtful brother I have ever known. 
He is hilarious.
His laugh is contagious.
He loves to be goofy.
He is a great skier.
He is very musical.
He loves me and his family and we all know it.
He will share anything with anyone.
He loves to be a part of things.
He is handsome.
He is very smart.
He knows me well enough to push every one of my buttons when he wants to.
He loves to learn and to read.
He is a tender heart.
He would do anything to help his friends.
He has an amazing imagination.
He loves to play and run.
He is Mason's best friend.  He knows how to make Mason happier than anyone in the world can.
He tells great stories.
He loves adventures.
He is accepting and not intimidated by people who are 'different' than he is.
He writes the best notes.
When Ethan wants to do something there is no stopping him.
That's just a few, but Ethan - my big 9 year old! - I love you forever!  Happy Birthday.