Happy 3rd Birthday Ethan Buddy!

My little boy, who does not like being called little, is now 3 years old. I can not believe it. It seems like just yesterday I was holding my newborn bundle of heaven on earth. Ethan's precious little nose was squashed and one ear was bent in. He had the most perfectly round head and perfectly groomed hair. He is sweeter today than the day he was born. He has a beautiful, kind heart. He is sensitive and compassionate, while still being strong and brave. He is imaginative and makes up crazy stories. He is hilarious and cracks everyone up! At 3, he is interested in skateboarding, swimming, super heroes, animals, and anything outdoors.

Ethan got to open his presents from Gigi a couple of days early. We use Skype to talk to Gigi once a week and always when opening her gifts. She sent Ethan an adorable Mickey Mouse robe, a hilarious little green men alien costume, lots of t-shirts, pens, crayons, etc. Gigi always includes something (or lots of things) for Olivia on Ethan's birthday, and vice versa. The kids love that costume and they both look so cute in it!




















The day before Ethan's birthday we went to our friends' house to go swimming. We spent a lot of time in the pool and Ethan is convinced he can swim all by himself and jump in without a life jacket! Boy does he stress me out. Olivia did a great job practicing some swimming techniques that Melanie was teaching her. We always have a great time playing with Wesley and Hunter!



















On the morning of Ethan's birthday, Daddy went and got donuts (a tradition) and then Buddy got to open his presents from us and Olivia. Daddy and Mommy gave Ethan a Handy Manny tool belt with tools, a Mickey t-shirt, and a puppy from Build A Bear. Olivia gave Ethan a Batman action figure. We spent the day playing and stayed close to home. Melissa, Ellie and Natalie came over for lunch. When Daddy got home from work we went to dinner at Ethan's favorite restaurant - McDonald's. Then Nana, Papa & Grammy, and Granpa & Grandma came over for cake and ice cream. We were surprised with Ethan's cake choice. He kept changing his mind, one day it was Spider Man, the next Diego, another it was Super Man. His last and final choice was Nemo. The cake an ice cream was tasty, but Buddy wanted to open presents. Nana gave Ethan a Lego zoo set, Papa & Grammy gave him a Step 2 workshop tool bench, and Grandpa & Grandma Mary gave him a fishing pole. Christina and Marianne sent a gift of games (checkers, tic tac toe, bingo). Ethan also loved getting a gift card to Meijer from Sasha. He used the gift card and the birthday money from Uncle Schaz and Aunt Andrea to buy a large Batman figure that has a weapon on his arm that spins around and glows with the bat sign and a 3 pack of other action figures (Flash, Weatherman, and Mirror Master). It was a great birthday celebration - simple and filled with people who love him!

















The day after Ethan's birthday we went to the Blouw home for a visit. Sasha was there and gave the kids a lesson (always so much fun) in painting. We had lunch on the lawn and the kids had a wonderful time playing. Ethan loves to use Sam's scooter! And we ended the afternoon with face painting.