Happy Birthday to our Oldest!

In January Ethan turned 11 years old! 

What an amazing young man he is turning into.  He has always been so responsible.  We can always count on him to do the right thing.  He never has to be reminded to get his homework done.  We can't quite say the same about him doing his chores, but when he does get a reminder he doesn't usually complain too much.  Ethan is easy going and so caring.   He's sensitive to things that matter.  For instance, he dislikes to see others have their feelings hurt or to be in need of any kind.  He's always saying how he'd like to adopt a kid who doesn't have a family.  He's a natural gentleman, he's always intentionally making an effort to open doors for others and he even opens the car door for me, which melts my heart every time.  He constantly impresses us with his attitude of gratitude; more often than not "please" and "thank you" are just natural part of his vocabulary. 

 

As is tradition for this kid, we celebrated at one of his favorite places to eat, Texas Roadhouse.  We also spent time as a family at the local fun park, where we wanted to play family lazer tag but it was out of order at the time.  Ethan was pretty excited to receive a telescope from Grandma Ramona and Aunt Patricia as well as his other fun presents from others.

Ethan is an incredible big brother to Elisabeth.  Although they have their moments, he's always looking out for her and is so proud of her often bragging about her to others.  

Ethan Stats at 11 years old:

Favorite Color:  BLUE, BLACK, or GREEN

Favorite Foods:  PEANUTS, CHICKEN, FISH & STEAK, ICE CREAM, BROWNIES

Favorite Sports: BASKETBALL & SOCCER

Favorite TV show:  REGULAR SHOW, SURVIVOR

Favorite Song:  "I can't answer that."  Artists he likes include 

Favorite Movie:  HOBBIT TRILOGY, ENDER'S GAME, SANDLOT, DIARY OF A WIMPY KID MOVIES

Favorite Memory from being 10 years old:  "Probably Disneyland, I guess"

What Ethan wants to be when he grows up:  "No Clue!"

A place Ethan would like to go:  "Disneyworld, for now that's all I can think of"

Happy Birthday Ethan!  We love you so much and are so incredibly proud!!

Ethan Accomplishments

N.O.V.A.

5th Graders in the district where the kids attend participate in a program taught and sponsored through the police department called N.O.V.A 

Nurturing, Opportunities, Values,  Accountability

One day, before Christmas Break, I picked the kids up from school and could tell right away that something was up with Ethan.   After inquiring about his day, he said something about having stage fright and was really upset about being one of the two kids in his class who was chosen to read his essay in front of everyone at N.O.V.A Graduation.  He was really upset and on the verge of tears.  Later that evening his teacher called me concerned about his reaction to being chosen.  

When I finally got it out of him, he said that even though it doesn't seem like it he does have stage fright.  He was very concerned about having to read his essay.  I told him it was a huge accomplishment that out of all the essays he was chosen to read.  I told him we could practice it.  I also gave him a way out and said if he was that scared of doing it I was sure his teacher would let decline the invitation.  Eventually, he was okay with the idea and when it came time for N.O.V.A graduation he took on the challenge and did an great job of sharing his essayed.  His teacher let him know how this accomplishment is something he can put on resumes and applications for college.  She also helped him prepare by letting him practice reading in front of his class.

Ethan reading his essay about how N.O.V.A has impacted his life.

receiving his certificate

So long Cub Scouts, 

hello Boy Scouts

Ethan recently advanced to boy scouts.  At the last pack meeting he was welcomed into the new group through the arrow of light ceremony.  (Due to Ellie being sick, her and I missed the ceremony so I do not know a lot of the details).  He now gets to wear the tan shirt, go on more over night camp outs, and all of the other scout activities.