Happy Birthday Ethan!!!

In keeping with tradition, Ethan got a surprise wake up the Tuesday before his birthday from my mom and Aunt Dedi. They came at 6:30 a.m. bearing balloons and gifts! What a way to start your day, huh?

Ethan was eagerly anticipating their arrival. He thought it was happening on the actual day of his birthday, so it was a nice surprise! He opened his gifts, quickly got dressed and headed out for breakfast at Denny's with just the three of them!

On the day of his birthday, he got to spend an afternoon shopping and eating lunch with his Nonna! They came back with some nice clothes and the xBox Kinect game...what a lucky boy!

Later that afternoon, we celebrated his birthday at a local Laser Tag place that actually gives FREE birthdays during the week. For 8 children it includes one round of laser tag, a slice of pizza and a can of soda! What a deal, eh? The kids all had a GREAT time!

While waiting for the party to start Ethan worked on his shooting techniques...

Instead of a traditional cake, we got By Golly Miss Molly cupcakes. These are soooo

good, and soooo big. None of the kids were able to eat their entire cupcake...

Ethan took great care in reading everyone's card to him. He was very blessed with all

the sweet words and generous gifts.

He had a fantastic birthday and didn't want it to end! ;)

Happy Birthday Ethan...you are such a joy to our family. God has given you a compassionate heart, a sweet sweet spirit, huge empathy towards others and a will to succeed. We are so proud to be your parents. It's hard to believe that this birthday marks the half way point to adulthood. The time has gone by so fast and realize that the next 9 years will fly by even faster. We cherish this time we have with you!!!