Ethan's 12!

It's hard to believe that I am the mother of a 12 year old! Ethan celebrated early with us on Saturday at Tucanos for his birthday dinner date with just mom and dad. He got to pick the place and we all enjoyed a delicious feast. Ethan expanded his palate by trying a passion fruit lemonade, filet mignon and chicken hearts. Today we celebrated big. There was no school because of Memorial Day. We hosted the family BBQ at our house and had lots of fun with cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. We have expanded our family this week to 10 people with the addition of 4 cousins while their parents are out celebrating a wedding anniversary. Because of that we decided to host rather than travel. Ethan received lots of wonderful gifts including a Lego set (wouldn't be a birthday without one), a Newton's cradle, plasma ball, fun cards from the cousins, and cold hard cash. He really wanted all money, but wasn't quite ready to give up all the opening of real presents. So he settled on a compromise of a few gifts supplemented with moolah. He is growing up! He wanted an ice cream cake this year (Reeses, yum!), and he even was allowed to man the lighter to light his own candles.

I am so proud of Ethan. He survived his time in Primary. The last month hasn't been easy, but he has kept a positive attitude. He is a great example to his younger brother, sisters and cousins that look up to him. He earned his Faith in God award for church. He is a good boy and is maturing into a young man. I am excited and apprehensive to watch the transition. I am not ready to let him go, but know that he needs to make his own choices and learn things for himself. It can be tricky being a mother. He has a giant piece of my heart and will forever.

His summer plans include band (trumpet), youth conference, scout camp, lots of time swimming and hanging out with friends. On to the next phase in life- Jr. High!