Happy Birthday Ethan!

I can't believe my sweet Ethan is 8 years old!! Ethan woke me up on his birthday (January 13) and shouted, "MOM! MOM! It's my BIRTHDAY!!" The joy in his voice was infectious and I didn't even mind being woken up. I smiled and wished him a happy day. Then he said, "Wait, what time was I born?" to which I replied, "12:33p.m." He then said, "Oh. So it's not my birthday yet!"

Ethan got a Wii game he'd been asking for... Super Smash Brothers for Mario (I think that's how you say it... hahaha). His dad called him from work to wish him a happy birthday. Then off he went to school.

I showed up just before school ended with a big bouquet of balloons and some party favors for the class. When I walked in, I saw him immediately. His teacher greeted me and the kids were so excited to see the balloons. Mrs. Marzec immediately began leading us in a chorus of "Happy Birthday" and it was really, really hard not to cry as I looked at him. His face was absolutely beaming as he grinned from ear to ear, so proud that it was his special day. I wish I could have captured it on film but I didn't. My heart, however, will never forget the look on his face at that moment.

After we passed out the favors, the kids gathered on the floor, ready for dismissal. Ethan got to go up to the front of the class and talk about his birthday and his plans for the evening. I did capture that on film.

After school, we ran home and grabbed a few things and headed out. Ethan's wish for his birthday was to go and see "Alvin & the Chipmunks 2: The Squeakquel" and then go to The Claim Jumper. So we went to the theater right across the street from the restaurant. We were lucky enough to the have the ENTIRE theater to ourselves. The boys LOVED the movie. Afterwards, we headed across the street for dinner.

Ethan asked me NOT to make him a birthday cake this year. The only thing he wanted was an ice cream sandwich from The Claim Jumper. You see, this isn't just any ordinary ice cream sandwich. It's HUGE and it's meant to be shared. Even with four people it' s a LOT and we wound up bringing some of it home. They take a chocolate chip oatmeal cookie about the size of a small dinner plate and put several scoops of ice cream on it. Then they top it with another huge cookie. One side is covered in fudge, the other side in caramel. Then they put whipped cream around it. The waitress brought it over with a candle. He was SO excited! I did take pictures with my Canon but apparently my camera cord has decided to hide itself (it does this sometimes) and so I can't upload them right now.

We all walked away full and happy. I just can't believe my baby is 8. Where has the time gone? Just when I think I can't possibly love this kid any more, I fall in love with him all over again. He is the sweetest boy!! He has a baptism interview with the bishop this Sunday so I'll be back to write more about that later.