Turning 11

Last week our Ethan had yet ANOTHER birthday. I tell ya, seems like the older they get, the more often these birthdays come around. The special thing is that no matter how old you get, there are only a few birthdays that are actually milestones. In my mind these are: 1(for obvious reasons), 5(you start "big kid" school), 10(you enter double digits), 13(you become a teenager), 16(you can get your drivers liscense), 18(you become an "adult"), 20(you're no longer a teenager when just a few years earlier you were so over joyed to be one), 21(you can drink "adult beverages" if you so choose), 30(just because), 40(you're "over the hill, whatever that means), 50(you're half a CENTURY old) and 100(self explanatory). Last year was the first BIG birthday I think Ethan even remembers. Turning "double digits", and being a DECADE old.

This year he turned 11 and he decided he wanted to have a campout. So, we dug out the good ole' tent, which I think all 3 kids were more impressed with than our home, mowed the mile-high grass, set up the Longhorn bean bag toss game and prepared for a feast. Those that know Ethan VERY well will know that you ask his favorite food and he will not hesitate to tell you RIBS! So mommy's mema and pepa bought him 3 racks of ribs. DELICIOUS! Ribs, mashed potatos, corn on the cob, garlic bread and salad. Oh and let's not forget the quacamole! My mom makes the best. Seriously, she could jar it up and sell it for a premium price. I baked him cupcakes and Matt formed them into an army tank and decorated it.

Matt mowing.


The ole' great tent.


Even though this birthday wasn't one of the "milestones", it was still special. It was still Ethan's birthday. He's a good kid.


No matter how much he pushes my buttons, tests my patience or just plain gives me a run for my money...He has a huge spirit and a loving heart. He just wants to make us proud. We are. I adore this kid.