Ethan got to go on a short trip with Grandma and Papa Finlay, as well as his cousin, Gavin to see a Naval Air Show in El Centro. Margaret was there on business, but Brad got to play with the boys while she was in meetings. I copied from his journal, and got pictures that Grandma and Papa sent.
"I went to El Centro on Saturday and Friday and I comed back late on Saturday. I got to see the airshow in El Centro. The Blue Angels flied up really close to each other. We saw some other jets fly and we saw a red airplane and it did the world record. It went straight up and turned off it's engine and came down and then went straight back up.
I got a jet signed from the guy that flies the #6 airplane. I went swimming in El Centro and it was inside. And we went to King Burger there and we got a puzzle ball that is red and a basketball. And we went to Subway when we were coming home and we went to the Olive Garden and had salad, and breadsticks and soup and spaghetti and got stickers and some crayons. And I bought a rocket that the #6 that flies signed it."
Looks like he is about to spit all over the cake...probably that happened.
Ethan loves decorating his own cakes. This one he wanted to do all on his own. He had some very specific ideas on a demolition derby cake. He told me he just wanted me to make sure the top was all brown, and that I could print out the flags...the rest he wanted to do.
Make my job pretty easy. :)
I'll let him tell about his birthday in his own words. Here is from his journal:
My birthday was on March 9th and I got a train set and I played with it about 3 times already. And also Mom and Dad and I had a birthday cake and it was a demolition derby cake. And I got a book called the Cats in Krasinki Square. And I got a new swimming suit from Gavin and Coco and they gave me 10 and 5 dollars and that's 15 dollars and they gave me a swimsuit with it. And Coco gave me a card with it. And I also got pool toys and there's the ones that get bigger and rocket water toys.
Ethan loved basketball season this year. He is still just in it for the fun. He enjoys the running around more than any of the competitiveness. Brielle decided not to participate this time.
He started with the younger age group (4-5 year olds), since he was still 5, but after the first practice and seeing that most of the other kids were on the younger side and at least a full head shorter, the coaches suggested he move up to play with the 6-7 year olds.
I felt bad for whoever took the time to make all the posters, but the kids enjoyed running through it.
Ethan is a bundle of fun. We still think of him as our 'whirling dervish spinning out of control' (a phrase from a movie that just seems to fit his personality). He keeps life fun and exciting around here with is energy and mischievousness. He can be naughty, (usually picking on his sister or 'forgetting' to do what he has been asked to do) but is too sweet to stay in trouble for long.
Height: 49 1/2" (98%) Weight: 55 lbs (92%) Sleeping: 11 hours (7:30 pm-6:30 am), still falls asleep almost as soon as his head hits the pillow. The alarm goes off in the morning at 6:35am to get ready for school, but he is often up before then happy with lots of energy. Hobbies: Doing great with learning to read, but still loves to look at books or be read to. Just learned to ride a bike and is very excited about the no-training-wheels skill. Loves to climb: trees, walls, rocks...anything. Enjoys playing basketball and soccer. Loves to explore and go geocaching. Likes to collect rocks, money, sand dollars, etc. Enjoys to learn about different animals and how things work.
Ethan's responses to 6-year-old Interview Questions
What is your name? Ethan
When is your birthday? March 9th
How old are you? 6
What is your favorite color? Green What is your favorite song? 'I am a Child of God"
What is your favorite food? Breadsticks, Salad and Spaghetti
What is your favorite animal? Tiger
What is your favorite movie? Big Hero 6
What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Vanilla...with brownies
Who is your best friend? Daniel
What is your favorite book? Dr. Seuss
What is your favorite thing to do? Play with Daddy
Here is my report about Thursday, February 26th. Every hour on the 30 minute mark.
I keep thinking things will slow down so I can get my list of projects done that are on my 'someday list' to do at home, but there are always things that come up to fill up my time. Today was mostly focused on PTA stuff for school.
5:30-Exercise
Thursday is a rest day for my current training schedule, so no running. Doing a Yoga video at home for some exercise today. I am NOT good at yoga, but keep hearing it is good cross training, so continue to try.
6:30-Nursing
Preston doesn't usually nurse in the morning, but he woke up early and asked to nurse when I went to get him out of bed.
7:30-Driving to School
Reviewed February scripture and the primary songs kids are learning, then listened to Ethan read.
8:30-Baking
Today will be mostly spent baking. I am doing the desserts for the PTA Founder's Day dinner for tomorrow and want to get as much done today as possible.
Helping squeeze lemon juice for the lemon bars
9:30-More Baking
As planned, the morning is being spent in the kitchen. Cooking, cleaning up, cooking more, cleaning up again....
Isn't he helpful?
10:30-Playing
You may notice, we've already had an outfit change. Preston spilled all down the front of his shirt when he was helping in the kitchen.
11:30-Cleaning Kitchen
Mostly done with what I wanted to accomplish today. Baked the peanut butter cookies and oatmeal cookies I had made ahead of time and had in the freezer. Made some coconut brownie bites and the lemon bars, and got the cookie dough ready and in the fridge for chocolate chip and double chocolate cookies.
12:30-Laundry
I like to fold on my bed. It assures I will get it done and put away before I can go to bed, and most of the stuff gets put away upstairs anyway.
1:30-Picking Up kids
Thursday is early out day. Kids were done at 1:06. We went into the cafeteria to pick up some plates needed for the desserts and helped with decorating.
2:30-Reading
Brielle is practicing the piano, Ethan and Preston are both reading to me.
3:30-Dropping Brielle to Annie
Brielle is working to earn money for her trip to Europe. Dropped her off to help Annie, then came back to help Ethan finish homework and get dinner ready. 4:30-Bike Ride
Playing outside. Boys both especially need some run around time every afternoon. Another gorgeous SoCal winter day.
5:30-Dinner
Eating early, since Ethan has basketball
Tortellini soup, Dutch Oven Bread and Caesar Salad
6:30-Night Routine
James pulled into the garage on his bike right at 6:20. I had Ethan in the car ready to go. James hopped in the car and left to take Ethan to basketball so I could get the other 2 kids to bed on time.
Jammies on, getting ready for scriptures
7:30-More Laundry
Finishing up the rest of the Laundry. Laundry day was actually yesterday, but I was gone with Brielle's class for a field trip most of the day, so am catching up on yesterday's chores as well.
8:30-Kitchen Cleanup
James and Ethan got home a little after 7:30. Got Ethan to bed and James finally had a chance to eat dinner. I am cleaning under the oven, since Preston dropped a couple marbles there earlier today that I couldn't reach. And, it appears Ethan must have been doing some kind of project as I also found a flashlight on behind the fridge, so I'm cleaning under there as well.
9:30-Computer work with James
Going through Student loans to confirm NIH payments were made.
10:30-Bed
Night routine complete, in bed and ready for sleep.
