Birthday Week

We started out birthday week with a trip to Steak-n-Shake with YaYa and Aunt Allie.  As you can see, Ethan and YaYa have become fond of riding in the double stroller together, which actually makes life easier when trying to transport a 6 month old, 2 year old and now 4 year old.  Aunt Allie also brought m&m cookies from Panera Bread, so we had a picnic in the front yard - Ethan's new favorite pastime. 

Owen didn't get to eat a cookie, so he decided to eat Ethan's birthday hat from school instead

Ethan has a new interest in eating non-food items such as grass, paper, etc.  He doesn't swallow it, but puts it in his mouth and thinks it's funny.  I think it has something to do with seeing his little brother chew on everything we give him.  He also decided he wanted to try Owen's baby food.  He recently tried baby rice cereal and thought it was gross, but he seemed to like the peas...

A few days later we celebrated Owen's 6-month birthday by picking Ethan up at school and watching him ride the horse.  Not as much fun as Steak-n-Shake, but Owen seemed to enjoy it.

On Saturday we had a cookout at our house to celebrate Ethan's birthday...

Dad and Tim grilling hamburgers & hot dogs

Sidewalk chalk people

Owen spent the beginning of the party sleeping

But eventually decided to wake up and join the excitement
 

Ms. Ellen helped Ethan paint his flower pot

Ethan's friend, Ethan painting his pot

Carla helping Levi paint his pot

As you can see, the paint didn't just stay on the pots...

the finished products

Cousin Allison and Oscar

Owen hanging out with Grandma

In the past, I've always made Ethan's cake, but this year I decided to cut some things off my to-do list and bought an Elmo cake and, of course, he loved it!  

Beba and Jessie eating their cake and ice cream

Alex eating with his daddy

Jessie and YaYa

Jessie trying out Ethan's tricycle

We didn't have time to open presents during the party, but Ethan sure had fun opening them over the next couple days!  He is so appreciative of everything he gets and wants to play with it immediately --  so, it usually takes a while to open presents.  We are so thankful for the generosity of everyone who came to the party as well as family and friends who sent cards the week of Ethan's birthday.

Aunt Jenny, Uncle Kevin and Cousin Tristan drove all the way from Jacksonville, NC to be here for Ethan's birthday.  They didn't make it in time for the actual party, but we had lots of fun playing together once they arrived!

Owen and Cousin Tristan playing

Owen with Aunt Jenny

Owen with Grandpa

Grandma with her 3 grandsons

Owen and Tristan

Happy birthday week to our amazing 4 year old!