Ethan is Eight

Birthday Season continued with big man Ethan getting even bigger. Labor Day weekend comes with a full 3 days at home, and we filled them all with fun!

After school celebrations resulted in some leftover donuts, we knew exactly what to do with them the next morning - before breakfast.

Speaking of school celebrations, Ethan got to choose his own "Birthday Book" dedicated to him that will live in the library at school. He was the first to get to check out this brand new book, and this cute picture blasted all the TV screens around the building.

On the night before the *actual* big day, we went out to a pizza buffet/arcade for an epic pre-party with cousins.

(There MAY have been a movie playing during dinner...)

when the goal of Pinball becomes getting the balls past the ramp...

Listen for the moment my 5.5-year-old tells his 4.5-year-old cousin, "I'll take it easy on you, ok?"

The next morning was SEPTEMBER 4TH, and we were excited to go, even before the sun was ready!


Birthday Boy Ethan wanted to get straight to opening so many presents, but once he opened this ginormous Harry Potter Lego set from Grandma and Grandpa, he was good to go for a while.

BEST DAY EVER!

We were able to tear Ethan away from the Legos temporarily for breakfast. He planned the entire menu for the day, starting with bagels and lox.

The boy loves his otters, and now he has a brand new stuffed one to love and squeeze, thanks to Grandma and Grandpa. Meet "Harry Otter."

We went to Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl for an underwater-themed bowling adventure with family and friends.

(Anyone paying close attention to the videos of the day will note the confusion of his age throughout...)

Spenceman's very first time bowling

We had ramps and bumpers to help bowlers of all sizes and skill levels.

Go Gators!

#Spesh

Time for cupcake cones!



We were excitedly surprised when Aunt Syssa showed up, straight from her weekend in Houston!

A great party was had by all!

Ethan knew how to end the bowling party with a bang.

At the end of the day, the celebration continued with an ice cream cake, perfect for the birthday boy!



This new EIGHT-year-old had quite the successful day!

At his 8-year-old well-check, Mr. Average measured 4' 2.25" (47%) and weighed 57.2 lb (52%).

(And by the way, he was done with the 801-piece Lego set the next day.)

Some final treats to round out a great birthday weekend: