To Our Little 2 Year Old

Dearest Ethan,

You probably won't remember this week, but it was one of the best ones you've had in a LONG time. Even though Daddy wasn't here, a few of us made sure that you had one awesome birthday weekend.

Nannette arrived on Monday. You were SOOOOO excited to see her. You were especially excited when she let you watch her phone! She did have a few requirements before you were able to...one of which was posing with your sister and giving her some sweet loving!

Nannette is here!!!

 

Cheese!! But you can't make me look at the camera!

Hoping these sweet moments last a long time!

This doesn't count as TV, right Mommy?

She was a big help. Nannette allowed Mommy to get her bake on. She even filled in a few times so this Momma could enjoy some girl time, or even some alone time. Just remember - I love you and your sister very much.

A party must...ChexMix!! Ethan is addicted...just like his momma!

It has become tradition - Oreo birthday cake!

 

I can't help it. I LOVE balloons!!

 

Thursday arrived, and your Grandma and Grandpa White showed up. You were so completely excited. You couldn't quite get over four of your favorite people being in the same room (yes, Mommy counted herself). You gave the biggest smile and the best hugs! You had three grandparents to yourself for a half hour while your sister was snoozing away. You LOVED it!

Doing what dads (or grandpas) do best!

Friday was your big day! Donuts, Grandpa's eggs, presents, Grandma's grilled cheese, nap time, a special dinner at Beachfire, and cake with some awesome people! You are one lucky little boy!!

I AM SO EXCITED BUT I HAVE NO IDEA WHY!!!!

Hmmmm....what are these interesting looking packages?!!

A snack for the egg helper....cheese & pepperoni!

Ethan! What happens when you twist your ear?

You FINALLY figured out the wrapped gift thing!

Oooooooh. YAY!! ChooChoo!!

SUR-PRI.....oh man, wasted the good surprise!

SUR-PRI.....oh man, did it again!!!

SURPRISE!!!! Third time's a charm!

"Oh wow"

Choo-choo!! Ethan LOVES his trains!!

Eleanor enjoying some Grandma time!

Balloon time with Nannette!!

Boys and their toys!!!

Three cool little dudes playing together!

HA! Gotcha, Mia! Good one, Danielle!

It was tackle and tickle Troy time!

Sitting and reading your card from Mr. Greg & Ms. Danielle! You gave her the BIGGEST hug when you saw her! Pretty sure you made her day!!

Saturday was your big boy birthday party. Mommy had this grand plan that we would be outside, eat pizza and decorate some cupcakes. Then mother nature decided to reign (rain) in on my parade! We moved some toys around, added a table and a few chairs and hosted the party inside. Surprisingly, it was a HUGE success. I envisioned cupcake decorating supplies all over the floor, however it was extremely clean! I can't imagine the party being a bigger hit outside.

Eleanor already causing trouble. She's going to love those drawers as much as you did!

Snuggle time with Nannette!

Momma kept the food simple this year!!

Decorating cups with stickers....10 minutes of entertainment for the little ones!!

Ethan, you really didn't care all that much!!

CUPCAKE TIME!!!

You had no desire to decorate your cupcake...you just wanted to eat the icing!

Helping the bigger kids with their cupcakes!

Grandma and Nana helping out.

You still only wanted to eat the icing!

This decorating thing is for the the birds! Just give me a spoon!

Comparing the goods!

Look, mom! It WAS Elmo!

Elmo candy...the BEST part!

Nana passing out the Elmo candies!

Some of your buddies enjoying the goodies!

Singing "Happy Birthday." You had the blowing out the candle thing down pat! We didn't even get to finish the song!

That night our buddy Mark showed up from San Diego. We went out to dinner to our favorite Mexican restaurant and then came back home. You had a blast running through his legs and around the "race track." You love being the center of everyone's attention!!



You better watch out, Mark! I'm coming through!

Momma. Let me help hang those pictures of Daddy!

Hey, momma. Do you see me?

Gettin' your jump on!

A few laps around the track helped wear you out!

Dance Party USA!

Playing with your new airplane!

Check out Eleanor's latest trick!

Thank you, Grandpa. Mommy may never get a decent picture with my son again!!

On Sunday you and your sister took Nannette to the airport and hung out with Grandma and Grandpa. Just before you all left for the airport, your sister thought she would steal some of your thunder. She sat herself up! Get used to it, bud! Healthy competition never hurt anyone!!! Your Mommy also thought it was a good idea to misplace her keys. After an hour of searching, you all had to leave for the airport. I took a trip to Target to get a few things. Upon pulling into the driveway I had an "ah ha" moment. The night before I had opened up the garbage can lid outside attempting to throw away a dirty diaper. However, I walked into the house still holding the dirty diaper. Shaking my head, I went back outside to the throw the diaper away. I remembered doing this and thought to myself "holy smokes, I threw away my keys." I looked in the trash can and sure enough, they were in there. PHEW!! Thank goodness blonde moments are fleeting and don't happen all that often (yet)!!!

Mommy. Are you getting this??

Ethan doesn't get to have all the fun!

One proud little girl!

These hands sure are tasty!

Hehehehe! I love my bunny!

Monday you and Grandpa hung out in the morning. You tried to go to the pirate park, however it was raining there. Instead you went to the park at the beach. You apparently had a BLAST! Grandpa took you to Biggie's Burgers for lunch and when you came home, you CRASHED! When you woke up, you helped load up the car so that we could take Grandma and Grandpa to a hotel in San Diego. Their flight was early on Tuesday. You are always such a big help with luggage!!!

Your job was to hold the suitcase. You tried your hardest but it still rolled down the driveway.

You did help lift it into the back of the Jeep.

Tending to your bell-hop duties!

Here Grandpa. Let me give you a hand!

Those clubs must be heavy. Let me help push!

Attempt #732!

Though you were bummed that everyone left, you took it all in good stride!

Working out some of the tension on the foam roller!



You got the movement down....you just need to make sure you put the roller between your back and the wall!

 

Driving the shopping cart. You steered the ENTIRE time we were in the store. Mommy may have created a shopping cart monster!

Ethan, you are an amazing little dude! Mommy, Daddy and Eleanor love you so very much! May this coming year be as fun and exciting as the last two years!!

Love you always,
Mommy