Ya Heard?!

Ethan is very science-minded. He loves is obsessed with anything to do with nature, science, etc. I think I knew he would be our mad scientist when everything became "But, why?" when we answered one of his bazillion questions. No matter. He is who he is and we appreciate every bit of it.
We decided to have his 7th birthday party at the Heard Museum in McKinney. Best. Idea. Ever. We were given a party room, a facilitator, and entrance into the museum for 25 people. First, let me say that our facilitator was phenomenal. She is a mother of two and is back in school to get her degree in education. Her patience made me want to stick her on a pedestal and make her ride home on our dashboard. Total saint. She was very knowledgeable and guided the kids (ages 3-11) while answering their questions.
Ethan got to pick out two animals that he and his friends would get to interact with and learn about. He, of course, picked a bearded dragon aaaaand...a corn snake (Ew.)
After the animal encounter, we took the nature trail around to look at the dinosaurs. Caden had give-up halfway around. I have decided that should we ever have another kid, we're investing in a jogging stroller. No fake.
We came back to the party room and had the kids wash up. I had ordered a tea sandwich tray from Tom Thumb as well as the cake. Another, Best. Idea. Ever. The sandwiches were triangle sized which were perfect for little hands. I had individual bags of chips, juice, and water ready as well. Ethan picked out his own decorations and cake. I dig the cupcake cakes. No cutting, no mess, happy adults, and happy kids. LOVE 'EM!
Ethan received a ton of gifts. We are beyond blessed to have such generous friends and family. Apparently everyone knows E well because his gifts were science-oriented. We ended up sticking around the museum for awhile after the party ended because E and his friends were digging the bug exhibit and Animals of the World exhibit, as well.
Now? I need a few zzz's on the couch and possibly a martini. :)

Happy Birthday, Ethan Cole!

God Speed
Dragon tales and the 'water is wide'
Pirate's sail and lost boys fly
Fish bite moonbeams every night
And I love you

Godspeed, little man
Sweet dreams, little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed
Sweet dreams

The rocket racer's all tuckered out
Superman's in pajamas on the couch
Goodnight moon, we'll find the mouse
And I love you

Godspeed, little man
Sweet dreams, little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed
Sweet dreams

God bless mommy and match box cars
God bless dad and thanks for the stars
God heard 'amen,' wherever you are
And I love you

Godspeed, little man
Sweet dreams, little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed
Godspeed
Godspeed
Sweet dreams

Happy Birthday to my E-Monster, Toodleloop (I promise I won't call you that at school anymore), Efun, Ethan Cole Hoover. You are the best part of your dad and the best part of me squished into one sweet, smart, entertaining, and awesome little guy. We cannot wait to see what your future holds for you.

Holla-ween!

Two days of continuous celebration and friends, I am exhausted. It was well worth it though. We threw a little party for the kids and their friends on Saturday. That was packed with lots of chasing, screaming, giggling, fun, and yummy food. We took all of the kids to Trick-or-Treat on the Square downtown(Rockwall) and had a great time. We came back and fed the little monsters, ourselves, and even celebrated Drake's 3rd birthday with some cake.
Tonight, we took the kids around the block briefly. Ethan came back with a pumpkin full of candy. (Thank you, Jamie) Caden and I went to a few houses and stopped by and said hello to a friend of mine on the next block. Halfway back home, Caden told me he was tired and wanted me to carry him. Sigh. If I ever wonder if he's getting enough to eat or growing enough, I'm totally going to remember having to lug him three blocks home. I'm also going to remember that the wagon is our friend and I probably should have brought it with me.
Due to the massive amounts of candy though, I believe that the Candy Fairy will be making her rounds. The Candy Fairy takes the Halloween candy and leaves the boys a book or small toy so that A) we aren't inundated with piles of candy so big, we can make candy angels in it and B)I'm not tempted to eat every single Starburst I find. It's a win-win-win situation for everyone involved. :)
On a side note: I would like to address my 3 year old in saying the following: Darling Boy, you are a precious angel and we love you. You remember picking our your own costume, right? Yes, you picked it our yourself and were super excited about it...at the time. However, you screamed about hating it and not wanting to wear it every time we tried to put it on you. What gives? Your wishy-washiness lately makes mommy and daddy want to find a band of gypsies to sell you to. Love you, punkin'. Be a good boy. Mkay?
Happy Halloween!

Build-A-Bear

Caden was invited to a friend's birthday party at Build-A-Bear. He has never been although he has been gifted with one or two prior to today. I was so excited for him. He had so much fun!!! He picked out a bunny that he affectionately named "BuuunBun". Also, major props and high fives to the worker manning the fluff 'n stuff machine. She let Cade and his little friends push the pedal to operate how much stuffing went into their animals. The giggling from the kids was contagious. I have also decided that it takes a special person to work at Build-A-Bear and I am not that person. Heh.
Afterwards, we walked across the park and went to grab some dessert with our friends. Giggly kids+ toys+ sugar overload makes for some verry exhausted parents. Caden really enjoyed himself though. And as of now, he is curled up in the overstuffed chair in his room, with BuuunBun next to him in that place between exhaustion and a sleep-induced coma. :)

Sunday Funday

State Fair 2010

Big Tex


Ethan showing us the true fun in visiting the car buildings. Yes, he is lying in a car's trunk.



































The Dude abides. Totally.

All-American Boy Scout

At the beginning of every school year, the boy scouts send out information about joining. The thought of camping etc. disturbs me on so many levels. I am not that kind of girl. My husband knows this. My kids? Do not...apparently. After his teacher (Thanks, Michelle!) told him that boy scouts learn survival tactics (this is a kid who adores Survivorman and Bear Grylls) he was gung-ho about joining boys scouts. I gave in. I caved. The inner-diva/princess/camping-consists-of-no-room-service side of me is going to punch me in the face when she finds out what I did. :) In all honesty, he is having fun. He did admit that he's mostly in it because they go camping and will be taught how to shoot bb guns and archery.

Friday night he was set to receive his first badge. The whole family set out to make sure we were in attendance for this. It was amazing to watch his little face light up during the ceremony. Next on the list? The camping trip. Luckily my husband is super awesome, and since Cade can't go this year, I get to stay at home. However, I get the feeling that my time is coming...I better find out if they make pop-up hotels.
Congratulations, Ethan! We are so proud of you.