Happy 3rd Birthday Ethan!!!

Today is Ethan's 3rd birthday. It honestly seems like yesterday we were in the hospital holding him for the first time. Where in the world does the time go? He is such a joy to be around and is such a fun child! It's amazing to hear what comes out of his mouth - you almost want to hold your breath sometimes...Mark and I love to watch him play and this age is so wonderful because their imaginations start to explode! We have had the best 3 years with Ethan and hope and pray we have many many more!

We had such a good visit this past weekend at Poppa and Nona's house. Pa and Ro Ro drove down from Maryland and spent the weekend with us as well. It was nice to have all 4 grandparents together and we are so blessed that everyone gets along and enjoys each other's company. Ethan and Nina, of course, loved having many arms to hold them and play with them! We went to Partner's Pizza for Ethan's party and had so much fun. He enjoyed opening all of his presents and has had fun playing with his new train table and train set since we've been home. Since Allie and Melanie were sick, we didn't get to see them and they didn't get to come back to Memphis with us, which was a HUGE disappointment. But we hope they can come visit sometime soon and hope they are feeling better!

Enjoy this long 3rd birthday post!

After dinner at Papasitto's on Valentine's Day, Mark and I stopped at The Varsity to bring Ethan a chocolate milkshake AND a frosted orange! Nina got a hat (the next day)!
Ethan enjoying riding Poppa's tractor - looking cool in his shades!
While we were at Photographic Concepts for Nina's 9 month pictures and Ethan's 3 year pictures, he saw a pic of a little girl and her violin. I told him that I used to play the violin and it was at Nona's house beside the piano....needless to say he wanted me to show it to him and show him how to play it. Hopefully one day he'll play the violin too!
Nina waiting patiently to hear which pizza we're ordering
Nina not so patient anymore...she wants that pizza!!! Ethan had a great time playing the games at Partner's Pizza
Playing on the golfcart bridge after dinner

Opening presents....a HUGE jar of Nutella - one of Ethan's favorites!

No, this is NOT Ethan's newest addition to his closet....Nona didn't mark which presents wrapped from Mud Pies were for Nina or Ethan....so Ethan opened a white dress.

The cake - before Ethan
Ethan thought it was a "great idea" to drive the trucks through the icing on top of the cake
Blowing out his 3 candles
Notice the major tire tracks through the icing

Birthday boy with Poppa and Nona Birthday boy with Pa and Ro Ro Birthday lunch at McDonald's

Nina loved playing with the balloons that had fallen Opening presents again - stretching this birthday celebration waaaaay out!