can we get a woot woot!

This little guy is now a tall, stretched-out, leggy 12-year-old. His feet are as big as mine. He can cook grilled cheese sandwiches and carry heavy laundry baskets all the way across the village to the laundry room. He can hoist all the heavy groceries across the parking lot and up the stairs into the apartment for me.

Ethan gave up a lot to come live in The Swamp with us. He left behind some wonderful friends and neighbors who loved him. He got rid of lots (and lots and lots) of toys. He left behind the rocky mountains and long hikes with Chris. And he rarely complained about any of it. He has grown a lot in The Swamp and I admire the person he is becoming. I'm thankful every day that Heavenly Father sent him to our family, that I get to teach him and learn from him.

This is a big BIG birthday, both for Ethan and Chris and I. In our church, 12-year-old boys become deacons and are given the Aaronic Priesthood. As a deacon, Ethan will get to pass the sacrament at church each Sunday, and go inside the temple to do sacred work there.

Ethan has always been such an obedient, responsible kid with a sweet sweet heart, and I can't wait to watch him grow into the amazing young man he's already becoming!