Ethan and Thomas the Train

 Ethan LOVES Thomas the Train.  He saw this cake in the display case at our local Kroger a couple of weeks ago.  He had a total meltdown when I told him we could not bring it home with us.  Then he proceeded to talk about it EVERY. DAY. since then.  He had his HEART set on this cake.  Normally I get my friend, Mary Beth, (talented friend, might I add) to do Ethan's birthday cakes.  But Ethan had THIS cake in mind.  It is a cute cake.  And it comes with a "real" Thomas on top. 

 It was just a family party.  So I tried to keep it simple.  You know.... Keep It Simple Stupid (K.I.S.S.).  But I still wanted Ethan to have a great party.  They're only young once.  And even the not so little things are BIG to them.

 Blue cookies.  You know, to match Thomas.

 I came across these CUTE buckets at Party City.  I knew Ethan would make use of them afterwards, so the $1.99 I paid for each seemed worth it.

 Keeping it with the theme of trains..... as in.... the things that train cars carry.

 I was lost as to what to use for our third bucket.  My friend Melinda suggested gold wrapped candy for gold nuggets.  GENIUS.  And what do you know?! These were actually Hershey "Nuggets"!  GENIUS!

 My chocolate dipping skills STINK.  But I wanted something besides plain, boring pretzels.  But you get the idea..... right?

 And popcorn.  Just because.  My kids have a real, authentic popcorn machine.  Like a miniature version of the kind you see in movie theaters.  So I just assume everyone is like me and  likes to munch on popcorn.  

 Notice the trains around the table and cake.  Ethan did that purely on his own.  He added his own collection of trains for his party decorations.  I have a smart kid.

 Our train table...... turned gift table......

 Chad's sweet Memaw and Ethan.

 My dad and Mary Grace.  She is decked out in her Ole Miss uniform.  'Cause, you know, it's game day!

 My mom and MG.

 I could eat this kid in one bite.

 Ethan's shirt says "I am 4".  Yes, he has a Thomas shirt.  But it's white.  It lasted 5 minutes into the party.

 Even Brennan got a present.  And is that what you think it is?! YES.  My kid thinks outside of the box and marches to the beat of his own drum.  He saw these lightbulbs on a commercial and had a fit for them.  So, I just happened to see them in the "As seen on TV" section as I was checking out at Wal-Mart last night.  You would have thought someone had given him $100.  He's always been your not-so-average thinker.

 See?!  Look at his face!

 I sure love this sweet lady.

 My youngest brother and his fiance, Melissa.

 Ethan was being shy as we sang to him.  Notice the RR tracks on his cake. He decided to play with his train on his cake when no one was looking.  Or he THOUGHT no one was looking.  

 He was telling me what piece he wanted.  And he wanted to make sure he got Thomas off the cake and washed.

 My Mom-in-law and MG.

 This kid is a tornado.  She's taken over her brother's chair. 

WHEW!  All clean and ready for bed!  Four year old's parties are enough to poop anyone out!

The Bragging Post

 Okay, I'm going to use this post to be one of "those" moms.  I've got to brag on our E-Man.  He has got some mad soccer skills for a 4 year old.  His first game was Saturday.  He was so excited!  By the time the first 2 quarters were over, there was only Ethan and one other boy from his team still interested in what they were supposed to be out there doing.  Ethan and his one and only teammate left standing kicking, Driskell, played the entire 30 minute game.  We might have to work on Ethan's concept of losing.  Once Ethan kicked it accidentally into the other team's goal.  He ran over to Chad very distraught.  Then another time he couldn't steal the ball away in time and the other team scored a goal, and this too upset Ethan very much.  And notice E-Man's stylish uniform.  Chad sponsored his team.  The uniforms look great, if I do say so myself. 

 Keep an eye on #6.

 GOAL!!!

 And another one!!!!

 Taking a break.

 That #6 is on FIRE!

 Trying to steal the ball away before the other team scores.

Good game, everybody!

All in all, a soccer game with 3 and 4 year old children is like herding cats.  Some are there to play and get serious, but most are there because their parents made them come and they just want to play with their friends and roll in the dirt.   Ethan is a serious soccer player.  He gets upset when it's time to leave soccer practice--- even when he's dripping in sweat and it's 100 degrees outside.  So, there you go, folks.  I'm a proud Mama.

And speaking of proud, Brennan did well on his first progress report.  All A's and one B.  Third grade is a HUGE adjustment year.  They start earning "real" grades and they pile on a lot of responsibility.  Some days feel like WW 3 around here between homework, piano lessons, trying to find all the parts to Cub Scout uniforms, and Lego building.  But these are the days I will soon miss, eh?  If I can survive them, I'm sure I will miss them.  (Says me as I bang my head repeatedly against the wall.)

And Brennan also got Star Music Student last week.  His piano teacher says he has a natural ability to play piano that she does not often see in beginner students.  So, I'm hoping he continues to enjoy it.  I think he might have his daddy's love of music while Ethan has my temperament and assertiveness.  Although I never played sports.

Now,  just let me get through these long days and appreciate them, because I know the years are oh-so-short.