Ethan's 12th Bday

Ethan chose to go to Six Flags with his friends Logan and Colt this year. Ryan was a good sport and rode coasters with them all day. 

Afterwards, they headed to Red Robin.

I went to BOA with Katelyn and missed his actual birthday, but Ryan made sure he felt special. They went to Texas Roadhouse that night for dinner.

Ethan is on his own at the middle school now. He is alone every morning for about an hour after Katelyn and I leave for elementary school and the older boys are already long gone at Seminary and Cross Country practice. He won an award for his positive attitude in December.

He is playing the alto saxophone in the school band and loving it. He has made good friends with a boy named Caleb, and they have a friendly competition for first chair each quarter. 

He tried out water polo last summer, but he decided he wanted to focus on soccer. He returned to soccer this fall after taking his 5th grade year off. He's enjoying Jr Super League, but I'd like him to try out for Select in the Spring. He says he wants to play for the school, and he needs more minutes playing and better coaching if he wants to make the team. 

Winter 2026 brought ortho work, with an expander and braces. I got him contacts last summer, but he can't get them in and won't try anymore. Sigh. Instead, he got new glasses Mar 2026.

He also competed on the Academic UIL team in calculator, number sense, and social studies. He got 1st in calculator twice. Unfortunately, the flu ravenged our family in February and he missed the District meet where his school took first in all grades. 

Ethan serves as the deacon's quorum president in the ward. He has presidency meetings twice a month. He is enjoying serving with his friends, planning activities, and visiting the less-actives. He doesn't even mind ward youth council each month after church. 

Ethan spends a lot of time on his wifi phone and tablet. He's very reserved and keeps to himself most of the time. We often can't find him for dinner. He is much more outgoing outside the house than inside. I am so glad he is such a good friend to others.