3 missing teeth and 1/3 grown up

Ethan was able to travel with Tom to Meridian, ID this past week.  He stayed with his cousins Tyler and Emily while Tom was doing his continuing ed conference all day.  I wasn't too worried about him (even though he doesn't see these cousins often) but very impressed that he didn't seem homesick at all.  He and Tyler got along great (at least that's what was reported back) and played, played, played.  They went to the aquarium one day, the mall, swimming, etc.  But mostly played with toys and (of course) the wii.  The last day there, Ethan had been wiggling a front tooth and decided to just pull it out himself.  He came home with a jack-o-lantern smile and his tooth to put under his pillow:)

It felt awfully quiet at home without him.  Eli asked for him constantly and was counting down the days til he got back.  So I tried to keep the boys busy this week.  We went to a park, the mall playplace, the children's museum, swimming, had friends over, etc.  It helped; but I think Eli is going to be quite lonely when Ethan goes to first grade.  But he is starting to play with Tyce more and more.  Actually, Tyce follows Eli around everywhere and tries to do exactly what Eli does. It's pretty cute!  I think they will be good pals.

And here's a summary of Ethan at 7-years-old:

-overall, a mellow and happy personality
-favorite thing is playing Skylanders on the wii
-when not playing the wii, he loves to play with his toy Skylanders
-if the toys aren't available, he will play in 'people-way' Skylanders
-eats, breathes, thinks Skylanders
-still my toe-head.  In fact, his hair turns quite white in the summer
-hasn't been passionate about sports.  Basketball is his favorite so far
-loves, loves, loves babies.  Will stop whatever/wherever to say hi to a "cute little baby"
-likes to swim and play in the water but not serious about practicing his strokes
-plays the piano pretty good for only 8 months of lessons
-great little reader
-has sloppy handwriting though and just doesn't care
-loves to help Tyce with anything that Tyce will tolerate him to do
-rides his bike only with training wheels and could care less if he ever learns without
-likes to build things out of wood with dad
-becoming more and more responsible and helpful
-fun to have around!  He is sure growing up fast