My first born enters double digits today.
He’s a remarkable kid and throughout our year away together he proved it over and over again.
In his honour here are 10 moments from our Around the World Trip that make me smile:
1.
Ethan wasted no time climbing into the volcano in Colombia to test out the buoyant mud pit but leaning back required a little help. His trust in me resulted in an experience neither of us will soon forget.
2.
The moment he pressed his hands on the elephant’s trunk and closed his eyes was a reminder of his gentle soul.
3.
A room full of cribs, kids with mental and physical disabilities and dire circumstances but my guy found a way to keep them all in giggles.
4.
My boy showed his chops when in the middle of his Monkido tree ropes course in Whistler, B.C. a black bear happened on the scene. While his mom freaked out he remained one cool dude.
5.
When being the centre of attention in Beijing got to be a little much we decided to give photo takers something worthy of their efforts. E loved it most of all.
6.
Ethan found his inner cowboy at the Calgary Stampede. It didn’t hurt that the pancake breakfasts introduced him to the idea of putting the bacon inside the pancake and not simply leaving it on the side. (brilliant!).
7.
This picture of E jumping in front of the Taj Mahal so perfectly captures his spirit.
8.
At some point every sheep must be shorn. Getting a haircut in China turned into one of our most memorable experiences.
9.
He didn’t want to do it at first and then …..he sooo wanted to do it again.:) Love his nervous but adventurous spirit.
10.
This moment before E took over this Checkers Game in Dar es Salaam is one of my most favourite photos of the trip.
There are so many more but we’ll save those for another day.
Happy Birthday E. So glad we met.
This is such a sweet post! I’ve got goosebumps. Happy birthday Ethan! (And happy anniversary of becoming a mom, Heather.)
Happy birthday to Ethan fron Norway.
Thanks Kate. Can’t believe he’s 10 already!
Happy Birthday to Ethan and a big thank you to you for inspiring mamas everywhere to really see their children right down to their deepest souls.
Happy birthday Ethan! You are an amazing guy, and I’m so thankful for the chance to follow you around (on the computer). Have a great birthday Mr. Man!!
Happy Birthday Ethan!!! I know your grandpa(Wally) and he is very proud of you and your brother. Congrats!
Happy Birthday to one amazing kid!!! Can’t wait to hear all your stories – Ethan style. Wonderful Top 10 list!!
Love this! Happy birthday Ethan…and mom
I have tears. The elephant one? Perfection. Happy Birthday, Ethan!
Oh Ethan! How we adore you! Happy, happy birthday Mr. Gentle Man from the Derickx clan.
Thank you! I really appreciate your comment.
thank you very much!
I am really exited to tell you stories about my journey. Thank you!
How do you know grandpa? Thanks for celebrating.
Thank you very very much!!
Your son looks like a wonderful kid, he must be enjoying all this travelling! You need to update your about page by the way, just spotted it
How do you keep up with schoolwork whilst you’re travelling? Are you ‘home’ schooling your kids, if the phrase applies when you’re not really at home?
Chris @ Hotelopia