The Big NINE

Here it is.  10:55 the night before your birthday and I'm just starting your birthday letter.  That's just the way things have been this past year.  We've been so busy, doing so many, many things.

This weekend we spent all day Saturday outside, where you love to be.  After a morning of rocking as keeper at soccer we headed out to a family Cub Scout camp out.  What a gorgeous weekend to escape as a family. You spent a long time fishing, one of your new favorite things to do. You even wormed your own hook and then held your own fish to throw it back into the lake.

You've been coming into your own more and more this year as we are keeping busy. You've started taking your bike out and ride around the neighborhood with friends or your sister. Wearing a watch and making sure you are back in time for check-ins.

You love to help cook and can't wait for Kid's Cook night. And you always come up with something creative to make. Your own fancy hamburgers topped with shrimp or pineapple. Handmade dumplings. Meatball subs. When we are cooking you also like to help cut the veggies or measure ingredients.

Daddy took you on your first big boy hike. An overnight camp out with a scout friend. You carried your own pack. Helped set up camp. Slept the night under the stars.

But sometimes you are still my baby boy. You love your snuggle time. You want mommy to kiss your boo boos. You still need some help with your homework sometimes.

There are still more exciting things to come. This summer you and daddy will head off to a week of scout camp.  I know you will have so much fun, and I can't wait to write all about it next May 5th.

Enjoy your day big boy. Have fun. Smile. Laugh. Be you. The goofy, lovable, crazy you.