Dear Travis, so how do you feel about being nine? Because daddy and I are really kind of liking nine and we'd, like, you know, be totally fine if you wanted to, say, just hang out here for a while? You know, kind of skip the whole "getting older and eventually moving away" thing? Don't feel like you have to answer right away...
Seriously though, each new stage has seemed to have been great, especially with you as our oldest boldly paving a path through us as ever-growing and changing parents. But your ninth year? Your ninth year has been just plain fun. Your sense of humor has matured to a point where daddy and I will seek you out to share a funny moment (usually at one of the other kids' expense - we try to be sly), your creativity has exploded (there is almost always some sort of paper craft being constructed; airplanes, weapons, crowns, stocks...) and your need for independence and responsibility have leftus me (daddy doesn't have trouble with this) scrambling for ways to allow you to spread your wings a little. As the first-born, you've always kept us on our toes wondering what stage would be next, and I distinctly remember looking forward to the day when we would begin, very slowly, to relate to our kids as friends. That day has arrived much more quickly than we had thought it would!
We've been able to have a lot of big-kid fun with you this year, from Sunday afternoon games while the little people rested, to late night wake ups from daddy to come watch a Sherlock Holmes movie, and even big things like day trips with dad to nearby ski resorts. It's a lot of fun for me to talk through the great books you're reading (since it's highly likely that I've never read them myself) and to hear you easily explain the message behind the story or the subtle humor or the different characters. You can still certainly get yourself lost in a good story! Just last night you explained the meaning behind your favorite verse (the last one) of Amazing Grace to Sam and Caroline. I just love that you have a favorite verse.
Your third grade year has been very full. You understand math very easily and enjoy it a lot (you get that from Daddy), you've liked learning cursive and have very neat handwriting (you do not get that from Daddy), and you've absolutely loved studying the Middle Ages through the early days of America. We covered a lot of battles. : ) You began taking guitar lessons from Mr. Sibley and you're picking it up well! You and Sam started baseball and love being on the same team. You also decided back in the fall that you wanted to remain in worship with us during the sermon and have not gone back on that even once (even though we said you were welcome to go back into Sunday School if you wanted to). We absolutely love having you in there with us and wouldn't trade those post-sermon discussions with you for the world. Daddy and I are always proud of your achievements, but nothing can describe our feelings of thankfulness over the wisdom and maturity that God is working in your heart.
Travis, we are so thankful for the fun and joy that you bring to our family. I seriously don't think that Sam could make it without you, you are fiercely protective of Caroline (sometimes to a fault! We're working on that...), you are patient with little Ben who just wants to BE you and you positively adore Jack, doting on him every chance you get. The relationships that you have developed with your brothers and sister are priceless and we look forward to the day when you are all adults and the best of friends. Daddy and I are so proud of you and look forward to watching you change and grow even more in this coming year. Happy ninth birthday, T-man!
Seriously though, each new stage has seemed to have been great, especially with you as our oldest boldly paving a path through us as ever-growing and changing parents. But your ninth year? Your ninth year has been just plain fun. Your sense of humor has matured to a point where daddy and I will seek you out to share a funny moment (usually at one of the other kids' expense - we try to be sly), your creativity has exploded (there is almost always some sort of paper craft being constructed; airplanes, weapons, crowns, stocks...) and your need for independence and responsibility have left
We've been able to have a lot of big-kid fun with you this year, from Sunday afternoon games while the little people rested, to late night wake ups from daddy to come watch a Sherlock Holmes movie, and even big things like day trips with dad to nearby ski resorts. It's a lot of fun for me to talk through the great books you're reading (since it's highly likely that I've never read them myself) and to hear you easily explain the message behind the story or the subtle humor or the different characters. You can still certainly get yourself lost in a good story! Just last night you explained the meaning behind your favorite verse (the last one) of Amazing Grace to Sam and Caroline. I just love that you have a favorite verse.
Your third grade year has been very full. You understand math very easily and enjoy it a lot (you get that from Daddy), you've liked learning cursive and have very neat handwriting (you do not get that from Daddy), and you've absolutely loved studying the Middle Ages through the early days of America. We covered a lot of battles. : ) You began taking guitar lessons from Mr. Sibley and you're picking it up well! You and Sam started baseball and love being on the same team. You also decided back in the fall that you wanted to remain in worship with us during the sermon and have not gone back on that even once (even though we said you were welcome to go back into Sunday School if you wanted to). We absolutely love having you in there with us and wouldn't trade those post-sermon discussions with you for the world. Daddy and I are always proud of your achievements, but nothing can describe our feelings of thankfulness over the wisdom and maturity that God is working in your heart.
Travis, we are so thankful for the fun and joy that you bring to our family. I seriously don't think that Sam could make it without you, you are fiercely protective of Caroline (sometimes to a fault! We're working on that...), you are patient with little Ben who just wants to BE you and you positively adore Jack, doting on him every chance you get. The relationships that you have developed with your brothers and sister are priceless and we look forward to the day when you are all adults and the best of friends. Daddy and I are so proud of you and look forward to watching you change and grow even more in this coming year. Happy ninth birthday, T-man!