My dear Sam, this morning you woke up at 5:54 because you were so excited that it was your birthday (I know this because you came to see me and I told you happy birthday and sent you back to bed). And while I would have really liked to stay asleep, I really, really like knowing that you know how special this day will be and that you anticipate it so much. We Kyker's like to celebrate! And today we celebrated our Sam Buns.
One of the things I love best about my sweet Sam is how much you like to laugh. You are always the one to make up a silly story for your brothers at bedtime (Ben asks you to "tell a Roach" almost every night!). You make up hilarious games for you and Caroline to play together in the back of the van while we're out (using plastic horses named Great Clips!) and you are the only person that can bring out Travis's silliest side.
On the other side, you have always been very sensitive and along with that comes a sweetness with your littlest brothers especially. It melts my heart to hear you ask Ben if he wants you to read him a book (he always says yes) or to watch you "wrestle" with Jack (he loves to be a big boy with you). You are a really good brother and I'm so glad they all have you.
You started baseball this year and completely loved it. It was so fun to watch you be a part of a team and improve as the season went on. Your spunkiness made you a fan favorite. : ) You started this year as a reluctant reader and have ended it devouring the Narnia series, and you continue to enjoy math and learn new concepts quickly and easily. Your newest love this year is art. You draw for hours a day sometimes and love to work through drawing instruction books. Daddy and I love watching your interests and abilities grow.
I remember seven being a bit of a rough year for Travis as he made his first attempts at growing up, and this year has been similar for you. We've worked through a lot of growing pains together this year and it's been tough, but I can see how much you have grown towards Daddy and me and how we are learning to understand each other better and, more importantly, that you are beginning to better understand your own need for Jesus and His grace. We are looking forward to your ninth year and can't wait to see how you grow and change. We love you so much, Sam, and we're so thankful that you are our son! Happy birthday, my boy.
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| Eight! |