He had his first ever friend party last night. We invited 8 of his friends from school thinking that maybe only 5 would attend.
All. 8. Came.
So counting my 2 we had 10
Now I know why birthdays only come around once a year.
The truth is, it was pretty special for this momma to watch how other kids really truly adore my son. He has some great friends and from the sound of it, he's a pretty great friend himself.
So tonight I pay tribute to my boy. Hard to believe that it has been 8 years since he greeted me (2 weeks early) like this:
2005
He came out screaming and has been just as passionate ever since!
2006
Age 1: This is when his ~4 year long obsession with wheels began. He loved anything with wheels and would just watch them spin. Soon after this we found a steering wheel at a garage sale that he carried around everywhere. After that broke (from normal wear and tear) he carried a Wii wheel EVERYWHERE. It was like an extra appendage.
2007
Age 2: This is when his personality started to develop and he realized that he could make his sister laugh. My favorite memory from this age is when he learned to sing "Folsom Prison" by Johnny Cash. The video still makes me laugh.
2008
Age 3: Remember that passionate attitude I talked about? This was the year of John Deere. He really wanted a John Deere cake but had this reaction when he realized I put his tractor on it. This was also the year we were in the throes of food allergies. About 2 months before this picture was taken we found out he had multiple food allergies. Big life change for all of us!
2009
Age 4: He has always been such a great big brother. I have truly loved watching my boys grow up together and see their friendship develop.
2010
Age 5: It was about this time his obsession with Mario began. You may remember my post about his undying affection for Princess Peach? I'm telling you, when this kid latches on to something he is intense!
2011
Age 6: In school now and growing faster than ever! The kid who at one point didn't want to have anything to do with learning is now reading and loving math. This year we struggled with some anxiety, but he persevered and filled his "tool box" with coping skills.
2012
Age 7: This year's obsession has been sharks. He knew everything about sharks. The biggest, the fastest, the meanest, the nicest. When we went to the aquarium in Epcot he impressed one of the curators because he could answer all of her questions and then tried to teach her stuff. Shortly after this picture was taken he because extremely interested in basketball and the sharks became extinct.
2013
Age 8: And this year we have Mr. Basketball. He could talk your ear off (and then some) if you would let him. Player names, numbers and stats. And he can play the game just as well as he talks it. Every day he shoots hoops. If it's warm enough he's out in the driveway. If it's too cold he shoots on his homemade court in the basement or the mini hoop hanging on the back of the front door. A bouncing basketball can be heard in our house whenever he is home.
But I wouldn't want it any other way.
Happy Birthday, Zane!
Your relentless enthusiasm for the things you enjoy is such a wonderful thing. I am so proud of the way you study and learn about the things you love. My prayer is that one day you will take your passionate spirit and do great things for the Kingdom of God. You are such an amazing boy and I love you bunches!
Love, Mom
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