For August At 11

August turned 11 last week. Our life has been so busy and hectic I haven’t had time to have a post up in time. Here it is, a week late. Sorry.

11-1-13 04It’s been a heck of a year. Finishing up 3rd grade and leading into 4th grade the academics really ramped up but you were up for the challenge. In so many ways school is the least of our worries with you.

You are coming into your own with your interests. Sure, your friends have some influence, but you’re not afraid to like the things you like. And that’s one of your greatest strengths. While there are many things your friends like that you would also like with or without them, it is your independence of their approval that makes you a much stronger individual. You are unafraid to like the things you like. Don’t lose that quality.

ire bridge 01Over the last year or so you waited patiently for those braces to come off and you tried dutifully to take care of them. Well done.

In Ireland last summer you soaked up the history, from the immediate to the prehistoric. It was so rewarding watching as your world view exponentially expanded. I can’t wait to help open your world even more in the years to come.

This coming year will not be free from challenges. Your newest baby brother is only one of them. Thankfully you never met a baby you didn’t like. Sharing a room with 3 other siblings while we are in the rental house while the remodel is underway is another. Then there’s that whole awkward pre-adolescent stage you’re entering. And 5th grade isn’t exactly going to be a walk in the park metaphorically speaking.