Another trip around the sun! Every year I say it, but I really don't know where the time has gone. You're a big kid now and man, you are SO much fun to hang out with now. Not that you weren't fun before, but you've matured enough that we are getting to experience lots of new things together. As I'm writing this (the night before your birthday), you're at the races with your Daddy, Granddad and Uncle Steve. You've looked forward to this time for many years and I know your Daddy is extra pumped to have you with him too.
Mama can't believe you're EIGHT!
First day of 2nd grade - August 28, 2017
We love your snaggle-tooth smile that lights up the room.
You definitely have racing in your blood - you're obsessed! You love drag racing, dirt track racing, NASCAR, and you even enjoy watching dirt bikes and monster trucks too. We are definitely race fans so you'll always be in good company. Maybe some day we can get you into a jr. dragster or a door car in your teenage years. Whatever you choose, just remember that Mama can't bear to see you in a car that goes in circles.
At the drag strip with Daddy, watching Papa race
You're a second grader this year and the school year has been a fun time. You really enjoy math and science especially and you have straight As in those subjects. Reading and writing are still a challenge for you but you're pushing through it. You definitely enjoy reading books that teach you something versus a fictional story - who can blame you? Fantasy isn't for everyone and learning cool stuff is awesome. You have lots of friends and always have a story or two about what y'all were up to that day. You enjoy going to Lego Club on Tuesdays after school as well. Your teacher told me that you're a delight and that if all her kids were like you, her job would be easy and even more enjoyable. Daddy and I are very proud of your school achievements and eagerness to learn.
You received a Math Facts award in February 2018 and you were very proud of your accomplishment!
Showing off Lego creations at Open House that you and a friend worked on
Last summer, you started Taekwondo and you've really surprised us with how much you've learned. You enjoy learning new moves and forms. You also broke a "birthday board" on Thursday. It was great seeing your excitement to do it and your pride after it was broken. You have done well in all of your belt tests so far and we look forward to your progression. Maybe this year you will be able to start the Black Belt Club, if you're willing to put in the effort and hard work.
After your first belt test in August 2017, you earned your yellow belt.
You're also doing well at church and enjoy learning about Jesus. On January 31, 2018, you asked Jesus into your heart and you were saved. It was an extremely precious moment in your life, the best decision you can ever make for yourself. You were baptized in front of not only our family, but our church family as well on February 18th. You were so excited that day and you've told others about what it means to be saved and baptized. It's really inspiring to see your love for the Lord and we are thrilled to see you walking with Him.
With your Grand-pastor, Kenneth Wells, as he led you to Christ. We all prayed the sinner's prayer together and you asked Jesus into your heart.
You were looking snazzy at church on Christmas Eve 2017. For a kid who doesn't care to dress in anything but t-shirts and "comfy" shorts, you do enjoy wearing a suit and looking right!
You're still the very best big brother to Ruby, even if y'all are already getting into trouble together. Happy noise is joyful noise, but mercy, y'all are LOUD! She adores you and is always so excited to pick you up from school each day. Your smile puts a big one on her face too. Thank you for loving her, teaching her, entertaining her, encouraging her and keeping her safe. You're the best big brother!
All my heart - Valentine's Day 2018
Daddy and I look forward to another year with our most favorite son. You're such a blessing in our lives, you light up our world. Thank you for being you. Thank you for every little laugh, smile, joke, toot noises, silly dances and even the stubborn arguments. All of those wrapped into one makes you OUR son! Happy 8th birthday, Henry! We love you!
