Eleven

Eleven.  Its hard to believe.   I feel like he was just born a few years ago but this boy keeps bringing home information about middle school.  I get a glimpse of his teenage self and its easy for me to picture Colin in high school.  Its such a privilege to watch him grow up but sometimes I wish it wouldn't have to go by so fast. 

Colin is such a joy to be around. He's easy going, funny, sarcastic in the best way, kind, understanding, helpful, and so so good to his brother and sister.  Colin still has not prepared us at all for parenting Joel and Norah but he is so good and understanding when we have our hands full with taking care of them.  He still knows exactly how to push their buttons and isn't as innocent as he might come across but he's also good at knowing when to encourage and when to love on Joel and Norah.

Colin got breakfast in bed on his birthday.  Unfortunately no sleeping in on a school day. 

After school Noah, Nathan and Elsie came over to play and make the day special for Colin.  The girls played dress up and makeup while the boys played video games and had a huge nerf battle outside. 

I called them all in for dessert and several other neighborhood boys came in too.  Colin said it was a great birthday.

Instead of a party he choose to get out of school for a day and go to Busch Gardens with Brent and a friend.  An entire day of riding roller coaster rides with Dad was perfect for Colin.  It rained off and on but they were able to ride all the roller coasters and then Brent sent me this picture and I can't stop laughing at Colin's face.

Happy Birthday Colin! You are such a gift to our family.