From 4 to 5

What an amazing year it has been for my middle boy. Looking back throughout the year it's amazing how he has grown.... in many ways. In February we were just trying to burn off energy at gymnastics lessons. We learned that no matter how much energy he burned there was always an excess of energy.

By March they were playing in the coulee's. We learned that he can take a fall, get hurt and get right back as if nothing happened.

By April the snows had melted and the puddles were deep. We learned that even the smallest puddle would ALWAYS call his name. We were even more helpless with the big puddles.

By May we learned that he would do anything for a laugh. Even putting on his dad's glasses with a Cheetos mouth.

By June he was in the fields, picking flowers for Momma. I learned that even though he is very ornery, he is incredibly loving and kind and thoughtful.

By July we couldn't keep him in the house. We learned that he had a love for the animals and a love for motocross. We figured by the time winter rolled around he might come inside.

In August we watched him have a ball in vacation to the Black Hills. We already knew this kid would and did soak in as much fun as possible.

In September he made me very happy. He learned to put that ball in the back of the net like it was second nature. I knew then he took after his mom and I was thrilled.

By October he was getting bigger. I learned he was not so big that he couldn't still fit in a baby seat.

In November he was driving my golf cart. I learned that he found another sport he enjoyed. I also learned you should never let a 4 year old have complete control of a golf cart!

In December he showed a complete lack of fashion sense(please notice goggles and slippers as well). I learned that this boy that likes his hair done and likes to look "cool", also finds a way to look totally wacky.

We also learned in December that he really, really likes to cook. He made incredible cookies like he had been doing it for years.

Now we are in January again and his birthday is here. It's been such a wonderful year and I can't wait to see what another year of growth and learning will bring us.

Happy Birthday to a wonderful son!