James Turns 10!

Double digits, a whole decade- somehow James is 10!  We had big plans for this birthday, a special trip with just Ryan and I and James.  All of that got postponed due to COVID but I'm pretty sure he had an awesome birthday- lots and lots of celebrating!  We kicked off the partying a couple of weeks early.  There aren't but so many summer birthday options when it's hot and most places are closed so we ended up renting the pool with another friend who was turning 11. It ended up being such a fun party! 

I made the wise decision to let Harrison invite a couple of friends and to leave the twins at home. I'm pretty sure everyone was happier because of it! 

This was past my bedtime but the kids thought it was amazing to get to swim so late

The weekend before his birthday we were at the beach and decided to do a little pre-birthday celebrating. Any excuse for an ice cream cake right???

Finally the official birthday! Breakfast request- chicken minis of course

Here is a sweet example of Harrison's pure kindness- he was adamant that he wanted to make James a birthday card and then he taped in his best Pokemon card to give him as a gift 

Of course this made Kate want to make a card too. Poor Andrew was sad when he realized he had forgotten lol. 

Lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings 

The kid has a huge sweet tooth!

For dinner James requested steak (specifically filet, baked beans, and Nene bread) 

I thought this was so special, the birthday boy getting to have dinner with all his grandparents!

He also requested a multi layer chocolate cake.  I joked with Ryan that this was by far the most expensive birthday dinner anyone in the family has requested so far. 

Once again- Andrew was pretty excited! 

James today you are TEN!  That sounds so old; I feel like I am going to blink and you will be a teenager.  I am still amazed at how that colicky baby who cried for seven months straight then turned into the most stubborn and difficult toddler and then somehow turned into the sweetest big kid ever.  You are an awesome kid- kind, smart, athletic, and an amazing biggest brother and example for your younger siblings.  They look up to you so much and they adore you.  You love school, Pokemon, Legos, video games, hanging out with friends, and you would gladly play every single sport if I let you. I don't even know what your favorite foods are because you are a bottomless pit most days. You are fiercely competitive and a perfectionist. You are driven like your dad and sensitive like your mom. You give the BEST hugs of anyone in the family.  You are a people person- you love having the people you care about all together.  This pandemic was hard on you because you missed "your people" more than any of us.  You are such a special member of our family. The days and years are flying and I'm doing my best to savor each moment. We love you so much. Happy Birthday!!!