Double High Fives for my favorite ten-year-old. Double Digits. Tweendom. 4th grade. Big kid. All of these are accurate descriptions of your age, your life stage, but none of them sum up the core of who you are.
Your 9th year got off to a memorable start as your (our) beloved Eagles made a remarkable playoff run which led them to becoming Super Bowl Champs. All of this was under the helm of "back-up" quarterback, Nick Foles, after MVP candidate Carson Wentz went down with a season-ending injury late in the season. We all watched, and cheered, and wore Eagles green in pride for the four weeks between season ending and their journey to being the Champions. Of course, every world championship comes with a victory parade- and on a very cold day in February we joined the many millions in the sea of green to celebrate our beloved underdogs.
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| Celebrating our birds |
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| The moment they became Superbowl Champs |
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| The Eagles Parade |
You are not just a spectator, as you play sports too. You enjoyed another great basketball season with all of your close buddies on your team. You played your first season of lacrosse, which you enjoyed very much. And, under the strict tutelage of Mike Pohar, you are gaining a real understanding and sharper skill for the game. And, this past fall you played your first season of travel soccer. Your team won your division with an undefeated season in league play and you had a great time. Considering this was the second time since you were 5 that you played organized soccer you had a great season, learned so much, and improved as a player. As you continue your training and development, I know there are a lot of great things to come.
You finished out a fantastic 3rd grade school year. What started out as a little disappointing, being separated from most of your crew and not getting the teacher you had hoped for, ended up being great. Mrs. Cerra was a great teacher who really made your year fun. You started off the first 6 weeks of school being the top points earner for Class Dojo, after a while she couldn't even reward you points anymore because you were so far ahead of everyone else. You formed friendships with new kids and remained close to your group of friends. During your conference Mrs. Cerra began with one word, repeated 3 times, and written all in caps: KIND, KIND, KIND. She went on about your kindness, and your leadership, and your ability to help friends and show patience. Turner, we could not be more proud of you for hearing these remarkable traits being so evident in the classroom. I am thrilled that you let your heart and soul shine through amongst your peers and you do so in a way that is charming and compelling and makes me people want to be around you.
4th grade began on a very high note with "new" teacher Ms. Shanberg, who is proving to be fantastic, and so many buddies in your class, and halfway through the year it is turning out to be your best year yet.
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| First day of 4th grade |
You have an amazing group of friends, a crew who are each sweet, and funny, and athletic in their own way, and when you're all together it is fun to watch. You love to socialize, both with your crew and with your brother and their friends who, in many ways, are your friends too. And, you like to socialize amongst the adults, as well. And, somehow, even at 10 years old, you can talk amongst us almost as if you belong.
We went to Niagara Falls this past year. Though we went for hockey we all had a great time. Seeing the Falls in the middle of the winter is a sight to be seen and we are lucky we got to enjoy it together. You favorite food is Tacos and it has even become your nickname and this past years halloween costume. Your favorite tv show is Survivor and AGT and your favorite movie is an inappropriate viewing of The Hangover, which is hilarious, so I can't blame you.
You are active and wise and just starting to develop a bit of the 10-year old attitude that I remember your brothers getting around the same time. You're in a difficult position, being sandwiched between twin older brothers and a baby brother, and I hope you know that I know this. I know that it can be a struggle but there is never a moment that you don't stand out. You are smart beyond your years. You are responsible. You are a hard worker. You know the rules and you follow them. You like things a particular way. You are funny and silly and like to be a part of the joke. At home, you try to keep up with Chase and Ryder, but among your friends you are a leader. The parents joke you will be the frat house president, and they are probably right. You are fun and in control and people like to be around you, even with your smelly feet.
You are a big kid, taller than almost all of your friends and almost as tall as Chase at 56 inches. This is almost 3 inches of growth from last year. You are strong, and broad, and weigh 108 lbs. You wear a size 5 shoe and every time I turn around you are bigger, and taller, and stronger.
We celebrated your 10th birthday all week long. You had the crew sleepover on Friday, where you enjoyed a taco bar, an ice cream bar, and endless rounds of mini-hockey. The next day you played basketball and watched hockey. On Sunday, you had the crew return to watch the Eagles play the Bears in a nail biting play off game that ended with the Eagles as the victors after the famous "double doink" missed field goal by the Bears kicker. Then, on Monday, you and I and Michael and Denise went to the Flyers game and watched the terrible Flyers get beat up by the even worse Blues in the debut game of the new head coach Craig Berube. We had so much fun and I am pretty sure 10 got off to a great start.
Turner, you are an amazing kid. I wish you wouldn't doubt yourself and would recognize your talents and your skills for all that you are. You are so many wonderful things and have more strengths than most kids your age. Take hold, my dear boy, you are destined for great things.
Happy birthday, Turner. I love you so.
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| birthday shirt |
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| make a wish |
9th Birthday Letter
