Stand By Me!

Ryder and Turner received a few bass guitar and guitar lessons for hanukkah.  They each started playing and have continued for the better half of a year so far, though there are some missed weeks. Ryder, who has been down this road before, has really started to learn to play.  Chris Shepherd, the teacher, has done a great job teaching them with songs they want to learn.  Here is Ryder "performing" his rendition of Stand by Me!

A look at Age 2

This is each of the boys at age 2.  Not necessarily in life, but in these 4 photos I see Chase and Decker looking similar and Ryder and Turner.  What do you see?

Camping, Biking, and Poison Ivy

Chase and Ryder had the very fortunate opportunity to go camping with Ethan and his grandfather, lovingly known as G.P.  The Van Aken's are a very outdoorsy family; biking, hiking, kayaking, camping, it is all a part of their normal, everyday lives.  I love all of those things and wish they were a part of my everyday life but that is certainly now how neither Todd nor I were brought up.  But, we are more than thrilled to get to experience these things, and more so, allow the boys to do them, with our very dear friends.  So, when this opportunity came about, for Chase and Ryder to camp- for the first time- with Ethan and G.P., everyone was very excited.

I do not consider myself nor Todd to be helicopter parents by any means and I believe we give them a decent amount of rope.  I feel strongly that kids need real life experiences in order to learn.  With that being said, however, it took a big gulp of "holy shit" for me to be at ease with the fact that they were going away for 4 days, camping for the first time, with a grandfather who doesn't know them too well, to "about 50 miles North of Harrisburg" without a cell phone to check in with.  Even with the big gulp I was never fully at ease but since I trust Jenn fully with our kids and she trusts G.P. I relaxed and was just simply excited for them.  And, off they went. With a long list of medicine dosings (for Ryder, mostly) in hand and cooler full of easy to prepare food they set off on August 8th for what would become the second of their 10th year of life memories (the first being the birthday bash) and their first parentless journey.

We got lucky because Bryce's phone was left home since he was at overnight camp so the boys took his phone with the strict instructions of using it to text us and call us each night and to send us the occasional selfie.

We did hear from them each night and all 3 boys sounded great each time.  Though the phone calls were brief and not very detailed (We went fishing.  We took a bike ride!) they all sounded happy, healthy, and like they were having the best of times, the way best friends should. They even told Turner they missed him and he should come next time, which made him so very happy (and, me too!) Jenn and I were thrilled.  We also received what Jenn and I consider to be the best selfie ever of the 3 smiling boys.

Wednesday night, their last night away, we got a call as always, an "I love you," and a "we will see you tomorrow" before hanging up.  But, after the call I received a text of a photo of Chase's bare tush, with the words, Chase has poison ivy on his butt.  After they sent it,the phone died, so they never answered my question of "Is this real or are you boys just sending me a full moon?"

Turns out, it was real.  When Chase got home I learned he took nature by storm and used leaves for all sorts of things; including a poison ivy leaf to wipe with.  The poor kid had a poison ivy outbreak in hard to reach places that caused him some good discomfort but was also quite funny.  I mean, how could you not laugh at that?  Even Dr. Abir found it amusing.  Chase was a sport about it.  He knew it was funny even though he couldn't stop itching.  And, now that it is healing nicely, we are all having a pretty good laugh.

Their stories of their time away  were about biking, including some reckless downhill off-roading that had Chase falling off his bike and faceplanting (luckily not into a patch of poison ivy) and Ryder nearly falling off a cliff, both of which were the highlight of Ethan's trip. There were stories about catching lots fish, including Ryder's 16inch fish which was the highlight of his trip (and the new fishing rod that G.P. bought him.) And, the cats that nearly lost one of their nine lives by crossing through the boys' reckless bike path.  And,of course, stories about taking dumps outside.  They made fire and roasted food; they made their own lunches (it's a miracle) and they stayed up late in their very own tent (G.P. had his own tent next to theirs) telling stories and laughing uncontrollably.  I would say that is one successful camping trip.

Thank you so much to G.P. and all of the Van Aken's for their kindness.

A letter to my sons on their 10th Birthday!

Dear Chase and Ryder,

 

Double digits. A decade. Two whole hands. The start of tween-age-dom. There are many names for this milestone but they all mean the same thing; TEN.

Ten. It makes me shiver. An eye-popping, head-scratching, let me re-check my math type of shiver. I can double and triple check but, the fact remains, my double first born are ten.  And, by looking at you, talking to you, knowing you, there is just no denying it.

As I write this letter, 5 of you (Turner and Ryder fell asleep before the fort transfer) are cuddled up in a fort for a sleepover party; the aftermath of a 17 boy birthday celebration with swimming, gaga, trampolines, and man hunt.  The party was great, albeit loud, and a true indicator of the great kids that you have both chosen for friends.  Although, I admit, I like hearing the laughter and the chatter and the discussion of girls, it truly is time for bed!!!

Last year, I commented on how 9 brought so many things but, most substantially, it marked the halfway point of your childhood.  Which means that this one, and every one from here on out, takes us, takes you, further from your childhood.  As your parent, that reality is baffling and also makes me a bit weepy.

 

Ryder, my sensitive superhero, every day you grow bigger, stronger, taller. Your shoulders are broad and your back is vast.  Your feet are bigger than mine though I do still have you by just a few inches in height...for now. I can't lift you, not even close, but you can and do lift me.  At 97 pounds and 56 inches you are solid as a rock and you're my go to for help carrying heavy things or moving furniture. You love that you have the strength required to help.  For all of your brawn, however, you're this deeply sensitive guy with an imagination and a creativity that can only be described as kinetic. Your body, your mind, your thoughts, your imagination are always, always in motion.  You've developed into an extremely self-aware and confident kid and you are comfortable with the person you are and are becoming. You're not afraid to be your own person and you recognize the wonderful in your very unique talents. You are thoughtful and passionate and, really, you are who you have always been, just more mature and more secure in your being. 

Fourth grade was a year of growth. You had an amazing teacher in Mrs. Carey and an awesome class. You embraced new friendships and cultivated deeper relationships with existing friendships. You've learned that you can be different than someone and still have a lot in common with them and you learned that  true friendship can be found where you least expect it. You've come to realize that you are one of the boys despite being your artsy self.   And, the boys are lucky to have you, because when it comes down to the nitty gritty of what being a real friend is there are not a lot out there that are better than you.  I hope you see the value in being a "true friend."  It makes me very proud.

Of all the things that you are at the top of the list is big brother.  You are absolutely amazing with Decker and he responds to you in kind.  You just seem to "get it" when it comes to a baby, or maybe you just get him. Either way, he adores you and you him and I know I can always count on you to care for him. You love him like you love most things, with passion and devotion and loyalty; that's just who you are.

           

As we begin this new decade I am hopeful to see you become more responsible, more thoughtful before acting, a little less impulsive.  I would like to see you dedicate yourself, through your talents and passions, to trying and being the best you can be at whatever it is you're doing.  Whether it is school work, art work, friendship, or daily chores- put your super large heart into it and just try and be the best you can be.  My faith in you is unwavering and my support is unconditional. Your possibilities are limitless, like your creativity, and I hope your desire catches up. 

You played basketball again this year, for Coach Bill again, and really enjoyed it. You improved a lot and did a great job on defense.  You enjoy playing and you practice often and I know you will continue to get better and better.  You also took Bass lessons at school and did great performing at the Spring Concert.  Your favorite color is still red. You've fallen in love with skateboarding and have embraced it and practice as often as you can.  You are trying to understand the sport from the bottom up.  Boards, building them and taking part, all the way up to the tricks of the trade. You love to read, are a YouTube phanatic, and love the band Green Day. You love television. You could watch all day if we would let you. And, though you are far less of a gamer than you used to be, you're still an electronics junkie whose face is often in my iPhone. Snapchat. Instagram. Musical.ly. FaceTime. Group chat.  I could go on.  You've become very social and outgoing and tell stories with detail and excitement. You took a drawing class and did well and your talent is just blossoming. Your closest friends are Ethan and Connor and Jake and Aidan. And, of course, you're still close to Joey and Ryan. 

 

I can't wait to see what this year brings. 

 

Chase- my determined and disciplined superstar- you have grown taller and stronger (64 pounds and 54 inches), though you are still quite lean, and your back has broadened indicating a slow to come growth spurt that certainly has taken you out of the "smaller" category. Your lean body is pure muscle and your hands and feet move quickly and gracefully.   You are agile and fast both physically and mentally and have a heart that fuels itself on desire and competition.  Although you have recently lowered your own bar (just a bit) you still want to be the very best you can be at almost everything.  You are willing to work and to practice and to keep on trying until you master whatever it is you have set your mind on.  That discipline has served you well, most recently it was with the Rubik's cube that you vowed to solve.  And solve you did. I still don't understand how you can use ten different fingers to rotate each of the layers in many different directions at once, nor do I get how to solve it, but none of that matters. You can and do solve it swiftly and easily and continue to practice to do it better, faster. I hope this inner desire to win and the discipline to work continues to grow within you and keeps you striving for success.

4th grade was a good year for you in many ways.  Originally disappointed that most of your buddies were not with you in class, you were able to accept new friendships and came to realize that different people have different and wonderful things to offer.  You were impressed by your classmates smarts, or different hobbies, or silly personalities and accepted with your typical charm that not everyone loves sports. Mrs. Jaggers seemed to be a good match for you in the classroom (not to mention that she is Meg's best friend, a little fact that makes me happy!) and you excelled in almost all subjects. You were excited to learn, took it seriously, and as you do, tried to be the very best student you could be.  You love math, your skills in the subject have really taken off, and it won't be long before I will be completely unable to help you.  Luckily, you won't need much help in that area.

This year you traded your soccer cleats for ice skates and spent your first full season on a travel ice hockey team.  You missed soccer a bit, and were fortunate enough to play as a sub on many occasions, but overall hockey was a wonderful experience.  In addition to playing great hockey and improving your game, you made terrific memories and even better friends.  You are a very good hockey player and you love the sport and it shows in every way every time you are on the ice.  I am confident that you will continue to improve and develop as you play more and more.  You also had another enjoyable season of baseball.  For in-house you played for Coach Steve on the Falcons in the American League, which had you playing up with kids up to 12 years old.  For travel you played for Coach Steve as well.  This year's Bombers team had a lot of new (to you) kids on it and gave you an opportunity to play with some new boys and make some friends.  You played 1st base for the Bombers, which was a new experience.  Although you missed playing shortstop a bit more regularly, you embraced first base and played it very well.

 
Your favorite color is currently orange, which is no coincidence that it is the Flyers color. You love all Philly teams especially the Phillies and the Flyers. You like movies and magic and telling jokes. You're quieter than you were when you were younger, you keep more things close to your chest. You are still social, though less so, and continue to have a charming way about you.  Your closest friends are Ethan and Connor. In this new decade I hope that you can be a little neater and a little more thoughtful when it comes to the people and things around you. You have a tendency to get caught up in "Chase's bubble" and forget there's a big world out there.  You are a very smart kid who doesn't always think things through and I am hoping your tenth year can bring you a bit more of that and a bit more responsibility.  Childhood is for fun and memories and for learning so that you can be a responsible and respectable adult.  I want you to enjoy your childhood, as you are, and I want you to embrace the opportunity to learn.  I have no doubts about what you are capable of and I have a faith in you that can't be questioned.  I will always support you and I have no doubt of the success that will follow you.  I am so excited to see what this year brings you.

 
Everyday is an adventure with the two of you, the four of you, really; loud, hectic, often smelly and usually silly.  I love every minute of our life and I am beyond proud of both you, each of you, all of you.

You make me proud every day and I hope to continue to guide you so that you can make yourselves proud as well.

I love you so....
mom

Growing into the birthday shirt

Almost bigger than the birthday shirt

The 9 year old letter

Avi's Bar Mitzvah

Last Shabbos we celebrated Avi's Bar Mitzvah.  He was amazing, and mature, and he looked handsome.  I always love, more than most things, when our family gets together.  Near and far gathered for the simcha and I enjoyed being together and having the boys spend time with their cousins.  Although I am sure there are pictures out there, I took none.   Eventually, they will surface.

But, Saturday night. While the bar mitzvah boy was partying with his friends, many of us gathered at Aunt Barb's to spend time together and, mostly, with the out of towners.

This picture was taken and I just love it.  Cousins are always the best friends you'll have.

Chase (9), Ryder (9), Turner (6), Max (2), Layala (3), and Lily (5)

Back to School and I have no Rope

Today is the first day of school.  This year I send off two fourth graders; neither of which look like the same kid who went off to third grade now that they have broader backs and hairier legs, both of which are really excited to be a part of the "upper classmen" (despite being the youngest grade of that echelon.) I am also sending a happy go lucky first grader who is thrilled to be in the same school, all day, with his "upper classmen" brothers.  It's another back to school, not exactly the same yet very similar to all of the other first days I have had for the past 8 years since Chase and Ryder began as little pre-schoolers in the 2's program.  I sent them off like it was no big deal, not even aware of where their classrooms were physically located, not even sure of their classroom numbers. Yet, none of them cared. They didn't even ask. Big men on campus can find their own way.

So, I am making like it is no big deal, and yet, inside of me, my heartstrings are getting tugged. I wish all of that tugging was an effective abs exercise. It's not!  It should be a momentous day.  I should be, like all the other moms, writing fancy signs on chalk boards and engraving Turner's first day of first grade permanently into facebook memories.  No signs or to do necessary it is permanently tattooed in my memory, for sure.  Really, what I should be doing is tying my kids to the very tree we took pictures in front of and not letting them go.  Not ever.  Because I have a baby in first grade and that just seems wrong. And, way too fast.  And, because, I have 9 year olds who are sprouting into their tween years without looking back, practically without a wave goodbye.  And, because I look at Decker and see his mostly toothless grin and his drool, and know that  before too long he will be on that bus, his brothers "catching rides" to high school with their buddies, and I will have wished I did tie them to the tree.

Believe me.  They needed to go to school.  The hours between Friday and today seemed nearly endless as the boys bickered over everything.  Anything.   "My half of bagel is smaller than your half of bagel."  "NO, I got the shorter haircut.  It is SO shorter than yours." "I am not taking the first shower, you go first," to name a few.  But, there were more.  So.  Many. More.  And, each time, the bickering got louder and echoed more in my ears, I wished a bit harder for Monday to get here.

But, here it is.  And, off they went.  As they do.  With little thought beyond seeing their friends again, and who will they sit next to in this new class.  On to the bus their biggest gripe was that Turner still has two recesses while the twins, upper classmen that they are, only have one.  Off they went.  And, I held my baby and watched them go, grateful they would be apart from each other for the day and sad, so sad, they would be taking another step forward, further away from their childhood. And, from me.

I'd never hold them back.  I am raising them to do exactly as their doing. And, yet, I look at them go. I feel the tug on the heartstrings (still no work on the abs), I look at the tree, and I do sort of wish I had some rope.

A Letter to my Sons on their 9th Birthday!

Dear Chase and Ryder,

9!  Nine!  9??? Seems more appropriate. 

You never know where the time goes nor how it could possibly pass so fast yet each year is met with the same disbelief as the one that happened "yesterday."

As you've been counting down the last few days til your birthday I've been joking with you that you'd see me cry that day. I'm only half joking, of course. I'm not sad, necessarily, just emotionally roller coastering between nostalgic, for the babies you once were, and amazed, by the big guys you've become. 

9 brings so many things: a maturity that seems impossible alongside the "tween" freshness that is brought; an intelligence that comes from life as well as the classroom; an understanding that can't be taught just learned in time; a social and activity calendar that requires an assistant to track;and so much more that an attempt to list them seems futile. 

But, also with 9, comes the half-way mark of your childhood.  This moment that I'm taking to write this very letter is acting as a pause to breathe, my very own half- time, in the child-rearing of my oldest sons.   I am at the precipice of time, of your childhood. Yesterday, I was still closer to the babies you once were, but tomorrow the scale tips in the other direction. Somehow, I see the second half going so much faster. Doesn't it usually??  I can only imagine what will become of your lanky bodies, and can only dream about what you will achieve from the talents you're starting to show. I may never stop remembering, even yearning for, the coos and the giggles you gave me almost a decade ago but I'll continue to marvel at the changes, the morphing before me and will  never stop admiring the people you are and continue to become.

We are in the summer between 3rd and 4th grade. You're coming off fantastic school years where more was expected from you and more was received. The friendships you've been cultivating have started to take root and the boys you call friends are becoming extended parts of our family. 

Chase, you're fueled on sports. As lean as you are, you are tough and competitive and quite a good little athlete.  This year you've upped your game in baseball and are starting to really compete. And, after a year of recreational ice hockey you'll be trying a year of a more competitive travel team. Hockey is your first love of a sport and we are hoping  3-4 times on the ice, weekly, will really improve your game. And, though you've been playing since you are 3 and have done well with it, we've decided to sideline soccer for hockey. You're happy playing any sport and I love watching you play. 

You love the Flyers and the Phillies and, as a true fan, don't waiver on that love inspite of their less than stellar seasons. 

At school you had Mrs. Sottung and had a wonderful year. Academically and socially you thrived and I'm excited to see what 4th grade brings you. 

You're also in to magic and can perform a number of tricks so well that you have me fooled even though I know exactly how they are done. Like most things you do, you have applied focus and determination into learning your tricks and present them with a pride to envy. 

You are funny and kind and a good friend and brother. You're happy, sometimes mellow, and wouldn't be you if things weren't a bit messy. You are smart and charming and like to be part of the group. You understand manners and respect and are well-liked where ever you go. 

Ryder, no one on this planet fascinates me more than you do.  The way your mind works; the perspective you have; your clever thought process; it all intrigues me everyday.  You are wonderfully creative and imaginative and your talents are blossoming more and more.  The art you create is beyond what I would ever expect from a young boy and, yet, it comes to you with ease.  You can draw just about anything from the image in your mind and the things you put on paper can come to life.

Although your exploration of music is on hold I do hope it is a temporary hiatus and at some point you decide to pursue it again.  A few months ago you got up on stage and sang a song to an audience.  It was fantastic.  I've always wanted to sing...to sing well...to sing for an audience and watching you do just that was an emotionally proud moment for me.

You had a great school year with Mrs. Hasness.  This was her final year of teaching and she embraced it, and you.  She, like all of the teachers you've had before her, were awed by your creativity and your sensitive way.  She managed to understand your dynamic being and allowed you to find success. I look forward to seeing how you grow more in 4th grade.

You are kind and funny and make friends easily.  You are a good and loyal friend and brother and anyone who has you in their corner is truly lucky, even if you don't always let on.  You love playing basketball and enjoy playing baseball and played both sports this year in the intramural league.

Amongst all the things that have happened this year the most substantial change for both of you, for all of us, was the welcoming of Decker.  Every moment since you found out about his arrival you've been excited and happy.  You've both welcomed him with such open arms and delight  and watching you fall in love for the first time melts my heart each time you look at him, kiss him, hug him, or tell him you love him.  You're both wonderful big brothers in your very own way and I sit back, astonished, at the young men you're becoming.

To keep the records straight, Chase you gained 5 pounds (56.2)  this year and grew 3 inches(52 inches)  Though that is a pretty good gain you are still the 3rd heaviest in the family.  Ryder you also grew 3 inches (53.5 inches) and gained 13 pounds (83!)  WOW!

You will celebrate this birthday this coming Saturday with your closest buddies at Gravity Forge Training Center which is an American Ninja Warrior gym, which is one of your favorites.  Should be a great party.

With all the changes, with how much you've grown, in so many ways you're still the exact same babies you were. Chase, attentive and focused, eyes wide open with a grin to pause all action; and, Ryder, eyes full of wonder, imaginative and carefree, full of energy and the need to touch everything.

I look at you both and know you're mine but often wonder what it is I did right or if I just got truly lucky, four times over.  You make me proud, every day. 

I wish you the happiest of birthdays, the very best of years. I wish you happiness always. Every moment, every day, I do love you so....

Mommy  (which you never call me unless you want something)

  

Growing in to the birthday shirt- almost fits!!

Growing in to the birthday shirt- Mr. No Arms

It's been a while since I had written you letters but here are the last ones.
Chase at 6
Ryder at 6

5 year old letter

The most beautiful thing I have ever seen

Love at first sight

If you had asked me three weeks ago what the most beautiful thing I had ever seen was I would have answered, without hesitation, each of my son's faces.

If you were to ask me today, the very same question, I would have a different answer. And, not because my boys' faces are any less beautiful, in fact it is just the opposite. But, in light of our recent new addition, I've been privileged to witness beauty like I've never seen it before. 

Chase, Ryder and Turner are every bit as active as their action verb names imply. They are three different boys who, each in their own way, represent the true meaning of boy.  Hyper, excitable, active, fart-loving, mess-making boys!  They are dirty and crumby and loud and happy to be these things. 

And, still, they each are absolutely delightful. They all have a sensitive side. A charming side. A sweet as can be side. And, they are man enough to show it, when the time is right. 

So, when their baby brother was born, it didn't come as any surprise that they would show him undeniable love.  Yet, I couldn't have anticipated the beauty, the heartwarming and touching way, that they have fallen in love.  Each of them.

Yes, the boys love each other, they love me, they love Todd.  They love their grandparents and their cousins and aunts and uncles, and all of the people in their life that love them so unconditionally.  They love us and I don't doubt it but they never knew a life without loving us.  It is an inherent love, powerful and deep.

But, with Decker, it is different.  We watched them FALL IN LOVE.  For the very first time.  (Hopefully, not for the last time.)  We looked on as they saw life differently, for the first time, as they held their newborn brother in their arms.  We watched them as an understanding developed within them that this tiny little new person made all of our lives better.  We observed them as they realized that they would do anything to make sure their baby was taken care of.  We witnessed them as they took a breath and felt their heart expand, like it never had before.

Yes, we saw them fall in love.  It was, it is, the most beautiful thing I have ever seen!

A Letter to my Son on his 6th Birthday! - Ryder

Dear Ryder,

Good Morning, Birthday Boy

You are now 6 years old!  Happy birthday!  Somehow, just the number 6 seems so big.  But, maybe, it is because you are big.  Over the last few months you have matured physically, and emotionally.  You no longer look like a baby.  In fact, you grew nearly two inches and are 44 3/4 inches and gained 10 pounds and weigh 47.5 lbs.  TEN POUNDS, no wonder I can't lift you anymore.  You are taller, broader, bigger, and overall, much more mature looking.

Ryder at 5 

Ryder at 6

This is the first time that I have written separate letters to you and your brother.  I think, in the past, I did  one because it was easier.  But, you and he, brothers to the core, are also very different boys, and so, it seemed appropriate to write you individual letters, for the individual boys that you are.  Ryder, you are one of the most interesting boys anyone has ever met.  To know you is to learn your passions, your interests, your creativity, as it flows from your very being.  In just talking with you it becomes clear that there is so much more going on in that head of yours and you leave us wanting to know more.  Your ideas are creative, profound, deep.  Your ideas have ideas.

Your passion runs so deep in you that you don't just like things but you love them with your whole heart.  It is never fleeting, it actually becomes a part of of who you are.  You take the time to study these things, learn about them, enact them.  You become them.  You have been many superheroes, Power Rangers, Ben 10 Tenyson, a Karate Master, the Karate Kid, Benny from the Sandlot, and so much more.  You love music, still, and have added Bruno Mars, and One Direction to your list of favorites.

Back in September you started school as a Kindergartner.  You and Chase were, for the first time, separated in the classroom, a decision which proved itself perfect time and again.  You were in class with Mrs. Delfini at Richboro Elementary School and the entire year was wonderful.  You adjusted quite easily, perhaps even easier than Chase and immediately found yourself.  Your first day of school you were dressed up in typical Ryder garb:  Untucked button down, tie, shorts, flip flops, hair gelled and done.  You carried this look with such confidence that there is a piece me of surprised that the whole school didn't take on your look by year's end.

First day of kindergarten, August 2011

You made new friends and took to the skills you were being taught and even fell in love.  One day, you came home and asked me if 5 was too young to date.  When we discussed it you said you would like to take me on a date.  So I, happily, obliged.  We had a great time and I am thrilled we had a special day, but I am pretty sure that this was just practice for what you hoped would lead to a date with someone else, whom you asked out later in the year.  You were disappointed but handled it well when her parents said she can't date until 16 years old.  You immediately started X'ing off the days until her 16th year.  During the school year the romantic in you had drawn her pictures (her favorite, strawberry shortcake) and given her the four leaf clover you had luckily found in the field. I hope someday soon she realizes how lucky she is that your eyes are on her.

You left Kindergarten able to read, though you often choose not.  Able to spell, though you usually ask for my help.  And, able to do some math, though you claim you don't like it much.  Hey, I understand, there is nothing creative about math.  You made friends, and your teacher, who was amazing, understood you right from the start.   She saw your potential, your passions, and she never ceased to tell me how creative she thought you were.

You only got in trouble in school one time that I am aware of.  One time.  Because of your hair.  I couldn't help but laugh when I heard the story, but did insist quite sternly that you refrained from doing your hair (and soaking yourself and the bathroom) while you are supposed to be in school learning.

You ask questions, always questions that involve a detailed answer, usually questions I am not completely sure about.  Rarely is it, "The sky is blue, right?" not even the "Why is the sky blue?" more like, "What makes the sky blue?" forcing an answer involving science...your favorite subject.  You love science, and experimenting, and are often doing so in the bathroom or the kitchen.  Aside from a mess you have yet to cause damage, thankfully.

Although you played sports this year, soccer in the Fall and baseball in the Spring, neither activity tapped into your being.  Although you don't mind playing for fun you are not at all competitive and are not fully interested in playing any sport for the full hour (or more) it takes.  Although in baseball you are a good hitter, with a swing that could really make you awesome if you wanted to be, your time in the field is filled with dirt playing and tying your shoe laces together.  Perhaps this will change with age.

Although you are not fully interested in such team sports, you are very athletic and your ability to climb, jump, hang, kick, etc. is quite admirable.  I am looking into gymnastics courses for you.  There I think you will find your way.

The tooth fairy came to visit you this year, for the first time, as you lost your bottom two teeth.

The past year was one of the most mild winters I can remember.  Aside from an odd snow storm that came on Halloween, we never saw snow again.  Except when we went to the Poconos and we took you skiing for the first time.   This was an experience you say you enjoyed, though it was hard to tell from the window in the lodge where we watched you from.

We watched the best team in baseball, the Phillies, win 102 games, only to collapse in the play-offs and get knocked out of the NLDS.  We watched the Flyers do something similar, and we watched as the Eagles, who were claimed a "dream team" pre-season, have an extremely disappointing season.   

Your 6th birthday was celebrated with our traditional hibachi dinner on Friday night.  On Saturday, your actual birthday, we had the Seltzer's, Oren, and the Cohen's over to swim and play and enjoy.  We then followed that up with a birthday party of 25 kids.  Your theme was Ben 10 Alien (your brother's the Flyers) and the cakes and the color scheme reflected such.  The Great Holtzie had you and your friends absolutely cracking up.  After, we enjoyed pizza and cupcakes and a visit from the ice cream man.  I think everyone had a blast.

Chase and Ryder's 6th birthday invitation

You are back at Briarwood this Summer and you absolutely love it.   You are a fish in our pool and seem to love swimming more than everyone in this family.  You can jump, swim, and are learning to dive and have passed your deep water test at camp!

Although you still wear your hair longer you did cut it all off in February and went with the shorty and spikey look.  As one who loves long hair on boys I have to tell you I absolutely loved the look and you looked, if possible, even more handsome than you had looked the day before.  Maybe you will cut it short again, maybe not.  You are very opinionated about your hair.

You are a big eater though you enjoy only a few things.  In fact, we have an approved list of Ryder's Foods that you still remain particular about.  You love to climb trees, jump on the trampoline, ride your bike, play with your friends, and be with your brothers.  You are sweet, and funny, and rambunctious, as well as well-mannered, and kind, and thoughtful and romantic.  You have a sense of humor and love to laugh.

Last year was one of the worst years that daddy and I have been through.  We had a lot of bad luck on top of some poor decisions.  But we clawed through.  And, make no mistake, you and your brothers were the bait we needed to get us through some tougher times.  Your laughs, your smiles, your good-hearted ways, reminded us daily that life is all about what is right in front of us.  Thank you for that, son!

I am so very proud of the boy that you are and the boy you are becoming and I wear the badge of "mommy" with sheer delight. I am always interested to see where you head down your very individual path and I am confident that the path you choose will never be boring or uninteresting. I will always support you as you find your way and have no doubt that you will continue to light up the room of those around you.  Mine especially.

Happy birthday my dear boy.  I love you so!!