And we were parents.
Parents totally and completely in love with you.
Eight years later and we're still totally and completely in love with you.
Happy birthday, Kellen!!
You have developed into such a wonderful young man! I still call you my sweet baby because you will forever be that to me, but you are growing up before my very eyes. So responsible, you enjoy - no thrive - on helping. During school, you want to make everyone's lunches and get everyone's breakfasts ready. You take your jobs very seriously.
You were such a great helper with Tatum and are even more so a help with Jacey. When she wasn't quite as mobile and 'wiggly', you would get her up in the mornings, change her diaper and clothes, and bring her to me so I could feed her. Once she started getting a little bigger, it was harder for you to do that, but you still are at her beck and call. If she cries or needs something, you are typically the first to get to her to help. In fact, you got her in the middle of the night last night when she was fussing. It is so obvious that you ADORE her that it melts my heart. And if she cries, for whatever reason, it just seems to literally break your heart. You absolutely cannot stand it. Period. So much so that if she's crying and you can't help - you have to leave the room or walk out of the house. You can make her light up like no one else in the world. She has a smile and laugh reserved just for you, and you know it!
And Tatum....oh you two are typically so good together! As she's getting older, the bickering is getting a little more common, but it's not bad. You're typically good about sharing your toys with her, reading to you, and taking turns playing something she wants then something you want. I couldn't ask for too much more. Well, except maybe for the toys to go back to their places all of the time, but you guys are actually pretty good about that, too.
As for you and your dad, this year in particular has been your fishing year. You guys have both really taken to fishing and that seems to be your 'thing' to do. You get up virtually every Saturday morning and go fishing - typically to Jack's place, or to Central Park, and fish. I'm thrilled that you get to spend that quality time with your dad! And I am really touched that it happens to be fishing...which my Pap would have loved to do with you both if he had the opportunity. I'm glad that you got the chance to meet him, even if you don't happen to remember it.
And us - we enjoy doing lots of stuff, don't we? Our 'special nights' with picnic dinners and movies; you helping me bake a cake or brownies; reading, or playing games. You are just so much fun to be around!
You're getting to spend a lot of time at your Maw Maw and Paw Paw's this summer. I'm so glad that you're getting that quality time with them and that they're able to keep up with you! Some day you will realize what a blessing this time and these memories are that you're getting to create with them. I hope that you cherish the memories you're making.
About you this last year:
Sports/Activities:
Awana's at church
Upwards Flag Football
Upwards Basketball
CS Little League
Cub Scouts
Taekwondo
(Yes, you keep VERY busy!)
You enjoy your sports, you enjoy watching and sometimes getting to go to the Aggie football games, but the best and most important thing about the last year is that you made the most important decision of your life this past fall - while fishing with Daddy at Jack's place - and accepted Jesus as your savior. We are so proud of you and pray that we help to mold and shape you to grow in Christ!
So, to celebrate your birthday, we actually had a family celebration this past Sunday (on Jacey's actual birthday, but her birthday party was the day before - so it was ok). I made a green dinosaur cake (at your request) and you opened just a couple of gifts.
But they were things that you had been asking for for quite some time....since before Christmas, I believe....
And I think you were excited to finally get them! So we all have to admit that you outgrew your Leapster....
We did a small family party because the big celebration was a trip to the Ringling Bros & Barnum & Bailey Circus ON your actual birthday. So we gave you the tickets on that Sunday so you could look forward to the circus, then went last night. You had a BLAST!
The tigers were taking a nap before the show.
You and Tatum could have spent a very long time just watching the elephants!
Exploring the elephant tooth on display.
Did I mention that you and Tatum would have happily spend the evening just watching the elephants stand around?
You and Tatum decided to get tattoos on your hands - both of them - and Tatum quickly made friends with this performer, who gave you guys LOTS of extra tattoos.
Dress up time!
Who's the ring leader?
Tigers! Tatum was enthralled and I'm not sure she blinked at.all. the entire time this part of the show was taking place.
The Bionic Brothers. And yes, they were *THAT* amazing!
These ladies bent in ways that just made me hurt watching them. Absolutely amazing. It made me want to go home and stretch. Not that I did, but I thought about it.
Another set of folks whose feats of strength were quite amazing!
Snakes!
And this guy, Mighty Meetal, managed to hold over a half a ton on his legs.
That's weights and a handful of people just balanced ever-so on him.
Incredible. Paw Paw was duly impressed.
This was by far the act he was most looking forward to during the show!
There were SEVEN people riding motorcycles in this cage. SEVEN!!!
A little someone was thrilled!
Everything was 'awesome' and she couldn't pick a favorite!
With their costumes and bouncing around, they looked like little flames bouncing all over the place!
Getting ready for the grand finale.
The kids had such a good time!
Happy birthday, Kellen! I hope that you not only enjoyed your birthday celebration on Sunday, but your birthday Skype with Aunt Boo, Mommy and Jacey, and your circus celebration. You had quite an eventful birthday yesterday!
Your mommy and daddy love you so very much and are so proud of the gentleman you're growing into!
Wonderful!
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