Happy 7th Birthday, Derick!

Where has the time gone....?  How can it be that our first born son is turning 7?  And yet, he is and has become quite the big boy.  He has been growing like a weed, measuring up to my arm pits now.  He is still a busy guy, not slowing down for much.  He is learning how to play baseball with his Daddy, right now.  And he still enjoys riding his bike, playing soccer, running wild at the park and swinging out in the back yard.  Derick loves to read; on the days that I bring home new library books, he sits down and reads through them all right away.  Writing is still a challenge, although his spelling and penmanship is getting better.  He and his sister spend endless hours "playing a game" which is their way of saying make believe.  They come up with all kinds of stories together.  Legos have become his 'quiet time.'  When Derick needs a moment to re-group, they are his favorite.  The kits don't stay together for long, but rather he creates his own machines/vehicles/and stories. 

We celebrated his special day with a pool party this year.  It was our first time not hosting a gathering here at home.  But we have found that as the kids get bigger, our house feels so much smaller!  Derick wanted to invite more friends this year, so we had a few school buddies and his long time favorite, Savanah, join us and the family for some splashing good fun. 

 Derick and Darla in the water.

 My happy boy, swimming with family and friends.  He even braved the diving board!

 Cousins Jewel and Sydney.

The after party, on the deck.  We got a little warm, but it was still fun to see all the smiles and taste the yummy cake.

Happy Birthday, my sweet, sensitive, funny boy.  We love you dearly!!