Happy Birthday, Will! Due to our move, scout camp, my tendency to procrastinate, and the computer programmers conspiring against me, this is a bit over a week late. But, as we are homeschoolers, there will be no docking of points for missing a deadline! (Right?...I mean you use that excuse regularly)
However, that does not take away from the wonderful year (+1 week) you had. We knew it was going to be a last one in Virginia and tried to make the most of it with loads of time spent with friends, trips to the beach, trips to the mountains, a epic trip to Gettysburg, and to...Missouri. Where you played a lot of chess with Peter.
As a result of our move, people booked trips to visit us all spring. And I got to see you with Timothy.
Who you watched over like a hawk. Which was good, because John did not. 7 year olds...amiright?
Last October you received the Sacrament of Confirmation and it was a beautiful day. And completed Deacon Tom's quest to take pictures with our kids on a sacrament day. Mission Complete! *
It was a beautiful day and we were so thrilled for you to enter the church fully as an adult.
Only one thing could have come close to topping our happiness that day:
Rock Chalk Forever!
With Confirmation came the Black Cassock and you wore it beautifully. We have come such a long way from when I use to hold my breath watching you serve hoping you wouldn't forget something. Now you are holding the bucket and chasing priests around the sanctuary. Well done, Will!
Scouting has continued to offer experiences that allow you to thrive. Not the least of which that you are a leader and younger scouts seek you out to get requirements signed off. I am sure the patience you showed with Timothy comes through as you work with these kids. You also remember being in their shoes not so long ago and try to help them be comfortable. This empathy is a wonderful character trait in you, Will! And I see it frequently.
 |
Scout camp has also provided a new budget goal: Sailboat
|
 |
You are a wonderful brother to Dominic and John. Playing along when they are doing something you find ridiculous. I appreciated it. They can always count on you for a "yes."
|
This year was a year of firsts, again. We went to Virginia Beach in August and headed to Bryce Resort in February for a day of icy skiing. It was much harder than any of us expected, but you kept at it all day and grew in confidence and even went down the mountain a couple of times by the end.
 |
(I can't exactly tell if this is you or Dom...I'm pretty sure it is you...let's just go with that)
|
 |
This is definitely you
|
We have played loads of games this year. Loads of strategy games. To be honest, I thought this was a picture of Ticket to Ride Germany, but it is actually Medieval Risk...which is not nearly as bad as I originally thought. I still prefer Ticket to Ride...or even Catan Seafarers. But, I always love playing with you as you cackle your way to victory. Unless Dom somehow pulls out the victory. Which he does far more frequently than he should...I mean, he barely contemplates his moves for a few minutes...we are thinking about our strategy for hours, if not days before the game commences!
I made you and Dom serve with John at the 6:30 AM Mass when you technically didn't need to as you had been Confirmed. And you never complained! We didn't even really have to wake you up. Those breakfast burritos helped, though.
 |
A Top 5 of favorite spur of the moment Halloween Costumes.
|
 |
And now some of his favorite things (not running...though he will do it)
|
 |
He loves school
|
 |
And digging holes
|
 |
And Kale Salad
|
 |
And Creating Balloon Animals
|
 |
And Birthday Cake
|
Happy 14th Birthday, William Thomas!! I truly cherish every day I get to spend with you. I can count on you to help when I need it, or at least to avoid my line of sight so I don't know you aren't helping. Which...really is better than flat out not helping. You are a loving brother to your siblings and I see you swallow your pride and impatience as you work to be a better one for peace in the home. You are always up for learning new things (even if it is a delaying tactic from working on schoolwork...though, if the schoolwork is interesting that counts as new things and you will tell anyone who will listen about it). I love watching you play games with John as you laugh at his antics and hearing your conversations with Molly and Dominic about the most recent social gathering or book you are reading and listening to your plans for World Domination in Axis and Allies even if I have no idea what you are talking about. But, the Germans are still bad..right?
Dad and I also love seeing the reverence you have when you attend Mass, Adoration, and say the family Rosary. Thank you for the example you set for others (John).
It has been a wonderful year and we made the most of it. Even if your favorite days are the ones where there is nothing to do and all day to do it. I pray that the next year will be equally wonderful as we settle into our new life in Ohio. I know with you under our roof, the odds are greatly in our favor. We love you and Thank God you are in our family!
Love,
Mom
*Pictures with Deacon Tom
