Happy Birthday, John!

 Two weeks two and a half months ago, we celebrated John's 10th birthday.  An event he had been counting down to for a few weeks.  And definitely from the beginning of April.  (Note to self, start making Happy Birthmonth quarter posts, it won't feel so late when you don't post on the date)

But, without further ado:  HAPPY BIRTHDAYQUARTER, JOHN!!!  Your patience in waiting for this post is not surprising, as you show the most patience of anyone in the family.  You wait all day to finally have a sibling to play with you.  (Fact check: False, he regularly pounces on at least two siblings if they even give the appearance of not doing work to fight a quick Lego battle or make up a story with stuffed Mario characters or...play Dr. Mario (this one is me))

You have had quite the year.  We spent a month in Kansas.  Highlights included Nana Bootcamp which came with a lot of donuts, kayaking with Aunt Katie (where they sang the chorus of "Living on a Prayer" at the...wait for it...halfway point), slumber parties with Oklahoma cousins, and eating the largest pizza we have ever seen.  This year you also were introduced to the magic of "Grandpa Time"...something you and Dom lament when it's over and you are stuck with "Mom Time". aka :"No Time".

In January you joined the ranks of Trail Life.  We elected to go this route for a few reasons, but the biggest being his meetings are at the same time and place as Molly's AHG meetings.  AND he gets to spend time with kids that will be in his classes next fall at Co-op.  He has loved these meetings.  How can we tell?  He never complains about getting ready to go, and then proceeds to not say a word to Eric for the duration of the meetings/events.  Anyone who is familiar with John's propensity to quickly be 'done' with anything outside of the house will appreciate the magnitude of this situation.

John and I have had several "John and Mom" activities over the last year.  Recently, he and I have started shopping at various Warehouse Stores together (Sam's Club and Costco...you can't beat those sheet cake deals).  I love spending this time with him, if for no other reason than we come home with large quantities of salty snacks.  The second I don't say an immediate no to that 42 pack box of Gardettos, it is in our cart and there is nothing I can do.  #YoungestChildPerks #DomKnows #HeDoesn'tGetThem #MowTheLawn

When John isn't helping me shop, pestering Molly and Will to play minecraft, building legos, or sitting quietly hoping no one will find him to do chores...he is doing chores with Eric.  In the last year, he's helped fix a dryer, fix the traverse, and fix the roof.  By the way, he's also fixed dinner.  He's actually pretty handy to have around.  He fits into small places...at least for now.

John still needs a nap from time to time.  He also will let me know when I should head to bed...because we are both tired.  Fact Check: Always True

I had been a little concerned about John's reading.  I went a different direction with some of his schooling.  He could read wonderfully, but I allowed graphic novels to be the bulk of his reading.  If you haven't discovered the Science Comic and History Comics, I highly recommend them as a source for learning basic information.  BUT! It does keep a kid from opting into chapter books when given a choice.  

However, I happily discovered that if I asked him to read for 20 minutes (after a complaint of "There is nothing to do"), he frequently would sit for an hour or more.  And when it came to Harry Potter...much more.  As a homeschooler, I had zero issues with him reading the entire day.  And once he completed the series, we knew we had to get back to Universal Studios!  For Butterbeer! (And several rides through Hogwarts Castle)

John is the only child lately that offers to help cook (and is actually helpful).  Here he is making Mutzenmandel

. 

A couple of good looking guys

Finally, John has taken a bit more interest in playing sports this year.  And not just the virtual versions found on video systems.  He tried both basketball and baseball this year (and an occasional run around the block).  I'm so proud at how hard he has practiced to be better for his teams.  This becomes a family affair and we have all enjoyed learning a bit more about these sports.  Well...not Dom, he's our resident expert and one of John's biggest cheerleaders.

Happy Happy 10th Year JOHN EUGENE ANTHONY!!  A decade with you has flown by and we've enjoyed every day of it.  You give the best hugs, tell the silliest jokes, and remind us all that home is the best place to be (accept on Saturdays which are chore days).  Why would we ever want to go anywhere else?  

No seriously...why.would.we.ever.leave.the.house...ever?

I do apologize this post took so long to get up.  And I know I missed a few things that are core memories.  But, I hope what wasn't missed is how much we love you and are so thankful that God intended you to be a part of our family.   

Do you think we should have another cake to celebrate?  Maybe from Costco?  Will did finish the last bag of Gardettos yesterday.  That might just be a sign.

Love you, John!

Mom