Eight is Great!

Dylan is a prototypical middle child. He never asks for much and for the most part keeps the peace (unless he decides it's time to torment Sophie). He is very much self-directed and is a great helper. If you start him on a project, he will be there until the end. He is growing up as all kids do, and I have had so much fun watching him come into his own this past year. He is quietly becoming an excellent student. He comes home and does his homework without asking. He has great handwriting, is a proficient reader and is intensely curious about science and religion ironically. He scored a near perfect math score on the AIMS test and had straight A's on his report card.

His ability to focus proved him a formidable pitcher on his little league team and he is my choice for most improved in football this year. Dylan doesn't require a lot of praise and is so quiet that he can get lost in the shuffle, but when I sit down and start thinking about his talents and abilities it's pretty impressive. My favorite thing of all about Dylan is his funny sense of humor. He can make us all laugh out loud with his antics. It's hard to explain, you just have to experience it. And if you aren't in his inner circle, you won't see it. He will play with Lani and Sophie for hours, and has a tender heart for animals and little kids. 

When I thought about what to do for his birthday, I wanted it to be special but it is so easy to cut corners with him because he doesn't really seem to care. One of our favorite stories about DB happen this spring at a Little League game he was pitching in. He was the starting pitcher and was just having an off night. Young pitchers are only allowed to pitch a certain number of pitches and they usually run out in the third or fourth inning. After throwing 12 straight balls and walking the first three batters in the first inning, Wes decided to pull him and try someone else. On the way home he asked me, "Mom, did I hit my pitch count?" He's so oblivious to some things, but so tuned into others.

So we thought it would be fun to do something a little different for his birthday. Thanks to Grandpa Jim's generosity, we were able to sneak him out of school a bit early and go use his boat Saguaro Lake.  The kids had a great time and I can't think of a better place to be on a record setting 117 degree day.

I love these boys and this girl. I debated on whether to even take Sophie, but she didn't even hesitate jumping right in the lake. She might have had the best time of everyone.

Here is a rare genuine smile from the birthday boy. Most of the time he goes to great lengths to make sure he appears mentally disabled in all photos taken of him.

Por ejemplo...., (That's "for example" for you gringos)

I think it has been about 20 years since I water skied, despite it being one my favorite things in the world to do. I was happy that I still had it in me. (That's a thumbs up, not a middle finger in case you wondered.)

It was a fun day that culminated with an ice cream cake and an insta party that we are able to pull off now with our little San Tan Valley commune.

Happy Birthday to my cute Dylan Buddy! Assuming he passes his baptismal interview, he will be baptized on September 17 at 1pm. Come one, come all! Let's show this middle child some love.