When A Boy Turns 9...

I have been thinking about Gabe's 9th birthday all summer. My brain seems unable to grasp this new number. 9. And the changes that I have noticed accompanying it. I see glimpses of the coming man. It startled me the first time--I noticed quite suddenly Gabe had heft--his shoulders seemed so much broader to me. And his hugs are STRONG. I thought--oh-- and was startled that it seemed like overnight the pudgy baby form had disappeared. Where was I? How did I miss it? I try so hard not to miss these things but there it was starting me in the face. So today September 18th we are celebrating Gabe. Happy Birthday honey!

And these are a few of his favorite things...

exploring

building models of boats, planes and tanks from WWII

hiking

catching frogs, crabs, snails and bugs

drawing

playing with his chickens

inventing

climbing trees

                                                   listening to stories
                                                              writing stories

                                                                   playing with his brothers

loving

sensitive

heart for helping

playing airsoft

fishing

riding his bike

building train tracks for Ean

making Ben laugh

exploring tide pools

                                                                  and caves
                                                                  and streams
                                                                  and rivers
                                         and anywhere in nature that looks interesting