Seven

Happy Birthday, Riley! I can't believe my firstborn is already 7! Wow! Time does fly, no doubt about it.

As Riley requested, he started his morning with gifts and then breakfast in bed - bacon, eggs, toast and chocolate milk. He had been up a good hour before breakfast was served but quickly tucked himself back in for his meal. Lance and I gave him a couple of action figures - Indiana Jones and Ironman as well as a book and $20 plus a promise to get him signed up for guitar lessons. He is most excited about the guitar lessons. Owen gave him the new National Treasure II on DVD. I'm not sure who was more excited about that gift, Riley as he opened it or Owen so proud of himself for giving his brother the perfect gift.

His party is next weekend. We've found from previous years that if we want his friends to be able to come, we don't need to schedule a party on Memorial Day weekend. So next Sunday afternoon we'll all gather at a local BMX track for cake and bike races. Riley is looking forward to it.

Riley, your Daddy and I are so proud of the young man you are becoming. A great athlete, a smart student, a compassionate brother and an incredible son. You are learning and growing so fast and it has been amazing to watch you learn and become independant on so many tasks just in this last year - reading, showering and riding a bicycle. I love your excitement about church and going to Sunday School as well as Wednesday night Awana's. You have an appetite to learn and you love to be around kids your age, whether you know them or not. You don't meet a stranger and it's so fun to watch you interact with others. We're looking forward to watching you grow more this year as I know you'll continue to surprise us. Do me just one favor, would you? Slow down! I love my 7 year old Riley but I miss my 1 year old boy at the same time.

We love you, Stink! Happy Birthday!