SEVEN YEARS OLD.

Hunter turned seven today!!  I think this is the first year that I haven't said it feels like just yesterday he was born.  It really does feel like it's been a while.  He made us a family, and we've been a family for so long now, it's hard to remember what life was like before him.  Seven is SO OLD to me.  Hunter has really matured this year. 

 

RISD gave us this Monday off after a week of spring break, so James and I both took off work so we could spend the day together.  Hunter's brother and sister didn't let him (or us!) sleep in much this morning (although, we did sleep over an hour longer than we would've if we had to go to work...so I guess that is sleeping in!).  We got up and immediately opened presents.  Hunter got 2 chapter books  because he's such an awesome reader and really enjoys it...Junie B Jones and Skylanders...

And 2 movies.  Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and the one he has been begging for, Indiana Jones!...

He also got an Angry Birds Go game and an additional Angry Birds character to go with it. 

I found this fun picture on pinterest of a rainbow for St. Patrick's Day, and since St. Patrick's Day is always extra special at our house because of H's birthday, I put it together.  Of course, mine didn't really look like a rainbow *sigh*...

I forgot to buy pineapple, so my banana messed up the shape, and I think that plate wasn't a good choice to shape my rainbow.  But, the kids loved it anyway!  Of course they ate the chocolate first:)

James, Char, Hunter, and I went to Studio Movie Grill to see Mr. Peabody and Sherman at lunch time, and then when we got home had birthday cake...

Then tonight, we went to Benihana with family.  Grandee and Poppy came by our house first to give Hunter his presents...

The Lego Movie game for his Xbox...

That was definitely his favorite gift!

Katie, Zack, Vanesa, Nanny and Grandad met the rest of us at Benihana for a fun dinner...

 

So thankful for our family!

 

Dear Hunter,

For your 7th birthday, here are my top 7 favorite things about you right now...

1.  Your manners - You are like your father in so many ways (which I love), but lately I've been noticing how thankful you are for things, just like your Daddy is.

2.  Your cuddles - Even at 7,you still come over to me at least 1 time a day to give me a hug or cuddle with me on the couch.  Please keep doing this!

3.  Your love for reading - You love to read and are still in the top reading group in your class.  (You actually made the highest grade on the reading benchmark of any of the other kids in your class, which I wouldn't tell you now, but thought you may want to know one day;)).  I hope you keep this love for reading always.  Books provide endless knowledge and feeling. 

4.  Your discipline - We have started a sticker chart for you to complete when you do your walking exercises, and you have been so good about staying on top of doing them.

5.  Your silliness - I adore your giggles.  I kept watching you during the movie today, because you thought the jokes were so funny!

6.  Your love for God - A parent has no greater joy then when their child trusts in the Lord.  You tell me that you have done that and know him as your Savior.  Your daddy and I consider it our greatest job to teach you more about Jesus and encourage and nourish your relationship with Him.

7.  YOU! - There is no one like you, Hunter.  I am so proud to be your mother...I can't tell you how many times I've watched you and literally felt my heart warming or a lump rising in my throat just because you are you.  I couldn't love you more, Boo.

Love,

Mommy