Samuel's 9th Birthday

Our final year of single digit children has begun.  *Sniff sniff*  Samuel could not have been more excited for his birthday!  All week he was giving us play-by-play accounts of "this is my last ___ of being 8".  He had his day all planned out down to the time he would wake up.  He told us he was going to sleep in until 9:00AM so that we could get everything ready for his birthday.  Haha, not sure what he was expecting, but hopefully he was not dissapointed.  We told him he didn't need to have each minute of the day planned out and that he should just enjoy it as the day unfolds.  (He woke up at 7AM, by the way).  Yesterday he officially told Emma: "You may have my #8 now that I am 9".

Samuel, you are one sentimental boy!  So sweet and appreciative for all the little details of life.  You are a true joy to us and make our family so special.  You have grown by leaps and bounds this past year and are no longer our "little boy", but a young man.  God is working in your heart and giving you such compassion for others, a desire to know truth and seek that in God's word, a desire to do all things well and an increased level of perseverance.  You are our little budding musician, scientist and theologian.  We love your continuous stream of questions and pray they never stop.  We wish you the best year of life yet, and can't wait to walk another year of life with you.  

Yesterday we had a leisurely morning and then opened up presents before heading out for the afternoon. He loved all of his gifts and his dream came true of having his own microscope.  I didn't realize he had that dream, so kuddos to Papa and Nano for helping him realize his dreams.  He loves science and now we ALL will get educated on random science facts in microbiology.  Seriously, I learn so much from this kid!  Luca and Emma made very special cards for Samuel.  Emma also made him a stuffed mouse and paper top.  I love to see their love for each other expressed in their own little ways.  He also received books, DVDs and legos.

We went out for lunch and then went to the theater to see "The Muppets".  It was a fun afternoon and we all enjoyed the movie.  So nice to not have Luca getting bored because of the language issue, thus making our theater viewing more enjoyable.  We came home to a house filled with the aroma of marvelous meatballs in the crockpot per Samuel's request.  He had several phone calls, enjoyed his dinner and then ended his special day with the Star Wars Millenium Falcon Cake.  He said it was the best birthday ever.  Mission accomplished!

Thank you so much everyone for your sweet cards, e-mails, gifts and phone calls.  You ALL were a part of making this Samuel's best birthday ever!  We love you!