Sweet to be 7

On December 20th, Eli turned 7. Yes. You read that correctly. 7. Hard to believe how time has passed so quickly and that he is growing up....right before my very eyes.

As we were taking pictures in the backyard on his big day, I got goosebumps. I felt as if I could look into his eyes and see my teenage son. And then I almost cried. He's getting so big and soooo handsome.

Ok, backing up....on the eve of his birthday, he had his school program in which they were instructed to wear their Sunday best. Eli truly enjoys gussying up, and I helped by making a bow tie to match his suspenders (after searching for something and finding nada....just what mama needed, another project....ugh) He did so well in the performance and was excited to have a couple of his aunts in attendance too.

Eli woke up the next morning to our tradition of a decorated doorway and a breakfast treat...Mommy had already been out for DOUGHNUTS. Yes!

Jude was thrilled to be able to celebrate too. Who doesn't love birthday doughnuts?

He opened one (...maybe 2) gifts before heading to school. His main gift, we gave him early after his bike suffered a flat. We knew we had planned to get him a bigger bike for his birthday, so instead of fixing his little one, we went ahead and let him help pick out a new one.

After school, Eli and I had a fun time taking pictures and playing while the little boys napped. He truly enjoys being silly and is full of life. He barely sits still and is always thinking. He will talk your ear off, and most of the time, I love hearing what he has to say and how his mind works. It is fascinating and amazing all at the same time.

That night, Eli picked Hurricanes for dinner. The boy loves him so wings. Mommy and Daddy do too, so we don't argue. Aunt Susanna, Aunt Z, and Uncle Matt B were all in town and joined us for dinner in addition to Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Kristi, and Uncle Steve.

Eli likes hot wings. I mean, he really likes them hot, so we thought it would be fun to challenge him to a taste of the hottest wing sauce they make. We had been warned, and I tried a drop first (we got it on the side as to not ruin his food....), and it was ridiculous. I kinda started to freak out that this was a bad idea, but Eli was all about it and dove right in.

Needless to say, it was too hot. Too hot to taste good. Just ridiculous. But....he tried a drop. Go Eli!

After dinner, the entire crew headed back to our place for presents and cake. 

Overall, it was a super sweet day, and Eli has been showing many signs that he is truly growing up...in every sense of the word. Though it is bittersweet, I also love it. I love seeing him grow up, and I am anxious to see what this next year has in store for us. For Eli. It is going to be great. I am sure of it.

Though we had decided not to do a big birthday party this year. we still made time to celebrate with a couple of his buddies that weekend. Eli invited a few friends skating, and it was perfect. He is getting better on those skates....but no where near as good as he wants to be yet. Jude had an amazing time putting on a pair this year too. He rocked his training skates and pitched a fit (no! yes.) when it was time to go.

Happy birthday to our first-born, incredibly zany, super crazy, wicked smart, spy-loving, ninja-playing, Star Wars watching, mac-and-cheese munching, karate kid, Eli!

There is never a dull day around here thanks to you. You are amazing. Keep growing and changing and becoming exactly who you are meant to be.

God had big plans for you. And He blessed us more than we ever thought possible. Thank you for making us parents. That was the best day of our lives....

...and they keep getting better. We love you, sweet 7 year old.