Here we are again Jaxson, you and me, celebrating another year of YOU and how special you are. I guess I never get tired of seeing you grow, even though you were the sweetest baby, because each year you teach me something new about living, loving and enjoying life. You sure do know how to make the most of any day. This year though, I did notice how big you really are getting. Do you know what gave me the clue? Your legs. They grew inches and inches longer. One day you were the smallest in your class and this year you stand just as tall as most of the other children. Along with your legs getting longer you also learned a million new things this year. Some of them all on your own and not needing much help from Nana or Papa anymore. That was a bit sad but now we are use to you figuring things out. I would like to just point out a few things to you about this year that you might not remember when you get really big but I hope when you read this birthday letter and see some of the photos we took together, these memories will come back for you…It really was a special year, Buddy.

First of all, and probably most importantly, you have taught me how to really enjoy every minute of every day. When we are together you are the happiest little guy, all day long, unless you crash for a power nap, then I just sit and look at how sweet you are. Everything seems to excite you, from a great cup of tea, to a trip to the beach. Sometimes you have the most fun just driving your power toys around in the driveway. This year you even drove to the library in your car. I know, Papa was following you but you did make it all the way. Then comes craft time and you are all in. Magic markers and colored pencils are flying all over the kitchen and you continue to love working in the shop with Papa. Sometimes you do get sad if someone hurts your feelings and if you are feeling lonely. We talk, we both feel better and you shake it off. That was a good lesson for me to learn also…you know, the shaking off part. Everybody feels bad sometimes. You have learned so much in your first year of school. Kindergarten has been so good for you. You can now write almost anything and your reading is amazing. Even those task are an adventure, especially when we go to Barnes and Noble. You make me and Papa want to be like you. We get to enjoy the small things all over again because of your enthusiasm. I really hope that you travel all through your life with that crazy rhythm in your system. Toot, toot peanut butter, keep it going.

Above are a few of the things you like to do when you come over to Nana and Papa’s house. You love playing ball and riding all your toys… I see you even have Gracie in the back of your truck. I wonder if she was having any fun back there. So much fun to see you enjoying being outside.

The other thing that you loved this year was all the sports you got to play…and guess what, Nana and Papa got to go to most of your games. That sure was interesting to watch. I loved watching you play basketball the best. No so much for the game itself but for how fast you went running and got your hair all flying. You were so fast and more often than not, you did get the ball in the basket and sometimes your feet didn’t hit the floor.. My favorite though was how much you loved to dribble that ball. You were the best dribbler on the team. You made it look like a concert or an event. Go Jaxson. Then there was soccer…well that was interesting. So many kids on the field I could hardly find you. You all looked like little chickens running around. Now, this spring you are playing T-Ball. Wow, you are really good with that bat, sometimes it takes you a minute to drop the bat and run when you get a hit but next year you are going to be great at that. I think your team won the most games though…

Where can a little guy have the best fun though…of course, at the Maine House. You and Liam just love it there both in the winter and the summer. Papa and I both get so excited when we know you are coming up. The house comes alive the minute you both walk through the porch door. Shoes off, and if it’s summer clothes off, swimming suits on and heading to the dock…ah, but not before you give hugs and kisses. You are such a good snuggler still. I hope that never changes. Swimming, jumping, boating and campfires, all out in Mother Nature. Games on the deck and resting in the big chair. It still holds both you and Liam. It’s sure is our happy place and I’m so delighted that you love it so much also. Last summer you were able to swim out to the boat yourself and jumping off the trampoline was a new adventure. Tell me again about how you, Liam and Papa went to the store to buy water balloons and came home with a great big trampoline? Best summer story of tricking your Papa.

When summer came Uncle Chris took the family to a Red Sox game…remember how hot it was that day? You loved it at the beginning and then it got to hot for you so you and I spent most of the game in the food court…keeping cool and eating ice cream. It was fun though and you were a really good boy. Uncle Chris, Julia, Papa, Liam, and Me and You…All my favorite people. Mom had the day off…

Later in the Fall we took a trip to the Willows before they closed. Played a few more games, turned in our tickets, got some really cheap prizes and popcorn. Kind of junky but you boys love the Willows, and so do I. Another day we went to the Children’s Museum in Boston, then to Trident Books and Cafe (one of our favorites places ) to get lunch. Papa wasn’t happy that he got a $95.00 parking ticket though. I just love all our adventures. Jaxson, look at this photo of you, Liam and Papa. See what I mean about your legs getting so much longer. You look like a big boy there…and you are.

Then before you know it we were heading into the holiday season. I love Fall and winter up until Christmas. When January comes, not so much on the winter. I was looking over our time together during the winter and I came up with so many photos that I love of our time-spent together. You, me and all the rest of our family this past year. It was a good family year…you, Liam and Mom got a new house and it is so beautiful. Perfect for you and the dogs..I just wanted to share some fun family times with you…after all, it doesn’t always have to just be about me and you, right? Because we love our family…

You and your big brother Liam. You both look after each other and share great times together now that you are bigger. Just always remember to keep hugging each other.

Jaxson, I could spend hours writing about you and sharing photos with you from this past year but I know you don’t want this to be a book but I’m hoping someday you will love these little birthday letters I write. I do have a few more favorite photos from last year and then we will talk for a minute.

So, I guess I made out alright with choosing you to be my best Buddy. We have had a such a wonderful 7 years together, you, Papa and me. They just flew by so fast and all this time you were growing bigger and bigger from that Lil Sprout you were when you were born. Nothing got in your way back then and nothing has stopped you since. You are amazing..

So on this, your 7th birthday I just want to thank you for still hanging out with me. For still holding my hand when we walk, for still snuggling up when we read and for still making my heart skip beats when I see you come running to hug me when you arrive, wherever we are. I am so grateful that you still tell me the most amazing stories from your car seat..Oh my gosh, seven was the best year, but if it’s one thing that I have learned from you and your brother, it is that next year is going to be great also. I can’t imagine what you will teach me and where you will take me both in our world together and in your heart when we are apart…I love you Jaxson, I don’t think I could have ever asked for a better Buddy…Hugs and Kisses, Nana

Thank you to all who visit here and leave lovely comments. I read everyone of them and always respond. Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend…