I’m trying to wrap my head around this. How did you manage to get to be ten already? Maybe it feels like it went by faster because Covid stole two of our years. One thing is for sure, you no longer can be called Lil Sprout because now you are growing into a most wonderful young man. One thing that you did keep for your Sprout days is your enthusiastic smile and love of words. I think it is going to be your calling card in life Jaxson because you are a natural at it. And yes, you do like money now. I am so proud of you for all that you have accomplished in your short ten years. Double digits are looking good on you. You are smart, handsome, and fun to be with whenever we get together. We don’t gather as much as we used to because Mom is home now and you are much busier with school and extracurricular activities. But we do manage a few trips off by ourselves or with Liam and those are my favorite days. Do you want to look back at a few of them? I think that would be fun. Actually, that is what my birthday letters to you and Liam are about. Someday, you can look back and remember your time with Papa and me…Gracie and now Daisy. I know for sure, that as we grow and get a bit older we don’t always remember everything from long ago so this will always be a good reminder for you. So even though you didn’t come every week last year, let’s see what special times we did share together.

Shortly after your birthday is the 4th of July. This year you and your family were able to spend the holiday with us at the Maine house. We always have the best of times together in Maine. It is our happy place and I also think it is your happy place also. It was a great week of swimming, boating, going to Freedom Cafe for lunch, and a bit of jumping off the docks. This year Mom and Jonathan brought your boat and that was super fun to cruise the lake in. All the dogs love the lake too. This year Finn, aka Dennis, came and learned how to swim also. We always seem to have very good weather when you come.

Later in August, you came back again and Uncle Chris, Julia, and Gus joined us. Papa and I love it when everyone is there. We have lots of laughs, great cook-outs, and campfires. We got a new big float this year that everyone seemed to like. I especially liked it. We tied it to the dock and it was great for jumping on. Gus really got into it. And when no one was jumping on it I would just lay on it and relax. So, good times in Maine. Restful times also, when the day is done or we are taking a break, it’s nice to sit on the deck and watch the world go by. My favorite is when the Loons sail by. Then at night they make their crazy haunting cry. A little reading and iPad time, perhaps even a nap. I’m not even sure if we got to Reny’s last year because of all the nice weather. I know for sure though, that we got to Gary’s for dinner…I finally remembered to stop saying Brays. So that is how our summer went. It makes me so happy that everyone loves Maine.

It is always a bit sad when summer leaves us because it is a beautiful season for just relaxing and doing the things we love and it is really a short season. But then all of a sudden, the leaves start to turn on the trees, a cool breeze waltzes in slowly when the sun starts to set and days that grow shorter and shorter and somehow Fall seem to be in a hurry to get here. There is a freshness to the air, a brilliant sparkle as the sun moves across the leaves and drops dappled light on the sidewalks. Long shadows appear when the light hits the trees, houses, and people. We finally give in and welcome fall with open arms and warm wool sweaters. Then there is flag football. You have improved your game so much Jaxson and last year you were a pleasure to watch. You understand the concept and now you run like an eagle with wings and always with a smile on your face. It isn’t easy sometimes when you lose a game but after a quick disappointment, you turn around and shake hands with your opposing teammates and become a really good sport. No fussing. It really made the Fall such a fun season and it also gave Papa and me a chance to see you every week. At the end of the games, we were always rewarded with hugs and kisses from our special boy. Thank you for that Jaxson. You are truly one of the best.

You were so good in every position that you played. Thanks for the entertainment Jaxson.

Also, I did want to point out that when you weren’t playing your own games you were always there to support Liam as he played his games. I love that photo of you and Mom having a fun conversation. I’m glad I always have a camera with me.

You and Liam checking on something on the phone. Mostly, I try to keep you guys off the phone when we are together but sometimes it doesn’t always work. Happy Birthday, Liam. Thanks for still hanging with Papa and me sometimes. We love you both.

Since we don’t have so much alone time now, we do have more family time and that is a really nice thing. This year Uncle Chris and Julia had us all over to their house for Thanksgiving. I thought that was great. I didn’t have to cook (except for the turkey) and they did a really nice job. You and Mom waiting for dinner.

Here we are again, back in the bleachers, this time it’s basketball. This is my favorite sport that you do. I love how fast-paced this game is and I love to see you running. You are very busy all winter long…go Jaxson.

Well, it looks like Christmas just rolled up to your house. So many gifts. You are a gracious receiver of gifts though. You enjoy them all, thank everyone and then get right into enjoying the day. I see you even had your Dickens Village up and on display. Yea. You and Julia seem to be relaxing quite nicely in that new “made to fit your body” lounge chair Santa left. I wonder where you will find the space to house that baby. A race car that Tucker thinks is neat and a pinball machine from Papa and me for your house in Maine. You must have been a very good boy last year to get such great gifts. Ah, I think you’re a great boy every year.Merry Christmas Buddy…

And here we are back at Father’s Day. I think this is Papa’s favorite day of the year. You boys, Mom and Uncle Chris bring him so much joy. He is so lucky to have all of you but I think you would say that you are lucky to have him also. I have always said we are not a big family but we are a loving family. Thanks Jaxson for all the love, especially this year as you grow up and start to become your own person. Learning what you want to do and where you want to go. Making new friends and having more time for yourself. You are headed in the right direction for sure. But always remember you will always have Nana and Papa watching over you and keeping track and probably slipping a few bucks in your pocket also.

So here you are two days before your tenth birthday. You are so handsome and this year you have grown by leaps and bounds, from one little 2 pound sprout ten years ago. You have managed to take hold of our hands along the way and mostly you took our hearts. We will be watching you closely as you move on into the rest of those double digits years. I know, because of how much you care about others, that we will always be a part of your life and some days you might even call and ask me if I want to go to tea. You know my answer would always be yes…Happy Birthday Jaxson. What a beautiful miracle you are. Love you so much, Nana