Jared The Great Turns Eight!

Today was the big day he'd been counting down for all month.  He thought it would be a simple affair, as birthday's normally are around here.  However, we decided to throw him a surprise party after his swim lessons instead.

It was such a beautiful day, all the kids play great together and went back and forth between the pool and playground for a few hours.  Jared is such a friendly kid, making new friends where ever we go. It was a perfect end to an eventful year for our boy Jared.  Over this past year he has shown himself to be a young man who is quickly growing into a great man, who smiles in adversity.

His brother Lance wrote that Jared is "happy, loving, loud, silly...a super great brother....very special to me".  He clearly loves his brothers and sister very much. Amber has designated him her "huggy buddy".

His father wrote in his birthday card "I am very proud of you and admire the courage, bravery and strength you have shown in the past year".

Those two glowing reviews cover a lot of who Jared is but there is still more.

He's very intelligent and works diligently to successfully complete all his school work.  But he likes to have fun too and science experiments with dad are a favorite.  He told me the other day "I like experiments because something normal can turn into something unusual."  Very profound :-)

He has an inventor's mind. He likes to play with Legos/blocks(with intricate stories to go along with his creation), create art, play pretend, make new names/languages and has a basic desire to do everything differently.

In addition to swimming this year, he took up playing golf and riding...

But since Boston he has reached all new heights....

First time getting up in the tree.

His physical abilities have improved dramatically.  He does not tire quickly like he used to. He can swim, run, jump, and play with the best of them now. It's a great and humbling thing to see. We are looking forward to what adventures and great accomplishments happen in the next year for Jared!

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.  Numbers 6: 24-26

LOVE YOU JARED!!!!