Grayson,

You’re a big boy now.  You can now function independent from your mom and dad, but you still have many lessons to learn.  I’m proud of the young boy you have become, and I continue to look forward to being your mentor and father for a long time.

This year you started baseball.  In your own words, it can be “boring” at times.  Your interest declines if the ball is not hit toward your direction or if it’s not your turn to hit, but I learned many lessons and made many friends on the baseball diamond that I intend to re-enroll you for next season. Here’s a picture from you at baseball, and enjoying maybe your favorite part – the post game snack:

You continue to play soccer because you enjoy the constant action, and I grateful that we can enroll you in multiple activities.  It’s already help mold you into an outgoing and fearless young man.  You’ve been social this year.  Any person within talking distance of you is a target for any conversation on any topic you deem appropriate.  You’ve talked to grandma’s at playgrounds, dad’s at soccer practice, the list goes on.

Just after your 4th birthday, you started school at Leewood.  Your transition was easy from KLA, and you’ve looked forward to attending every day with your new teacher Ms. Walker and all your new friends.  You have 15 minutes of homework on the computer every day using a program called Waterford.  It’s amazing to watch you navigate the lessons every day. Here’s a picture from your first day at Leewood.

You and I started Lego’s this year, and quickly you learned how to read the instructions and locate the pieces.  You still need me to help you build the Lego, and I have to admit it’s been fun to share that time with you.  Of course, all our Lego’s are Star Wars.  I can’t wait to watch all the Star Wars movies with you.

Last but not least, you and Lana have become best friends.  This can never change, promise me that.  She’s younger and smaller, but she’s strong.  Protect her, yet let her learn.  Stay close to her, yet give her the space she deserves.  Never let anyone take advantage of her.   Become the best big bother for her and your future baby sister – Kara.  Here’s a picture of you and Lana enjoying water balloons in our backyard, and a video of what happens daily in our home!

I love you with all my heart,

Dad