Happy Birthday Luke - Nine Years Old

In what felt like the shortest year ever, Luke went from 8 to 9 years old (on April 14th), and continued to completely steal our hearts.  We followed tradition and told him about the day that he was born and changed our lives for the better.  He was blessed with the sweetest soul, and is just so fun to be with - we were, and are, completely smitten with our "best boy".

Luke requested waffles for his birthday breakfast, and woke up excited for breakfast and presents.  He is always so appreciative of anything he receives, but the reaction when he opened his Nintendo Switch was even better than we had hoped for.  After a short breakfast celebration, he headed to school to celebrate with his class.

Luke's birthday ended up being really busy with school activities, dance for Ruby and soccer practice for Luke.  Once all of that was finished, Luke chose to eat at Pizza Pie Cafe and then end the day of ce celebrations at Nickel Cade.

For our Sunday dinner/family party, we have always had a theme, and a fancy cake with balloons, etc.  This year Luke told me that what he really wanted was my grandma's chocolate cake, and no real decorations.  I have to say that my heart was a little crushed, but also a little flattered that he loves the cake I make so much.  Maybe next year I can convince him to do something cuter.  

Luke had a small little party with his friends Sonny and Dylan at the trampoline park.  Unfortunately, he rolled his ankle within a few minutes of being there, but otherwise, the boys had a great time.

Over the past year we have had so much fun with Luke, and enjoyed watching his personality develop - there have been so many great memories made, and moments that I never want to forget.

 

This kid is often happiest when he is outdoors - digging in the sand, playing on the water, riding his scooter/bike/skate board, or any other adventure where he gets to explore nature.

Luke has such an analytical mind that I think I am sometimes surprised at his creativity.  Watching him learn to play the piano has been one of my greatest joys.  I love hearing him learn new songs, then transpose the songs, and then start to make up his own.  He is good to practice his assignments, but then spends a lot of his free time just playing the songs that he loves.  

While we were in Arches National Park, Luke built his own Balancing Rock.  His mind is always working and trying to figure something new to create.

Clearly he was inspired by Moab.  This is just one of the many art projects Luke has made - he does great in his art class at school, but most of the time, these are just creations that his does on his own.

Luke has continued his love of sports...soccer, tennis, golf, basketball, ping pong, and football.  

BYU football is currently the top of Luke's list of favorites.  He loves watching all BYU sports and has big plans to pay quarterback there one day.

Over the past year Luke has really expanded his friendship circle.  Drake remains his first best friend, and we try to get together with Sonny whenever possible, but he has made a lot of new buddies at school.  It has been good to see him learn how to navigate new friendships, and how to plan play dates with kids that don't live in our neighborhood.  

All of Luke's puppy dreams came true this year.  He has been asking for a dog for so long, and Hamilton has been the perfect pet.  I love watching Luke learn how to care for a dog.  They have the best time playing together, and especially love their snuggle time. 

I haven't been as good at keeping track of the little things that Luke says and does that make him so magical, but I have some from the past year and want to make sure that I remember the little details.

*After pulling weeds in the yard, he told me, "it makes me happy when I make other people happy."

*Told Ruby, "you need to take things more seriously in life".

*One night he was having a hard time sleeping because of allergies - he asked if I would lay down and sign to him because that was the thing that would help him calm down and feel better.

*Luke had his first experience with death when his favorite pet fish Nemo died.  He was so sad for himself, but was also so worried about others feeling too sad.

*He earned a penny board and became obsessed with learning to ride it.

*During the summer of 2020 he took tennis lessons and also attended a strength and conditioning class with his friends.  He loved getting stronger and showing off his muscles.

*Told me "I want to be an NFL player and then a prophet...what do you have to do to become the prophet???"

*Out of the blue one day he told me, "mom, I will always love you, even if you go to jail."

*In December we hade a serious talk about Santa...man it's tough when they grow up.

*One night he came and woke me in the middle of the night....he said that he had been  scared and just needed to know that he was ok.