Counting on Two Hands

Claycito~

I can't believe you are 6! This year has flown by, and you have grown so much in many different ways, though you are still a little on the small side when it comes to your physical size. They say good things come in small packages, and you are certainly living proof of that! You have the biggest heart of anyone I have ever met and are absolutely a joy to be around!

Since your last birthday you have spent time in New Zealand, Hawaii, Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Texas, and Florida. And you are looking forward to our summer road trip, which starts next week and will take us through the western U.S. and Canada. You were born to travel, and you do it very well.

You rocked Kindergarten this year! You enjoyed working on math problems in your green book, learning to read books almost completely on your own, drawing pictures and writing short narratives to go along with your history lessons, and zipping through your spelling book. You also sat in on any class with your siblings that you could and absorbed knowledge like a sponge. Additionally, you had your first chance to be a part of a CC class, and you thoroughly enjoyed each community day and made it enjoyable for others as well.

You decided to try baseball this year and played both in the fall and the spring. At first, your main objective was sharing snacks with your teammates after practices and games, but you eventually began to focus on learning new skills. I could definitely tell you improved throughout the two seasons. You get so excited when you hit the ball off the pitch rather than off the tee, which has been happening more and more frequently. You have also been taking swim lessons and are getting better and better all the time. It won't be long before you are racing your siblings across the pool.

Speaking of racing, you recently decided you were ready to learn to ride your bike without training wheels. It took almost no time for you to get the hang of it and to start yelling over your shoulder, "Race!" as you took off down the alley. On the same day of this great accomplishment, you also learned to tie your shoes and were able to take out the trash all by yourself. You are becoming more and more independant, and we are so proud of you!

You have developed an interest in cooking and are thrilled to have your own little stool to use for that purpose. You are especially fond of making fruit salad and are proud that you can do it without assistance. It's your "specialty," though you are happy to lend a hand with anything in the kitchen and even helped to make your birthday cake. You also help clean up after meals and often ask about jobs that need to be done.

You absolutely love to dress up, sometimes in costume and sometimes in dress clothes. Sometimes you will come out of your room as a ninja/cowboy/astronaut (or any other combination), and sometimes you will come out requesting help with your tie, because you love your fancy clothes and wear them on a regular basis. And regardless of your attire, it is almost a certainty that you are carrying a weapon or three at any given time.

You love drawing and have checked out every children's drawing book from the library multiple times. You very carefully follow the step-by-step instructions, and you often impress us with what you are able to produce. You give away many of your pictures, but you also run a store out of your bedroom. Your drawings usually cost "one piece of American money," but sometimes you will run a two-for-one special or, rarely, raise your asking price when you are particularly fond of a drawing. Other forms of art, like music and painting, also appeal to you.

Months ago you came across a brochure for Dinosaur World, and you immediately knew that was where you wanted to spend your birthday. You have been talking about it daily and eagerly awaiting the day we could go. A couple of days ago, you brought me the brochure because it had a map on it, and you wanted to make sure we knew how to get there. You had a blast seeing all the dino statues and digging for fossils and excavating bones and playing on the playground. You told me you thought it was your favorite birthday ever! (This may be true, but I'm pretty sure you say that every year!)

Clay, you are joy personified. You make every day happier and every room brighter. You love deeply and openly. You are a giver and a helper. Even at six, you know what it means to really live, and you are teaching me. I almost feel as if my heart isn't big enough to hold all the love I have for you. I am so thankful for you! You are my favorite six boy! Happy birthday!

Love,
Mom

Six Years Old!