I can't even begin to tell you how thankful I am that you came into my life eleven years ago! Since that day, you have been helping me learn how to love in ways I never previously imagined and to grow and improve as a person. You have helped me see the world in new ways, and I honestly feel that just knowing you is a privilege. That's not to say our life together is without challenges, but more and more I can see that getting through those challenges side by side is part of what knits our hearts together. You are an amazing young man, and I am so proud of you!
You tried some new things this year, including yoga, an online coding class, a foam run, seeing a Broadway musical (Les Mis), visiting several new countries, saxophone lessons, camping with the Boy Scouts, packing and delivering boxes for Lovepacs, and classes one day a week at Arrow Christian Academy. It takes bravery and a sense of adventure to attempt new activities and to do things you've never done before, and it's important to have many different experiences so you can start to find the ones that light you up. I'm so proud of you for your involvement in and openness to each of these experiences.
Arrow is your favorite, and you are specifically enamored with your robotics class there, though you also enjoy your other classes, which include History, Science, P.E. and a couple of study hall periods. You look forward to working on your robotics project every week and to interacting with old and new friends.
Your great love of reading continues, and you have read numerous books both for school and for your personal entertainment. You have explored classics, fantasy, biographies, National Geographic magazines, and many other genres. You have many interests and are never really bored as long as you can find something to read. And you are particularly fond of series that allow you to really connect with the characters over a longer period of time. Reading helps foster your curious mind and creative imagination, and I'm so glad it is a true love of yours.
In the spring, you wrote your first in-depth research paper for Essentials about Abraham Lincoln. You read many books about him and developed a great love for him. And you did a wonderful job presenting your paper, in costume, in front of a large audience at the end of the year.
You've been really in to board games this year and have especially enjoyed playing Ticket to Ride, Settlers of Catan, and Dungeons and Dragons. Through the games, you have been learning a lot about strategy, teamwork, adjusting your plan when things don't go your way, and many other important skills. Plus, you've been having lots of fun!
You have also spent lots of time outdoors having Nerf wars with your new neighborhood friends, playing outdoor games with your siblings, hiking with the family, whittling, and working on our new outbuilding with Dad and your brothers. You genuinely enjoy the Great Outdoors, and I'm amazed at everything you've found to do with a simple stick.
We spent a couple of months in the summer traveling in South America. You got to hike around Machu Picchu, fish in the Amazon River, sandboard in the Atacama desert, fly over the Nazca drawings, ski in the Andes, feed and pet llamas and alpacas, get up close and personal with the Moai on Easter Island, see where the desert meets the sea, visit ruins, eat different foods, practice some Spanish, and experience some cool cultural activities. You are a great traveler and enjoyed all the experiences tremendously!
You planned your birthday celebration completely on your own, working within the budget Dad and I set for you and the time constrictions our schedule required. You managed to squeeze in donuts, fun and games at Corky's Gaming Bistro with your friend (which included arcade games, axe throwing, and an escape room, all of which you were pretty awesome at), a lasagna dinner and movie at home, mint chocolate chip ice cream and homemade (by you) cake pops. You demonstrated determination, creativity, flexibility, and frugality throughout the planning process, and it was so cool to see how hard you worked to create the perfect day for yourself.
Max, I have seen you push yourself this year in a variety of ways to try to become the best version of yourself you can be. I have seen you work hard, and I have seen you play hard. And, I have seen new levels of maturity from you. You have a curious mind, an incredibly sweet heart, a passionate spirit, and a strong, healthy body. You have so many skills and talents, and you are an extraordinary person, who has a very bright future to look forward to. Thanks for letting me be part of your life! I love you, and I hope your birthday and the coming year are truly amazing!
Love,
Mom
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| Killin' Eleven! |
