Better
late than never. Thanks to my mom documenting my documenting, she recently pointed out that I hadn't done a blog post for Tate's birthday.....So, here I am.
Tate turned 9. It fell
shortly following our trip out west, falling on the day of an out-of-town
family wedding reception, and right before he left to spend a week with grandma
at church camp. We celebrated, but not in typical fashion.
We let him pick out a
restaurant the night before his birthday as we drove out of town. He made his
usual choice, Buffalo Wild Wings, where he can eat chicken-with-the-bones-in-it
dunked in hot sauce and where they have free tablets for kids to play. The
servers shouted at him (it's what they do instead of singing) and brought him a
dessert.
My creature of habit's
request for his birthday was to go fishing. Third year in a row he's made this
request. Adam made arrangements with a buddy of his in the GR area and they
went out on his boat early in the morning to do some fishing.
Adam had seen online
an event at a youth center in GR where they were going to be unveiling a new
Ninja Warrior Course at their facility. Happened to be on Tate's birthday.
There were giveaways, bouncy things, and the chance to meet a couple of
American Ninja Warrior competitors. Stuff that boys' dreams are made of.
Then we attended a
family wedding reception. It was a lovely occasion, but probably not what
little boys' dreams are made of. :)......But Aunt Jaime was there from DC and
brought lots of table activities to keep the boys happy and occupied and then
she kidnapped them to take them back to her hotel for some pool time. They
didn't have suits with them, so she even took them to Meijer where she let them
pick out new towels and swimsuits.
Tate said it was a
great birthday. Next year for his 10th birthday, I promised him a party with
friends-if that's what he wants. We will avoid taking any trips/vacations at
that time. :)
Here's what Tate is
like at 9:
- Could spend hours
and hours examining bugs, rocks, creatures, water, etc. Loves nature and the
outdoors. Some of his prized possessions are geodes, animal bones, and
"really cool" dead bugs.
- Has trouble
finishing books. Doesn't have trouble starting them. He gets $1 for every
chapter book he finishes.
- Got a Garmin VivoFit
Jr for his birthday. It tracks his steps and activity. He typically has more
steps than his dad and older brother who also have fitness trackers. The kid
doesn't sit still for long.
- He can be really
loud at times (random yelling and noises)....but also extremely quiet at times
and a deep thinker and asker of deep questions.
- A very restless,
active, and light sleeper. Even anxious at times. We got him a weighted
blanket. Not sure if it has helped much as he's usually pushed it off of
him.
- He's long and tall
for his age. His feet are the same size as mine. He is 9! I wear a women's size
7.5/8.
- He has moments of
being very sensitive and showing deep concern for others. It really bothers him when others are picked on or left out. He has a very
generous heart.
He is an absolute gift
and we are so blessed to have him in our family!
