Happy 10th Birthday, Zachary

 Dear Zachary,

Happy 10th Birthday to you.  A whole decade of Zachary!   Maybe it is because you are my youngest, but  I often have to remind myself that you are no longer a toddler. You are growing up but, in my heart you will always be my baby. You are a Momma's Boy, my little protector, my snuggle buddy. I hope it will never change. 

Zachary's Top Ten 

10. You love family trips. This year we went to Turks and Florida.  You swam in Grace Bay, the pools and went on the waterslides. You went fishing in the Keys and caught the most fish and the biggest.  You rode a jetski with dad.

9. You swam on swim team this summer for the first time.  You play basketball, flag football and lacrosse.  You love to workout with dad in the basement.

8. You are doing well in 4th grade.  It is a fun year for me, because it brings back memories of my teaching days. You have great friends in school and an awesome teacher who is a Gilman graduate!  You and Grayson are still best buds!

7. You spent a lot of time at the beach this summer.  You went swimming and to the park. You ate crabs,  açaí bowls and ice cream. You spent tons of money at the arcade and took home even more junk, I mean prizes!  Bonfires and fireworks on the beach were your favorite.

6. You like to read, especially graphic novels and the Diary of the Wimpy Kid series. But you love video games and your Ipad a little more 😉.

5. You love french fries, pumpkin muffins, steamed crabs, popcorn and pizza bagels. And this year for your birthday, you asked for old bay wings and coconut cake!

4. You are a wonderful artist.  You enjoy drawing comics and superheroes. I am always impressed with your artwork. 

3. You are my wild child.  You are the one who bends, and sometimes breaks, the rules. As a rule follower myself, sometimes your "no fear" approach to life drives me crazy, but I also know that it will take you far in life.  There is a quote that reminds me of you, "Strong-willed children grow into strong-willed adults who become world leaders, world shapers, and world changers..." I believe in you, Zachary. 

2. You have a personality that is larger than life.  You love to sing. You want to be an actor when you grow up.  You love attention and aren't afraid to do just about anything to get it. Making people laugh is your main goal in life.  

1. You have a heart of gold.  You love your family.  You are a loyal friend.  You say, "I'm sorry," when you are wrong. You are a conscientious student. You love fiercely and you aren't afraid to say it and show it! You have the absolute best smile.  When you smile, it lights up the whole world.  I love you so very much.  And I never doubt you love me too!

I hope all your birthday wishes come true.

Love, Mom