Ryan Turns Nine

Yes, Ryan is now nine and when I was looking at these pictures I couldn't believe how old he looks! He is growing up and I can't believe that next year I will have two kids in double digits. I don't want to think about that too much because it makes me feel old. I remember Ryan as a pudgy little baby who we used to call "Chunker" because of his size. He is still a hefty kid and my weight training comes in handy when I have to use my muscles to get him to go somewhere he doesn't want to.:) I can't tell you how much that I love this boy despite his stubbornness (which he must get from his father:)). He may resist my displays of affection in public, but is more than willing to accept it at home where no one else can see. Do I really only have nine or ten years left with him living under my roof?! The time goes too quickly and when I am reminded of this, it makes me want to stop and take more time with him and have more patience for him.

Ryan and his friends celebrated by eating pizza, playing laser tag and arcade games.

He requested a blue cake. It's been great that the family has been requesting homemade cakes lately for their birthdays. It saves money and they taste so much better with homemade buttercream frosting.

This is one of three nerf guns Ryan got for his birthday. He and his friends get together and have nerf gun battles. The guns are great and keep him occupied until he starts to use them on his sisters.