Dear Mim,

Eleven. Really? Wow!

It’s been quite a year of travel for you. We went to Anaheim and San Diego last summer and saw Disneyland and had a blast at the NOAH conference.  Later in the summer and into the fall, we played tourists in our own backyard and saw Attitash, Mount Washington, and the Kancamagus Highway.  In November you went to Williamsburg with Grammy, Grandpa and Vern and had the tie of your life. In January you, Trisha and I made our second trip to Smuggler’s Notch and skied while Dad was in Vegas. MAN was it cold, but the skiing was great. The icing on the cake was our family trip to Hawaii in February. You sure get around kid!

Your tenth year has been a year of growth and maturity. With help, your focus has improved, your impulsivity has calmed and your frustration threshold is much higher. You’ve had a great year in 5th grade with Miss L. Your Exhibition project on the impact of video games was excellent. You are excited about Middle School but at the same time you aren’t really looking forward to leaving elementary school behind. Can’t say I blame you on either front.

In November, you earned your junior black belt in karate. You took a little break to focus on ski club and then went back to it and are doing very well. You received your Arrow of Light award in Cub Scouts and have moved up to Boy Scouts. You are enjoying your new troop and all the outdoor activities they participate in. In April you rode 23 miles on your bike and you had a blast at the spring camporee. Minecraft is still your thing, and when I kick you off the iMac, you go upstairs to play Clash of Clans with your classmates. Your imaginative play offline is in depth and detailed. You also still really like to read.

Lately, you’ve been sleeping a little later and starting a little slower. You’re still a morning person, but not quite as quick to start as you once were. I’m endlessly grateful for all the “I love you mom” ’s and the hugs.

Eleven will be a year of change, but I’m sure you’ll meet it with your trademark grin and boundless energy.

Happy Birthday!

Love, Mom