Eleven Years for Bud

I have a TWEEN!  It's crazy that it's been 11 years since Bud was born and it makes me realize that the time is not far off when he might choose to leave home for school or a mission for our church.  I am amazed at how times has flown and how he has grown.

Bud moving up into scouts.

Since he was 4 he has maintained his love of rocks and gems.  We decided to take him to a gem and mineral show in Tucson AZ to pick out a few things to add to his collection.  His love of these things has sparked interest in his two sisters who happily followed him, oh-ing and ah-ing at everything he pointed out.

Bud with his traditional birthday breakfast of mango sticky rice!

He has really taken Pumpkin under his wing.  In so many ways she is a softer, female version of him.  She loves to build things with Lego, play puzzles or the many games he invents for her.  She has learned from him how to 'tackle-hug' before bedtime.  It warms my heart to see that the age gap between does not hinder them from being close.

Since we've begun to homeschooling, he and Bug have grown close as well.  She's recently taken up chess and he is her greatest champion.  Often they can be found playing a game and he will show her moves a few steps  ahead to help her see how to win.  In recent tournaments he I've had to hold him back from coaching her so she could truly own her own victory.  She ended up achieving 4th place and he so proudly embraced her.  I can see how he has grown to love her and become best of friends.

Being the oldest has its burdens and at times he has shown how aware he is of it.  His relationship with Bubby is hard in that way.  In the months prior to his birthday we purchased tickets to the National Down Syndrome conference.  They have a siblings conference we hoped that some special time one on one with Baba and the opportunity to gain insight on what it means to be a sibling and future advocate for Bubbykins.

Dinner out with just Kent and I.  His favorite thing is the all you can eat ice cream!

He requested a geode cake for his birthday so I learned how to make rock candy and played around with modeling chocolate to cover his cake.  He enjoyed a playdate with some friends .

This was a cabinet for displaying his rock collection.

I'm so grateful to have this young man in my life.  His enthusiam and boundless energy keep me young.  He strives daily to be more responsible and it shows in his loving relationships with his family.  I am always amazed at his creative mind which has recently found expression in art.  The blessing of watching him grow and develop into a man is one I am profoundly grateful for.  Love you Bud!!