We officially have a TEN year old! How did that happen? I know every year I say I can’t believe how old the kids are getting, but REALLY!?!
James is such a unique, thoughtful, amazing kid. He’s more independent now in a lot of ways; Kenny and I continue to learn how to back off here and there to let him handle new things. This month for the first time James stayed home by himself for a short time which is a huge independence! I was attending a baby shower, Kenny and Anna ran a few errands, and James enjoyed a little bit of quiet to himself. In the past when we’ve asked James about this idea, he’s been strongly opposed so of course we waited. Most recently when Kenny asked him about staying home on his own, his reply was, “Sure!” Our boy is growing up. James did a great job on his own and is eagerly anticipating the next time we all need to be gone. 
A few weeks ago James and I had a date night to ourselves and I so enjoyed hanging out with him. We saw How to Train Your Dragon 3 in the theater; the first time we’ve seen a movie just the two of us. It was fun! We loaded up on popcorn, candy, and soda – the works for our fun night together. The movie was really very good – we laughed, we cried, well, I cried, and James leaned over and said, “Are you crying?” He was so shocked I was crying at an animated movie about dragons.
We had James’s birthday party last Saturday; a Halo party. Video games are a rarity in our house so James really wanted to celebrate 10 with playing Halo. Kenny pulled off a fun set up in the basement to play four people at a time and they had a blast. James requested cookie ice cream sandwiches – chocolate cookies with white chocolate chips and strawberry ice cream – and orange crush soda for the party. What a fun combo! Afterwards we went out for Mexican to celebrate our birthdays together and enjoyed a fantastic meal.
On James’s actual birthday we brought chocolate cake donuts to school for his class and I made tacos and guacamole that night for dinner. Chocolate and tacos were a theme for James this year!
James, we love you so much and are thankful for the gift that you are. You made us parents first and we will always be grateful to God for you. May the Lord bless your coming year!