Ryan, who started first grade last week, has matured much in the past few months. I see it mostly in his handsome face. I also see it in the way he stands up to his brother more often.
Brendan, now in fourth grade, is getting taller and enjoys engaging us in "adult" conversations. (He'll greet Ken after work, asking, "So Dad, how was your day at work today?") His maturity is showing, too, as he eagerly takes on more responsibility around the house. His favorite this summer has been mowing the yard occasionally.
So, Ryan at 6:
- He stands tall and remains skinny. You can see his muscles quite well, courtesy of swimming.
- He has not lost a tooth yet, but his two front bottom teeth are in. Hopefully, he'll lose his stubborn baby teeth soon.
- His favorite foods: pizza, hot dogs, BBQ, watermelon, strawberries, bananas, peanut butter sandwiches, ice cream, carrots. He tends to be a tad picky right now. I'm hoping he'll grow out of this phase soon.
- Ryan loves sports. Right now, he's swimming and playing soccer. When he's at home, he's acting out football games with his toys. Future play-by-play broadcaster, perhaps?
- Ryan is a motivated, determined little guy.
- Ryan also has a big heart. He is particularly sweet and sensitive with his little sister.
- He loves Star Wars, is getting into Legos, enjoys Pirates of the Carribean, but remains loyal to his cars.
- Ryan is collecting Pokemon and football cards.
- Ryan is fiercely competitive. I know this will serve him well in many situations, but on family game night, it can be a bit much.
- Ryan competed in his first triathlon a few days before his birthday. He was a bit nervous, but loved it.
- Ryan is beginning to read more and more. I expect first grade will be a BIG year for him!
Brendan at 9:
- He's tall -- 48.5 inches -- and weighs 72 pounds.
- He's grown to love his long, curly hair, but still hates it when I brush it.
- Brendan enjoyed swimming year-round this past year and playing soccer. He'll keep swimming, but he's going to give baseball a try this fall.
- Brendan is also a sports guy and enjoys watching any games on TV with us.
- Brendan is an avid reader. This summer, he re-read the Harry Potter and Percy Jackson series, just for fun. He continues to amaze me with the details he can recall from these stories, his comprehension, and his appetite for wanting to read more.
- He continues to love his Legos. His latest challenge: choose a Lego creation from his Lego Star Wars or Lego Harry Potter books, and attempt to build it on his own.
- He was an all A student in his first year to receive grades (in third grade).
- Brendan still misses Michigan. Yesterday, he said, "I'm still not fully settled in."
- Brendan would eat pizza every day if he could. He loves it, along with his newfound love for cheeseburgers. He also loves peaches, nectarines, strawberries, pears, cinnamon rolls, ice cream, brownies, chocolate chip cookies, and tacos made like Grammy's.
I could go on and on, but these are some of the highlights of my sweet boys.
