The Boy

Sixteen years.

Sixteen?  How is that even possible?

Just last week he was a tiny baby (and I was barely more than a child).  Just yesterday he learned to walk and play card games and tap his toe to the rhythm of the music.

There's just no way that my little baby has become this broad-shouldered, nearly six foot tall man-child.  It doesn't seem possible. 

And yet, here he is.  He's an amazing kid.  He...

• makes amazing chocolate chip cookies.
• loves video games.  A lot.  But a few days ago he decided to skip having any game time until he returned from a trip downstate because he knew he was going to have lots of extra time for his birthday - such a mature idea!
• has a 5 year old best friend.  He and Pookie are two peas in a pod.
• loves to draw and is constantly making strides to improve his skills.  His favorite subject?  Dragons.
• would rather play Phase 10 than any other card game and most any other board game.  It's been his favorite game since he was about 11.
• likes spicy food.
• is into the fantasy genre more than any other.  He loves Dungeons and Dragons, Magic: The Gathering and any book or movie involving dragons, elves, spirits, wizards or sorcerers, etc...
• is an avid reader, devouring an average of two books a week.
• has a current overall grade of 96%.
• helps out whenever I ask, with little or no attitude.
• has a great eye when it comes to photography.
• likes rock music and sings along when he thinks no one is watching/listening.
• was adopted by Bryant when he was 4. 
• refills the bird feeders for me whenever they need it because he knows I can't reach the tops very well and he can.
• is crazy smart, super creative and all around one of the coolest people I know.

Happy birthday, Baby!  I love you!