In honor of Easton.

Happy birthday to our first-born.

When I looked into his eyes for the first time, I was stunned by how familiar he was.

I knew I had known him from before.

July 26, 2007

July 2008

July 2009

July 2010

July 2011

Easton, you are like a sun beam sent from heaven, filling our lives with light, warmth, energy, zest, and enthusiasm.  Your energy never ceases to amaze me.  Your creativity is beyond compare, and though you have a streak of mischief in you and though you are a rough-and-tumble boy to your core, still, you possess a sweetness and sensitivity that I rarely see in children so young.

Accomplishments:

Starting sunbeams and sitting so reverently every week.

Learning all of the primary program songs by heart.

Giving your very first talk on your very first Sunday in Primary all by yourself (the story of Peter walking on the water).

Learning to write your name. (and Tate's too)

Counting to 100 (with just a little help)

Learning how to bear your testimony in Family Home Evening.

Why Mommy loves you:

I love the way your eyes sparkle when you sincerely smile.

I love your funny faces and the way you tease.

I love how every time I smile at you, you smile back...no fail.

I love your pure, spontaneous laugh.

I love how sensitive you are to when someone is crying or hurt or sad.  You always offer love and hugs and often shed a tear with them.

I love the way you wrap your arms around me every night when I tuck you in and give me a kiss.

I love your cuddles when you wake up from your naps.

I love it when you ask after every story--whether it be from a book, from my head, or from the scriptures--if the story is real.  And if it is, you believe without question.

I love your faith in Jesus Christ and how you always ask Daddy for a blessing when you are hurt or scared or sick.

I love the way you tenderly care for Tate and set an example for him.

When I ask you if you have said good morning to the baby, I love the way you rub my tummy and give it a kiss and say, "Hi Banana!"

I love your testimony and how you naturally resonate with the truth of the gospel that we try to teach you.

I love how you completely and utterly tower over everyone your age.

I love your pictures...you've developed a knack for portraits of people with sticky up hair, big eyes and ears, and a tongue sticking out playfully from a huge smile.

I love how your imagination soars, you becoming Fireman Sam and putting out any fire I call in, or Father going to work or school everyday and riding away on your bike, or a horseman as you jump around the perimeter of the tramp.

Some words from Daddy:
I am sorry that I do not have the words to express like Mom does, nor do I know all the fancy words she does. I do know that I love you for being my son and for bringing with you the Spirit of God from heaven into our home with your presence. I love you for your kindness you can show to Tate when he needs your help. I love your willingness to help those around you as you serve. I love the way that you are willing to share almost anything when you are reminded that it is being like Jesus. I love your tender hugs and kisses before bed. I love the way you like to sit on my lap at church listening for the words "Jesus" and "temple" in hopes of a skittle each time you do. I love your stories retold from the gospel art book for family home evening lessons. I love you for being so stalwart and pure with a desire to be righteous in this wicked world. You are a son of God, Easton, and I am grateful to have you be such an important part of our family. I love you.