Patrick Is Ten!

There have been two ages that have hit me the hardest with my children. One was age 5...the other has been 10. When I saw the first birthday card arrive with that big 10 on it, I couldn't imagine where the 10 years had gone so quickly. A part of me feels as if we have had Patrick forever, while another remembers the day of his birth like it was only yesterday. He has brought so much joy to us with his wonderful sense of humor and kind heart. He's so mature for his age, yet loves to have a good time and laugh with those he's close to. Many people assume that he was forced to grow up quickly because he was barely a year old when Carter was born. Jeff and I know that this isn't so....he is the same person that he has been from the time he was old enough to have a personality. Patrick didn't become who he is out of circumstances, but was made by God to fit into the family that would be his.

Patrick woke up early, ready to open his gifts. He had said that he wanted to wait until we had cake, but he was too excited to even make it until breakfast. We were happy to let him go ahead!

After breakfast, we went outside to find some ants for Patrick's new ant farm. He asked for two specific things for his birthday...this was something that I threw in for the fun of it. Patrick has always loved to watch ants, so he was so excited when he opened this. It ended up being his favorite gift. He spent so much time watching those ants...okay, so did I!

Our neighbor, Josh, and one of his friends came over in the afternoon to play Bingo. I bought a bag full of little toys to give as prizes.

Patrick chose dumplings as his birthday dinner, which is the same thing he chooses every year! Finally, we had birthday cake, which Madison baked for Patrick. Afterwards, they watched a movie and slept on the living room floor.

Happy birthday Patrick! You have made our lives brighter for the past 10 years!!