Last year in the single digits!

For Ryan's 9th birthday we had a celebration on both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday Ryan got to take his friend Jack, along with the rest of our family, to see "How to Drain Your Dragon." Very cute movie...I would recommend it!

On Sunday, all of the family got together for ice cream sundaes at our house. Yum! His birthday wishes were fulfilled when he got a water gun, 2 nerf guns, starwars laser gun, legos and a skateboard. What more could a nine year old ask for...weapons and transportation?

Nine things I love about Ry:

10. His good attitude. With three females in the house I am sure this has become a survival mechanism for him. He goes with the flow so easily and isn't hard to please.

9. Bravery. Ryan had to get a brace on the roof of his mouth in his first steps toward braces. He was so nervous. When we went in and got it done I know he was so scared but he took it like a champ!

8. Compassion. Ryan came home one day last week after I had been cleaning most of the day and opened up the pantry door and said "Well, I see you've done some cleaning today. Looks good mom." Thanks for the acknowledgement Ry!

7. He is very social. Ryan will play with anyone, anywhere. As long as he is moving and outside he is happy. He will go down the street looking for his friends without hesitation, ready for a basketball game. He has also befriend three neighbor boys in my mom's neighborhood that he plays basketball with every time we are over.

6. He keeps us on track. Ryan reminded us that we need to get up a few minutes and do scripture study in the morning. For Ryan this is a stretch since he is not much of a morning person.

5. Sense of Humor. Ryan has a silliness about him that comes out every so often. Usually it's when he is playing with Abbey and he is feeling couped up! He made up a song that goes "my name is Ryan and I am Funky, cause I like to get funky on the dance floor". We were also listening to conference and President Monson told a story about how his wife told him he was tall and skinny so he better go in the Navy. Ryan thought that was hilarious. He stood up and said "I'm tall" and shook his belly "and skinny...well kind of skinny." Then dropped to floor laughing uncontrollably.

4. Sometimes he is a little oblivious :). Whether it is some mustard or ketchup on his face or shirt a few hours after his meal or walking right through giant pile of legos in his room as if they weren't there.. Only a mother could find this enduring.

3. Kindness. At times Allie and Abbey battle for Ryan's attention. On the weekends the big question is who is going to get to sleep in Ryan's bed. For some reason it is more fun to play their DSI/leapsters in Ryan's room at night than their own. It is very conflicting for Ryan to choose. Usually one gets Friday night and the other Saturday night. But the big question is who gets to be first. So this is easily decided by whomever can make Ryan feel the guiltiest. Sometimes its a frown or pouting or when the stakes are high and it's a holiday out come the tears.

2. Likes to Volunteer. Ryan has given a talk in church at least twice this year. He is the first to run something to a neighbor or downstairs if I ask. He always raises his hand in class even if he isn't quite sure of the answer. He will go anywhere with Jeff to help neighbors or family. I am sure this is where the example was set for him. Jeff also is the first to volunteer if someone needs help.

1. He is part of our family. The wait was long to get Ryan in our family but he was sure worth the wait. He keeps things light in our family and is such a good example to me and his sisters. I am so proud of how hard he works even when he doesn't want to and how hard he plays. I love that he is nine year old boy who loves to get dirty and be rowdy.