Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Happy Birthday Aydin

I cannot believe another year has past and my little man turned 11 years old!!  It is crazy to think that 11 years have passed since he was born.  I cannot help but reflect on the past 11 years to see how much life has changed and how much has happened to our family throughout those years.  Starting out 11 years ago as a young mother, I never dreamed we would be where we are at now living this life we have.  I am so grateful for him and the opportunity I have to be his mother and feel so blessed that he is MINE.  
Aydin is such a handsome little man (yes... I still call him little even though he is almost as tall as me).  He is courageous, smart, loving, and caring.  This last year he has been able to learn another language and run with it.  I cannot imagine how difficult the past year and a half has been for him (I believe more for him that any one else in the family).  
When we moved to Spain, it was not even a question as to whether our kids would enter spanish school or not.  Aydin was in the 4th grade when he began school here and did not know a word of spanish.  After a few short months, he was able to catch on to the language and not long after he was speaking better than I was.  Throughout the last few months of his 4th grade, summer and beginning of 5th grade, we noticed him excel beyond our expectations.  He has made great friends and strike up a conversation with anyone who talks to him.  He continuously helps me when I do not understand or even will tell me what certain words are and how to say them so I can communicate with others when I am at a loss for words.  
I cannot believe how fast Aydin is growing up and turning into a great young man.  He is a great helper with the chores and with his siblings.  He is so laid back and easy going (must get that from his dad), is adventurous, athletic, and funny.  He loves to tell jokes, play pranks on his sister, and will even cuddle on those rare moments when you are least expecting it.  He is great kid all around!!
Today is his birthday and I hope that it is a wonderful day for him.  
We took him to the soccer game last weekend as his 'big gift' and birthday activity/party so today was kind of low key.  





He woke up EARLY... at 5:45 so he could eat breakfast... pancakes... and open a few of his presents before Steve left for work.

 After school, he had a few friends come over to play before they had soccer practice.  After practice, Carlos came back over and played a bit more.
After Morgans practice was over, we had dinner of his choice: Burgers, baked beans and chips and then cake... Rokzanne was so kind to spend most of her afternoon yesterday helping me make a homemade three layer chocolate cake with raspberry filling... he wanted the Publix cake so we recreated it... and I have to say... it was pretty darn close if not better!!  







Mike and Rokzanne brought over their puppy to play with our dogs...
they had so much fun!!




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