Eight is Great *and* sorry I'm writing this a little late..

Birthday Boy!



Look how big he is getting....

and still a goof.



Ashton, I'm writing this a bit late. Sorry, my excuse is that I found out I was pregnant with your baby brother a few weeks after your birthday, and I did not have energy to do much of anything! But I'm finally getting around to it. You are still the same thoughtful, caring boy you have always been. It has been a privilege to watch you grow into such an amazing young man. You have excelled in second grade. No lye, I have not studied your spelling words with you once and you have gotten 100% on every test. You get that from you dad, not me. You are respectful in school and you are a good student. You still have more energy than you know what to do with. Running, climbing, dancing, you do it all, all the time! Sometimes it can get you in trouble though! :) You took a hip hop dance class and you were awesome. Even your teacher was impressed with your moves! It was so fun to watch you as well. You are still doing gymnastics and the chess club as well. Your artistic skills are improving too, and you are quite the drawer. You love to draw skeletons and ninjas mostly. You just finished up Basketball for the YMCA and it was so fun watching you. You have a great shot, you just need to work on passing a bit more. (wink, wink) Your speed helps you a lot though. Luckily, your big feet don't work against you! But more important than everything you do is who you are. We are so lucky to have a son who is respectful, thoughtful, funny, and smart. I know sometimes being the oldest can be hard because the most is expected of you and you are setting the example for Owen and Carly, but you do a great job. You are willing to help, play games, and read to them. You and Owen are starting to be interested in the same things and I love watching the two of you play (and fight!). You are so sweet to Carly and are always willing to help her out and you are patient with her. Your dad tells me all the time how proud he is of you and he loves doing all things boy with you and Owen. He is glad you enjoy the same things as he does....the sand dunes, bike rides, the ravine, the park, throwing rocks....all the fun things you do together.
As you age there is only one bad thing I can think of, I don't get as much snuggle time. A quick hug, the occasional smooch is about it. I guess I have learned to appreciate each one more though. I'm just happy to be your mom and happy about the stand up young man you are becoming. I love you more than words can say.  Happy Birthday.