ONES

Yesterday was January 25, 2018.  Jacob "Jake" Weaver officially turned eleven years old at 8:15am.  I still can't wrap my mind around it.  Part of the reason for that has to be that he is almost 5'7" tall and weighs approximately 150 pounds.  Another part is that we are 4 short months from him graduating from 5th grade and leaving elementary school forever. Maybe it's because he's a middle child, and an easy child, and the ride has been pretty smooth so I've just been coasting along.  All of those reasons, plus a million more, are what makes this milestone so incredibly special for Jake and our family.

It was just another Thursday, for the most part.  We made a big deal Wednesday night about him going to bed for the last time as a 10 year old (even took a picture of it), and we all came in to his room to wake him up with a birthday song and greeting, then it was off to school.  That was all at Finn's insisting.  Then it was off to school - just like another day.  His classroom teacher always makes a big deal out of birthdays, so he got a crown to wear!  He also took No Bake cookies for his class to share with them as a special treat.

LAST PICTURE AS A 10 YEAR OLD

Special birthday crown at school

Mom and Dad snuck up to the school at lunch time (so Finn wouldn't spot us because he didn't want Big Brother to leave the school) and stole him away for his favorite fast food meal at Wendy's - the 4 for $4.  But he gets medium fries and drink, so it becomes a 4 for $4.99! LOL!

FOUR FOR FOUR

Once everyone was assembled for the evening, we opened presents.  Lara and Finn got him lots of sour gummies and sour patch kids  - his favorites!  And a pack of basketball cards.  Mom and Dad ordered some special gear from Solid Rock Basketball for him, but it didn't arrive in time for the Big Day, so he got pictures of the new gear...  Then it was off to a family dinner!

Jake really did have a nice birthday.  He is such an easy going kid, loves life, love his family.  He truly enjoys school, and he is so passionate about everything that he does.  He either has a basketball,  a video game controller, or his iPod in his hands at all time.  He is an AWESOME big brother to Finn, and such a wonderful little brother to Emma and Lara.  He is kind, and sweet, and FUNNY!  He is smart and talented, and JOYFUL.  He is an excellent human, and we are loving watching him grown into the man God intended him to be!

Eleven has started off so fun, too.  He told us he felt like he had grown, so our "measuring stick" these day is Lara; she hasn't grown in almost a year.  So, they stood back to back as we headed out the door for school - and yep!  Looks like he has grown!

As we were loading the car to go to school and remarking on how today was colder, cloudier, and MUCH windier that yesterday, Jake said, "I'm glad my birthday isn't January 26th!"  I asked why, and he replied, "Because the WEATHER yesterday! It was like Mother Nature was being extra kind to me!"  Yesterday was sunny and the high was in the mid-60's. These are the kinds of things that make us smile.  He is a treasure for sure!

Jake - through the years!