Another year older. I don't know why, but this growing up thing is tough - on the mommy. And 8 seems like a teenager to me. (I know, I know, that's a whole other ball game. We can talk about that later). It's fun though. He's changing, and growing up. He can get in and out the car all. by. himself. He can take showers now and wash his own hair. He plays sports and he's good. He has lots of friends, and is a kind friend. He can dress himself, and often picks out things that even match! He helps with dinner, and yard work, and bathrooms. He's gaining a sense of independence that is wonderful and helpful, but at the same time it's terrifying and honestly a little heart-breaking. He doesn't need his Mom as much as he used to. That's normal. I read about ;)  It's supposed to go like this, right?! It all just happens so fast! I'm not sure I'm prepared for this...
   Anyhow, regardless of how I'm handling my baby growing up, we're celebrating! And we celebrated ALL weekend! :) 

We started the day at "The Pancake House," 
enjoying the gluten free,  chocolate chip pancakes. Owen's choice.

Then we headed to the store for a little scavenger hunt. Each team had only a certain amount of time to find as many things on the list without going over $8. (If you'll notice my Dad's notes --- still corrects me - gotta love him ;) 

Luka's team, strategizing.

Looking for the cheapest soap

Yep, there's a goldfish on the list!

Best 36 cents I've ever spent!

He's so excited about fuzzy pants! (He may take after his mom a bit ;)
Don't smile Buddy

This is how Grandpa does nap time… because he can :)

And Little Miss finally notices the fishy after her nap.

The winning team = Grandpa, Owen & Emmett!

BINGO!

I'm not sure how he knows about it, or even what it is, but Owen requested a Minecraft cake. So… here are these little guys (and some pretty friends ;). I guess they're called "creepers." They were delicious!

Pretending not to like Mommy hugs doesn't fly with this mommy.
I just squeeze him tighter. ;)

Not sure what the gang signs are all about, 
but his brother shows him how to take a nice picture with Mom ;)

And out come the little boy goofball faces. What a kid!

Now this is serious business.

I love to listen to him read.

Oops, already have that one, but we'll exchange it for another. Thanks Uncle Greg!

"Oh, I don't think you're gonna like that one," says Grandma ;) ;)

Aunt Nancy always gets it right, by both boy and mom - Legos and "church clothes" ;)  Thanks Aunt Nancy!!

Movie time in the dark, with things that glow. It doesn't take much with these guys.

goodybags!

And now there are two ninja's. Thanks Grandma & Grandpa!

"Hey, now we match Grandpa!"

Never enough treats :)

As I work on letting him grow up, I find it's easier when I remember that he is surrounded by great examples of honest, loyal, hardworking, godly men.
Now I don't know about you, but I'm partied out. …Until next birthday…