The summer you became SO big.
At sports camp you had a ball. You ran bases, kicked goals, and shot hoops ... the bases won your heart though.
You took swim lessons while laughing with your instructors. You became brave enough to swim mostly on your own and fearless to jump from great heights.
Dad came home from training and you couldn't have been happier. You missed him deeply. But like always, after running into his arms your world was set right again. Peace filled your heart.
You rode your first water slide! The Arizona sun was hot , burning our feet as we waited in line, but you were fearless. I held my breath as you laughed and cheered riding that inner tube through the darkness. But you did it! Then we did it again, again , and again....
We went to visit Grandma and Grandpa in Las vegas. We stayed in the old downtown area where the lights mesmerized you. You and brother swam on the rooftop pool, played in a giant treehouse at the container park, and loved seeing your uncles. Our favorite last stop was Flagstaff. As I stopped to photograph the mornig mountains, you asked me so sweetly if I could take a picture of you in tree pose ( it's your favorite.) We ran through buffalo park and walked around downtown where you ate sorbet and ran barefoot through heritage square.. this reminded me that you ARE my child.
Back in Tucson we spent nearly every morning at the YMCA. I ran and swam while you and brother played, we always went swimming after. Most afternoons were spent with your best neighborhood buddies. On Tuesday evenings us moms would set up a giant slip n slide and let you kids have " water day" until you were too tired to function. You LOVED it. Right now your belly even has tiny scars to prove the fun you had. We started going on family bike rides in the mornings with Dad, you and brother enjoyed the free ride in the bike trailer. You went to Vacation Bible school with your friends, the music you learned there is still in the Van's CD player. You boys stayed up super late for fireworks, but seeing you OO and AHH over the colors was well worth the missed sleep. July was so hot and stormy that you suggested we put our bounce house in the playroom instead of backyard, I thought you were crazy but tried it anyway. It fit like a glove and is still in the playroom, you were right.
You brought incredible joy to your Grandparents. You played ball with Grandpa Trumbull in his backyard, laughing uncontrollably. Grandma Fran came to visit and babysat you boys , I'm sure you read stories and had too many tickles before bed. We spent a few days visiting Grandma Mush at her cabin. You rode a horse, rode your first go-cart with your lead foot Grandma, swam below the pine trees, and I watched you cross the monkey bars without help for the FIRST time.
Your Big brother ( by Army not blood ) Coey visited with us on their summer cross country trip. It was surreal seeing you two play so well together, he's known you since you were 3 weeks old in Alabama. You two had a joint birthday party when you turned 1 and he 3... we were there for his surprise 7th party last week before they left town . You bowled like the big boys and didn't need any help, I realized you ARE one of the big boys.
But THIS week, this last week of summer has sent all confirmation. On Sunday you moved upstairs to the Kinder room at church. We walked up the stairs holding my hand and you said, " Mom this is the best day EVER" I cried. You started planning your birthday party and have decided on a star wars theme, you don't remember but you were Darth Vader for your first halloween... so it's fitting. You persistently begged Dad to help you ride your bike without training wheels on Wednesday, he worked hard with you all afternoon. By Thursday you did it, you started and rode your bike completely by yourself. Your best buddy brought his bike and you two rode around the park together like the big boys you have quickly grown into . The face you make when you ride your bike shows such confidence and pride, I know that this is just the beginning. That face will be showing up more and more as you learn and become capable of so many great things.
Friday we met your Kindergarten teacher. She is kind and patient, everything we could hope for. You even have friends there already so I know you will feel comfortable. You walked in and found your new seat with your name on it and your new hook for your new star wars backpack. We spent our last night of summer at our brand new neighborhood splash pad with your friends, followed by a late night at our park. Below the monsoon clouds you kids played rough in the mud and you rode rode rode that training wheel-less bike of yours until the park lights came on. This morning you woke me up like always, at 6 snuggled into bed in Dad's spot since this morning it was empty. Your big handsome brown doe eyes staring at me and I could do nothing but squeeze tight to my little boy that becomes my big boy tomorrow.
I think back over the past 5 years and I am overwhelmed with it's beauty. The different states and cities we've crossed, the challenges we have faced, the times that I wanted to give up . We have been fortunate and blessed beyond measure . Dad has worked diligently toward his dream career that provides enough for our family, so that I could spend every single day raising you boys. You have grown into the most beautiful little soul because of those sacrifices... and Dad and I could not possibly be more proud of you.
You're going to grow wings and take flight from here, I know that you are ready for this next step and not just because you tell me everyday. Tonight we will say goodnight to our little boy because tomorrow you go to Kindergarten.
Forever this summer will remain in my heart as the summer you became SO big.
