Eight is Great

 

Jackson turned 8 in March!   We took him bowling with 4 friends, and then brought them back to our house.  The boys had cake, opened presents (yay pokemon cards!), and played here for a while.  It was a perfect low-key party ... and I know Jackson really enjoyed it.  

 

I didn't even finish the cake until the boys were here playing. And the icing turned out baby blue but I didn't feel motivated to change it.  He didn't seem to offended by the cake that would have suited a first birthday or baptism : )

 

I asked the boys to get together for a picture - and they coordinated this shot themselves.   Very cute.   So glad they had a great time!

I'm feeling pretty emotional and hormonal at this point ... 3 weeks until my due date.   I can't believe Jackson is 8!   He is about to receive his first communion.    It goes so very fast.  I'm so thankful for Jackson and all the small ways he helps me.    He fills up all 5 of our water bottles every morning as I scramble to pack lunches and get everyone out of the door.  He helps finish the lunches, feed the cats, and check to make sure everyone has everything they need. 
He loves to play soccer and baseball, and is happy going to school.  He can't read books fast enough, and I can't keep enough books in the house.  He is often shy and quiet.... but once he warms up he can be silly with the best of them. 
Recently I had to send a picture of him as a baby to a group at our school - The Respect Life Club.   They are putting together a collage of baby picture of all the students.   Sweet, sweet boy.