Happy 6th Birthday Henry!

I can’t believe you’re six and about to start first grade! You are so smart and are always seeking out more knowledge and new ways to learn. You can read almost any word put in front of you and pronounce it perfectly in Spanish and English. You love science and love to do experiments at home. You not only like to mix random things together just to see what happens, you also want to know why it’s happening.

You’re sensitive and are always worried about how other people make you feel but also how you make them feel. This can be challenging for you at times but I think it will continue to be one of your most valuable qualities as you grow older. A few weeks ago you and Felix got balloon animals at the farmer’s market and as soon as we got home, Felix’s accidentally popped and he started crying. Without hesitation you said “I’ll make it fair” and popped your own balloon.

You continue to be the best big brother to Felix. Last week I said something to Felix that I often say to you (he was screaming/crying), “I can’t hear you when you use that tone of voice.” After I walked away I heard you calmly coach Felix on the best way to get what he wanted. I was so proud of you for teaching him and staying calm. I love watching you two play (except when you wrestle, that makes my heart stop!) and I know you’ll continue to have a lot of fun adventures together.

You love to dance. So much so that you sometimes get angry that we won’t drive you somewhere to dance because you love an audience (the problem is that aside from wedding crashing, I’m not sure where to take you). Your favorite night of the whole summer might have been dancing at Monica and Zach’s wedding. I hope you always keep on dancing.

You are very particular about what you wear. You like to dress up in your handsome clothes when we go out to dinner and you also will ask Dad, Felix and I to dress up for dinner at home (and let us know if we’ve done a good job). If you’re playing outside and a football comes out, you run home to change into your Vikings jersey. I love that you see your clothes almost as the costume you’re wearing for that scene in your life. I hope you never lose this.

Your favorite toys right now are legos and beyblades. You love board games and have even started playing Monopoly with little help. You and I have had a lot of fun together playing lego wii games (harry potter, batman, Indiana Jones) and I am always impressed at your problem solving skills.

 As we talked about the other night, I’m so excited to be along for the ride as you start your 7th journey around the sun!