Happy 8, big E!

Happy B-day, big E!

It's amazing that you're 8.

This is a strange time to have a birthday, in day 32 of this shelter for COVID-19, and it's a testament to your character how you just roll with it. You're as excited as if we were having the planned family dinner at Benihana and there's been not one tear shed over the indefinite postponement of your requested laser tag party. You bounce and smile through all of this (much better than most of us adults, that's for sure).

We're so proud of the little man that you are becoming. Your compassion comes through in how you treat your sister. There are so many stories out there of how siblings bicker nonstop, especially in this lockdown, and we barely hear squabbles. Yesterday, you even helped her do her hair. Almost every day we now get to witness you lot: how you teach her to play spies, pretend to be business partners on Shark Tank,  or conduct magic school with her and ALL the stuffed animals.

You're also so sweet with the pooches. It's a testament to your loving nature the way that you pet Bailey so gently when he was sick and how you play with Penny like you're a littermate. 

You're so imaginative and we love watching you run around the halls and yard deep in a world that only you see (and J, when she joins you). It's so much fun to hear if you're in a Quidditch match, tracking an Indominus Rex, or doing a 'real life' Spatoon battle.  It's a talent to dream such stories and lands...and one that, when harnessed later, will be a force that helps you achieve great things.

It's so fun now that you're older. You're able to ride the big coasters, go for actual backpacking trips, get engrossed in professional sports, and get onto a chairlift by yourself. It's a wonder to see you reading a book all to yourself. Or how you often use your free time to learn new things that purely just interest you (e.g. how to take care of baby snakes, the Titanic).

It's so much fun watching you in soccer and baseball. You love getting out there and being part of a team. And you get better with every practice and game. While so many other kids get upset if they make a mistake or lose, you take it in stride and just try again. It's something that we could all learn from you. It's too bad that we're missing baseball this year (likely), but we're sure you'll be back there next season with your smile and optimism.

E, you're a kind and beautiful soul. You see the world with optimism and awe. You're gentle, caring, imaginative and just so much fun. Thank you for 8 wonderful years and we're can't for the next!