It's long overdue, but Luke turned 7 in May. I've been hesitant to write because I just haven't known what to say. I just love this boy so dearly, and it seems like often I take it for granted how blessed we are to have such a son. I won't say that he's "amazing, smart, perfect and wonderful" like so many parents think their kids are. He's human just like the rest of us, but both Greg and I know we are truly blessed by God to have him in our family.
This boy is our biggest train lover. From the time he was about 18 months (when he started using a Thomas blanket given to him as a baby gift), he's loved trains. Anytime, anywhere, any kind. We've been on a few different ones, and he's thrilled each time we go. For his birthday, he wanted to go again, so we went on the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad, which was quite fun. I keep thinking he'll outgrow his love and move on to other interests, but it hasn't happened yet! He also wanted a Thomas cake, which I made and then the kids replaced Thomas with Toby, as Toby is number 7 (since Luke was turning 7).
Luke also loves to read and is currently reading a Calvin and Hobbes that Dad pulled off the shelf for him. I keep hearing giggling from the corner where he is. He also happens to have one of the best giggles I've ever heard, which I love to hear. Last summer in swimming lessons he couldn't do anything the teacher asked, as he was giggling too much. This summer went much better and he's becoming a good swimmer.
Here's another picture of him in Canada with Grandpa. He had lots of questions about the farm and loved riding on the tractor, 4-wheeler and bale truck, as well as checking on the cows. He tried milking the cow over at his aunt and uncle's house, which was harder than he thought!
This summer he was also asked to be a ring bearer in a wedding, to which he obliged. Seeing him in his tux made me think of him when he gets bigger and wears one at his graduation or something, and it was a little hard on a mommy's heart! He took it all in stride and just performed his duties as ordered (which was more keeping an eye on little sis who was the flower girl!)
He's (almost) always willing to help out whenever needed, and we're looking forward to starting 2nd grade tomorrow. He loves reading and math, so hopefully we can just scoot right along with lessons. We're starting a formal curriculum this year, so we'll have to just see how it goes! He loves building "projects" and has designed a few things that he and Dad have put together, the latest which was a Lightening McQueen car that fits inside our wagon so that the kids can tow each other around in it. It works rather well for a 7 year old's design!
