Ringing in 2024!

 My Dearest Evan,

My goodness, what a whirlwind end of the year we had! We took off for fall break and went to Disneyland for Oogie Boogie Bash - and even got to meet up with Grandma Dotty and Pop there! You were so cute because you were always seeking out Pop's hand to hold! When we got back, it was time for Halloween festivities at school and in the neighborhood - you were Mikey, one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which are your favorite right now (just like your uncle Adam when he was little too). In November you got a special camping trip with Dad, which you had a blast at - and got to do a ton of different things and then we went to Roswell to see your Dad's side of the family for Thanksgiving! We came straight back to our holiday party and your birthday party (TMNT themed, of course)! Then it was holiday concert and Christmas basically - we took off on your birthday to spend most of the break in Denver! Somewhere in there, you started Ninja Gymnastics because you like doing flips in the water (and we wanted to give you something to do while you wait for baseball season to start).

You're starting to say things better and better every day, which means you're losing some of your baby words. You still say "pan-pakes" but your teacher taught you how to say "Feliz Navidad" instead of "Police Mommy-Da", which I'm really upset about. You're very exact in what you do and say - like when I told you to grab about 5 sheets of toilet paper to wipe your bottom....you grabbed 4 sheets, counted them out and then insisted you grab one more. Your favorite gifts from Christmas and your birthday are TMNT gear and your skateboard that Grandma and Pop got you. You have such confidence right now, Evan. You walk with confidence and when you tried ice skating, you were all in on joining a hockey team and being the star of the team. You really think you're the best at every sport. I know some of this means you lack empathy (like me) but I also love that you're not timid about giving something a go. 

You still suck your thumb, which is about to be a problem because your two lower front teeth are loose.Your best friend at school is named Alex. And your best friend outside of school is Avery. You had me donate your plastic, water-filled weights because you're now using my hand weights when you work out with dad.You're growing into an energetic and inquisitive young boy.

Here's your life in pictures right now....

Football tourney! Last games of the season!

You pulled your first flag ever in the last game of the season! I was so proud of you - you were too!

Lost the tourney but you guys had so much fun!

Then you started Ninja Gymnastics!

Camping with Dad! You two did SO MUCH and had so much fun!

Quick potty break and you put your sweatshirt on backwards!

Conked out!

You were such a good camper during all of the camping activities that you won the Campout Coyote award at the end of the weekend! Good job, bud!

Archery!

Kayaking! You don't splash Dad like I do!

Smores!

School trunk or treating!

Sebastian was your TMNT dancing buddy that night!

Dolphins end of season party!

Walking the neighborhood to see the lights!

We were fighting - then we ate and were happy! Story of our lives!

Christmas movie night in the back yard - so much fun! We watched Elf!

More smores!

Your birthday party!

Santa at our Christmas Party!

Your birthday at Amy's Donuts!

Playing in Denver!

SIX year check-up! You're crossing your fingers that you don't get a shot (you didn't)

Disney!

Avery's Halloween scrimmage!

A friend's birthday party!

You make yourself a "habitat" to keep warm at Avery's games. And you're sitting next to Kylie, your BFF when at Avery's games - she plays football with you!

At Aunt Cat's house in Roswell!

Ready to enter Oogie Boogie Bash!

Your pinata was as tall as you!

Viewing hockey for the first time!

Sleeping with the squishmallow Aunt Ash got you!

Becoming a pro!

Good workout buddy!

At a Pio's (DU) Hockey game

Loved your PacMan console for Christmas!

Pretending to be evil like Mom!

You came in one morning telling me you're ready for school (like this)!

You still say "Mom, will you play with me?!"

Holiday performance at school

Birthday gifts!

Hanging with Marco, getting ready to watch one of Avery's games

Climbing at Denver Children's Museum!

Driving Pop!

OBB Parade! It was SO GOOD!

Playing while we wait for another soccer game!

Love this pic - of you at Dad's Dad's grave (Grandpa David)

Avery's teaching you during your homework!

Coming in like a boss for your winter performance

Bowling in Denver

Evan, my love, in the blink of an eye you've turned six already! You're assertive and cuddly and eager to do things with your sister. I can't wait to see what the rest of Kindergarten looks like for you. 

All My Love,

Mom