Harrison is Eight!

 Yesterday marked Harrison's eighth birthday.  He was so adorable all morning, trying to be patient while he waited to open gifts.  We set them all up on the piano so that he could see them as soon as he woke up.  He kept asking how many hours till present time!

We only made him wait till lunch time.  We had lunch together, followed by cake.  Amana made and decorated Harrison's cake this year.  She received some cake decorating items for her birthday and was excited to use them.  Since Harrison is really into all things camping and outdoors, Amana thought to make a tent for the cake.  Pretty creative.  And Harrison loved it.

Harrison began by opening his cards, quickly followed by the unwrapping of gifts.  

We started something when Amana turned eight, a small little milestone tradition thing.  I took Amana on an overnight at a hotel.  We got pedicures, went to dinner, did a lot of shopping, and stayed up late giggling and talking about growing up.  When Anlynn turned eight, she remembered what we had done with Amana was ready for HER turn.  We did many of the same, girly things.  Now that Harrison is eight, we knew we wanted to continue some version of this milestone with him.  If you know Harrison at all, you know pedi's and shopping were out! ;)  So instead, Lige has planned a Man Camping Trip.  The two of them will leave Thursday to camp together for 2 nights.  At Christmas Harrison received a tent, canteen, compass, and army back-pack.  He has been dieing to use them!  For his birthday, he received some cool sonar binoculars, a lantern, and a new sleeping bag.  He is ready to go.  He's actually had his bag packed for over two weeks!  I'd say he's excited. :)

The day Harrison was born, I became a boy mom.  Having grown up with one sister, then having two daughters of my own, adding a boy into my world was a whole new experience.  Sure, I'd had Lige, but he was pretty civilized by the time we met up.  ;)  Boys are just different from girls, and Harrison has been a great introduction into that wild and wonderful world.

We have seen some great changes in Harrison lately.  He is growing in the Lord and as a result, we are seeing a new, generous and thoughtful side to him.  He is more willing to be helpful.  He notices those around him more.  It's been so fun to witness.  

Harrison Boy, we love you so much.  You make us laugh with your silly ways.  You are a natural learner, an amazing reader, and a consummate inventor and engineer.  You bring our hearts great joy.  We thank God for your life and can't wait to see what God has in store for you!