Ryderman Turns Seven

In the blink of an eye my baby boy turned seven last week.

He is still every bit as amazing and unique as I wrote here three years ago.  

Ryder spent his actual birthday with Parker in performance number 6 of 7 as a Munchkin in the Wizard of Oz.  We celebrated the next day with a surprise chocolate fountain which he declared, "way better than a cake.."

No shirt tucking necessary for cast photos, I guess.

Flag football in the yard on Rye's birthday.

Ryder is incredibly bright and inquisitive.  He has comedic timing that most adults will never have.  Most importantly, he is kind.  

More than any of the other kids, I find myself wanting Ryder to stay just as he is as long as possible.  Don't get me wrong, his quirks can be utterly annoying, (how tight do your shoes really have to be tied?) but he is so confident in who he is.  I know the preteen years, moodiness and the desire to fit in will eventually hit, but I hope Ryder holds onto his stubborn confidence.  He knows exactly who he is.  He knows what he likes and what he doesn't like.  He has no desire to follow the crowd.  He wants to swim upstream.  The world is a better place with Ryder in it.

Happy birthday to my littlest man.