Five

Dear Jackson,

I can't believe we are celebrating your FIFTH birthday!  You've been waiting for this day for a long time, but for me it came way too fast.

We've thrown all kinds of challenges your way the past year.  First, Daddy moved to Colorado while you and I stayed behind in Kansas.  Then we all moved in to Nana & Papa's house for a while and you started a new school.  A few months later we moved again - this time to our brand new house in Fort Collins and once again you started over at a new school.  Three schools in one year!  You have been so brave on all of these adventures and I couldn't be more proud of you.

You have also done some really cool things since we moved to Colorado.  Like play soccer and lacrosse and learn to ride a bike.  You throw a football better than kids much older than you and are such a good athlete.  I just love going to your games and watching you play.  You've also learned so many things in school the past year - like how to read and write all of the letters and numbers.

You are a good friend, a good helper and always make people laugh.  You remember everything you hear and surprise me every day with your vocabulary and all of the things you know.  You are tough, but you are also sensitive and kind to others.  You are by far my greatest joy.

Five is going to be a great year.  You get to start Kindergarten!  And you are officially a big kid.  I can hardly even pick you up any more!  Even though sometimes I wish you were still just a little boy, I sure am proud of the big boy you've grown in to.  And I can't wait to see what the next year brings.

Happy, Happy Birthday Jackson.

I love you all the way to the stars...and back again!

Love,

Mommy