Clipboard of Fun: Levi's Golden Birthday

Our little man is 8 years old on the 8th of December! Levi is such an awesome boy and we are so happy to have him as part of our family. He is funny and thoughtful and smart and compassionate and witty and easy-going. I think his (biased) Aunt Sarah best summed it up when she said "It's like he's not even trying to be the best and yet he is!" Levi continues to be a great little brother, although his time spent playing by himself because his sisters are playing something he isn't interested in increases every day. But he is perfectly happy to be in his room or the play room by himself setting up an animal kingdom or making Lego villages or having his stuffed animals play Quidditch. More often than not, he asks Dad if he needs help with an outside project before we have to ask him. He is a really good helper and won't leave or get distracted until the job/chore is completed. Levi loves pizza, making things out of scrap wood, riding his bike, fruit-flavored ice cream and frozen yogurt, Nerds, swinging on ropes from the trees, throwing perfect spirals with Dad, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and leading songs at church. He doesn't like people jumping out to scare him, eating too many sweets before bedtime so as not to get sick in the middle of the night, being interrupted, eggs, the dogs play-fighting or seeing other people hurt. Levi thinks about others before he considers himself and is the first one to congratulate a sibling or friend on an accomplishment. His love for his family is very strong and he still gives multiple hugs and "I love you's" before leaving or going to bed. When his temper gets the best of him, he dramatically rolls his eyes and grunts deeply and marches himself off somewhere to be alone. He prefers having his unacceptable actions explained to him instead of just being sent off to his room, which is difficult for us when we are angry in the heat of whatever just transpired. The older he gets, the more time it takes him to calm down, which makes me sad because it just proves that he's becoming less of a little kid. But he still wants to sit on Mom or Dad's lap when we watch a movie and is okay giving me a kiss on the cheek when I drop him off at school. Levi truly is a blessing and a good brother and great friend and good example to his classmates and a wonderful helper at home. We love you very much, little buddy, and thank God that you are part of our family!