...me & my boys...

thirteen? really? how could it be?

as dad often reminds me every year when i struggle with how old this boy is getting, remember when we couldn't believe when he was turning five?

and yes ryley I carried you on my hip until you were six and suddenly you passed by my shoulder and stand almost as tall as i do...

and it seems not that long ago at all when you were wrapped between my legs on the 1st day of kindergarten with tears running down both of our faces...

your young little school days getting check pluses all the day down your cute little report cards and now still on the right track with all those A's & B's honor roll report cards...

your cute little t-ball days reaching the outfield every time you stepped up to the tee so quickly turned into you hitting homeruns over the fence at the little league field...

those heard of cattle soccer games with you breaking through the herd with the ball for a goal which now you took a different path, wearing an orange helmet and pads ever so proudly with a football in your hand...

riding your lil bike in front of the house was enough when you were young but now it's a way to travel to your friends house and around town...

girls used to be gross, but now they seem to fill up your texting inbox on your cell phone...

you are a very special son to us, you teach us too, we will continue to go through all of our "firsts" as parents with you as you are our oldest, a teenager oldest...

you are a very special brother to two lucky boys. a brother who has set the bar high and they look up to you in every possible little way they can, which you know. the love they have for you is unique.

your years ahead are a road of fun and great memories. keep up your passion and love for all that you do and you will continue to shine and make us proud. we love you more than words can explain and watching you grow into the teenager you have become has been a great ride.