You are EIGHT

Nooaaahhhhh, you are amazing!! This year you have grown up so much. You'resuch a great big brother & we are so proud of you -

"Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." AA Milne

You are really into your History at the moment & I love it! You just did a great project on the Romans and some evenings we sit at the table and draw battles on paper which is loads of fun. You're also still into your running which I also love althugh I'm super tired at the mo so not running enough!! We did our first parkrun this week and you did so well! I love that you can get yourself all the way round!! Running is good for the soul & I hope you keep doing it when you get older. I can't wait to see what and who you will become I know I will be proud! If I can give advice it's to enjoy what you do & undertand that contentness is a way of thinking rather than a situation. It's to love, love God, love people and love life. It sounds glib and wishy washy but it is hard and gritty & it is not the easy option. It's to take advice and let people make you a better person - "If you are irritated by every rub, how will you become polished" Rumi. But it's also to take joy in who you are, relax and let your light shine. It isn't arrogance to appreciate that you have a light to shine but it is annoying to people that want your light if you keep it hidden.

I love you very much dude

Big love

Dad

YOU ARE SEVEN

Another year on & you're still blooming amazing!

You have started running this year & turns out your really good at it!! We all go to the same running club (Run Wednesdays) & you and mum did a race recently in which you did really well, mum thinks you're already faster than she is already!? You and mum are on the banner for the club on Facebook too which is awesome!!

I'm just so proud of you!! You've had to adjust this year to being a big brother & you've been brilliant. You had some worries this year but you are doing great at battling them & overcoming your fears. Don't let anxiety hold you back, it's real and often for good reason but that doesn't mean it's worth letting it have a say in what you do. You are amazing, funny and bonkers & we love you so much. When you get older the things you worry about will be your strengths I know you are growing up to be such a caring thoughtful boy. You should know that this is a strength. You have a strong sense of what is right, you always want to make sure others are ok & that is amazing! This is a short note as to be honest I started it on your birthday & I'm only just now (You are already 8!?) realising I didn't finish it. I'll save up all the goodies for that entry!!

Big big big love you my amazing one!!

Daddy