Little Mister!  My sweet and spunky boy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

You are NINE!

And how we ADORE every bit of your loving, adventurous, hilarious self.

You are the smile on our lips and the mirth in our hearts.

What a year you have had, Dear One.

You have climbed mountains, rafted rapids, surfed waves, marched for justice, tackled new sports, worked diligently in school, and devoted your life to the Lord…

all while being a welcomer and friend to all those around you.

You are a Gift and a Treasure, Little Mister.

A Mighty Man of Courage with an incredible future ahead of you.

OH THE PLACES YOU WILL GO!!!

And we are BLESSED to get to be on this journey with you!

You, our NINE YEAR OLD Little Mister, are a…

Doting and Devoted Sibling

The sugary, spicy cream in the middle of our Littles Oreo.

The Wrestling to our daily WWE production.

Daddy’s Double and Mommy’s Munchkin

The best Helper and Running Buddy, all in one adorable, freckly-faced package.

Family Man

This Lil Charmer cares for his people with a heart as big as the world.  When you are in Elliott’s orbit, you are known and loved.

(And wildly entertained!)

Best Friend

He’ll tell you a joke, share his favorite hiking stick, give you the shirt off his own back (just beware that it’ll probably be a bit muddy).  The Little Mister is KIND and THOUGHTFUL and GENEROUS.  I can’t even imagine a more fabulous friend.

Young Man of Faith and Courage

The Little Mister took some big steps this year, as he grows into a young man.  He took his first communion in church, after taking a class with some of his pals.  He also joined our church family in marching for social and racial justice in our city and country.  We are so proud of his courage and budding maturity, and love watching how God is molding and shaping him.

Tender Heart for Furry Friends

Our family had to bid adieu to our precious Teddy this year, and it was particularly hard on our Little Mister.  He and Teddy were great buddies – the Little Mister faithfully walked Teddy, fed him, gave him treats, scratched his belly.  He did it all.  It was terribly hard to let our sweet pup go.  And we were not at all surprised when Elliott told us afterwards that he wanted to be a Veterinarian when he grew up (and a Nature Explorer).

Furry Pals have never known a better chum.

 

En fuego!  Full of Spark and Life!

This kid lives life big and bold.  Zero to Sixty.  Pedal to the metal.  All systems “GO!”

He holds nothing back!

(Big feelings included!)

Thrill Seeker

Risk Taker.  Stunt Devil.  Mama’s-Grey-Hair-Maker.

There’s no mountain too high, snake too scaly, or river too wide for the Little Mister to take on.

(And his Mama’s cookie jar of prayer requests never runs empty!)

Tree Hugger

Granola Eater, Happy Hiker, Mud Bather, Wildlife Wanderer.  Whatever you call him, that’s the Little Mister!

A Nature Lover through and through, with a curiosity for God’s creation that knows no bounds.  He can identify a tree, debate the characteristics of a slithering specimen, dissect an octopus, and forge across a rushing river, all without breaking a sweat!

(Just make sure to empty his pockets before you wash his laundry.)

Energetic Athlete

Running like a beast, scoring touchdowns, smacking tennis balls, and swinging like a Ninja…This gutsy Little Mister is on the GO (gross football mouth-guard included)!  He worked so hard this year, running laps around our neighborhood nearly every morning and taking occasional runs with Mama, trying to get into great shape for Running Club.  Football and tennis were two new sports he tried, and they were such fun!  He smoked the other football teams with his supersonic speed and was the top scorer on his team!

Super Student

Second grade was no match for this kiddo.  He gave his all this school year, even taking on the extra challenge of vision therapy to help his eyes become Superhero Strong.  Homeschooling with a trampoline and a zipline in your backyard, a wonderful neighbor who reads books to you, and a Daddy working from home who loves art and music, is pretty awesome…especially when you’re waiting patiently for drop-off classes at Deerstream to be back in person!

Conscientious Cub Scout

Though Cub Scouts had an abbreviated year, the Little Mister and his two sidekicks (Daddy and the Little Sir) made the best of every opportunity.  They learned about whittling, putting up a tent, fire safety, frisbee golf and rocket making, and the Little Mister won “Most Creative” for his car in the Pinewood Derby!

Court Jester

Wiggly, wacky…all of life is a joke and a lark!

(Well, it is until your Mean Mom makes you do some Math.)

Dapper Dude

The Little Mister is one good lookin’ guy who loves to dress sharp!

Be still my heart!

Dreamer

The Little Mister has an imagination as big as the sky.  He loves hearing stories, listening to music, writing tall tales, and drawing silly pictures and comics.  He’s a dreamer!  And we know his hopes and dreams will take him to exciting places.

Elliott Michael Wright, you are a Prince among (Little) Men.

We love you so much and wish you the

HAPPIEST 9th BIRTHDAY

ever!!!

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You’re on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go…

OH! THE PLACES YOU’LL GO!

You’ll be on your way up!
You’ll be seeing great sights!
You’ll join the high fliers
who soar to high heights…

KID, YOU’LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!

– Dr. Seuss, “Oh the Places You’ll Go”