Fun and Five

It is hard to believe that Henry is five. He is truly a joy. He has moments (usually when he is tired) where he is not too obedient and plays too rough with his sisters. However, he is generally very kind, loves people and is the only 5 year old I know who enjoys 'studying'. He invites us to 'study' with him all the time. His most recent passion is birds and he has discovered that the adult non-fiction section of the library is far more extensive than that in the children's section. The library is his favorite place to go and his thirst for knowledge is insatiable. He loves field guides--about anything...flowers, insects, but especially birds...His favorite bird is the violet-green swallow and he is a much more accomplished ornithologist than I. Ava loves to bird watch (sometimes for real and sometimes pretend) alongside her big brother. It warms my heart to watch and listen to them play together. They genuinely adore one another.

Henry's other interest currently is buildings. He can name the tallest buildings in several major cities around the world. One of his most beloved are the Petronus Towers in Kuala Lampur, Indonesia. He is ready to go visit ASAP. I've assured him he must be at least 12 before we can travel that far! Henry is learning to use his words (instead of just react) and is looking forward to having Ava at school with him next year. He is a sensitive soul and loves deeply. I pray we can shepherd that soul with loving care as he continues to grow into a wonderful boy!

Henry had dinner with his Nana (with whom he shares his birthday), his Aunt Nini (Cabrini who was visiting from St. Louis), his Grandpa B and Lulu, and us after a fun day at the Portland Auto Show with Carl and his Papa. He got a big bouquet of balloons and had ice cream with his Gigi and Papa and had his school party on Monday. His friend party isn't until the 22nd...stay tuned!