Trent is 7!

Trent celebrated his 7th Birthday last weekend, and when I say last weekend I mean ALL weekend... Friday, Saturday and Sunday! Wowee!

On Friday Darin took Trent, his cousin Kobe, and his friend Jordan to DISNEYLAND! My Dad drove down from San Diego to go with them and help Darin with the boys. Trent, Kobe and Jordan were SO EXCITED to go together and made a list on the way there of all the "big kid" rides they were going to go on. They listed the rides in order and stuck to it the entire time. What a "big kid" thing to do! Trent was looking forward to going on all the rides we usually say "no" to because he is the only child tall enough to ride. His favorites were the River Rapids at California Adventure and Indiana Jones in Disneyland. They stayed until the park closed at 11PM and didn't get home until after MIDNIGHT (another "big kid" thing to do!)

Saturday the 20th was Trent's birthday, we celebrated with pancakes at breakfast and gave Trent his birthday present... his first pair of roller blades! He and I were going to go skating together, but after a few falls we decided to go on a bike ride instead. We went for a nice ride and stopped for ice cream together. It's always refreshing to spend one-on-one time with Trent, he is so easy to please and we always have a good laugh together! As their gift to Trent, Trey and Julia did his chores for him, which surprisingly they loved doing. Later that afternoon Trent played his 2nd soccer game of the season and did a great job! Kirk, Joanna and their family came to cheer him on which made it super special. (Thanks Joanna for all the pointers and for instructing our referee on the rules of the game :) ) We made homemade pizza for dinner and ended the night watching a movie together.
The celebrations continued on Sunday when we had a family party with my Mom, Russ, Jessica and Joanna and Kirk and their kids. Food, cupcakes, presents and tons of fun! Trent had a great birthday this year and is already counting down to his baptism next year.

On my kids birthdays I always reflect on their birth, remember the details of the experience and marvel at the blessings they have brought into my life. It just seems natural to bring out the baby pictures and look at them together. I always get emotional when I do this with Trent, and think about that very first moment that I became a Mother and how much it meant to me. Trent was conceived after 15 months of infertility treatments and was the answer to many prayers and priesthood blessings. I will always be grateful for the miracle that he is in our lives and for the blessing it is to be his Mom.

Trent has always had a love for learning and his awesome memory has blessed him in that area. He is super duper smart and is good at nearly everything he does, including academics, sports, video games, you name it, he's good at it (just like his daddy!). He can recite math facts, spelling words, and the Articles of Faith with ease and comprehends much of what he reads, including the scriptures, which is NOT EASY! Trent has not only been blessed with a gift for learning but he is also extremely obedient and has a desire to choose the right and make his parents and his Heavenly Father happy. Ever since our family spoke at Stake Conference earlier this year, Trent has wanted to get up on Fast Sunday and bear his testimony to our ward. He has great faith in God and his testimony of the gospel is so honest and sincere. I have always felt blessed to raise such a righteous spirit, but watching him learn and progress in his knowledge and testimony of the gospel makes me super proud to be his Mom. I am thankful for the good example he sets for his younger brother and sisters and for all of the help he gives me with them every day.

Happy Birthday Trent! I hope you had a very special birthday.
I love watching you learn and grow, and I'm so proud of all you can do.
I love the pictures and mazes you draw and the stories you write and share with me.
I love the "shows" you write and put on for us.
I love to hear about your day and all that you learn in school.
I love you curious questions and thoughtful answers.
I love your funny jokes and the silly sounds you know how to make.
I love that you always have "one more thing" to say every night at bedtime when I am closing the door.
I love watching you play with Lauren and carry her around.
I love that you try so hard to be good and make me happy.
I love that you have a testimony and want to share it.
Thank you for being a good brother and good boy for Daddy and I.
We love you and are so proud of you!

Happy 7th Birthday!
Love,
Mom