Dear Parker,
This picture I took of you today pretty much sums up how I feel about my cute little guy turning FOUR!:
Where has the time gone?! As I think back over the last four years, it's hard to remember life without you, but at the same time I didn't expect my baby boy to grow up so fast on me! I often wonder what in the world we did to deserve such a wonderful, handsome, spunky, FUN little boy in our lives! You are such a bright, warm and kind spirit, full of love for everyone around you. You are the life of the party & your quest in life is to have FUN. Your sparkling blue eyes, big smile and darling dimples make my heart sing. I love it when you are happy & the countenance you carry is usually a cheerful one!
I love that you are so inquisitive. You are a very quick learner - I admire that in you as I am not! You are a constant chatterbox. Literally. That is why mommy can't survive without your "quiet time" these days in replace of your naptime. Nevertheless, I love (most of the time) that you have so much to say. We still aren't sure where that came from, but let's just say that it has been a change for me to have a boy in the house who can talk my ear off. :)
You are an extremely affectionate little guy, always quick to give a hug & you continue to give genuine compliments out in a way that I didn't know was possible for someone your age. That is an outstanding quality that I hope you will continue throughout your life - to be quick to notice the good in others. The contrary -- withholding compliments, is not an attractive feature in a person. I believe there is always something good to be said about others & I am in awe that at such a young age you already look for those shining characteristics in those you come in contact with, & are quick to share them.
You LOVE FRIENDS & you are quick to accept anyone as such! You have made some great friends on our street this last year & it's been so exciting to watch you be so thrilled about those relationships.
You started playing a little soccor this year! At first you were a little hesitant to join the group, but by month 2 you were loving it! You even made a goal during a game. I don't know if it was on purpose, but you made it! Once again, you just love to be around other kids. I don't think it matters what you are playing. You are just there to have FUN!
You started Primary this year as a Sunbeam! The first few months were an adjustment to be out of nursery and in classes, but you have made big strides in going willingly (most of the time) in the last several months & we are so proud of you! You are blessed with WONDERFUL teachers, Brother and Sister Smith, who adore you. You love to sing "Do As I'm Doing" and "I am a Child of God". You said your first prayer in Sharing Time on the 4th of July of this year. You have gotten really good at praying and I am amazed by the thought and sincereity you put in them for your age. You have a special light inside of you & we hope that you will always stay close to your Heavenly Father & keep that light shining in your beautiful blue eyes.
You love to swing, go on walks, go to the park, ride your scooter... you just love to be outside!!! You love to play with Daddy's Iphone, & play the Wii. You are amazing at doing puzzles! You love reading stories. "How I Became a Pirate" and "I Love You Stinky Face" are a few of your many favorites from this year. Many of your books you can recite to me without me even reading them. You have an amazing memory!! Your favorite color is RED. You can point out Utah, Arizona, Texas, California and NY on a map. You always amuse me by yelling out President Obama's name when you see him on TV. You love to color and paint & you've gotten good at writing your name - although you prefer to simply sign your masterpieces with a "P". A few of your favorite foods are strawberries (this has by far been your #1 choice in food for the last 3 years!), corn on the cob, avacado, pizza, "chips and dip" (tortilla chips and refried beans), noodles, and "orange" cheese. You have come to appreciate and like chicken this year, much to my happiness. You eat the majority of fruits and veggies which is awesome. And you've decided that you love chicken nuggets and french fries. And of course, you have your Daddy's unquenchable sweet tooth. You looove any treats but especially chocolate!
Like any good man, you take pride in your battle wounds. You are obsessed with bandaids and are under the firm impression that each little knick needs to be covered by a Toy Story bandaid.
You saw your first movie this year, "Princess and the Frog". It was loud and a bit scary for you. Even Mom thought it was scary. You covered your ears for most of it when your hands weren't digging into your popcorn, but you seemed in awe at your first movie theater experience. You also saw "How to Train Your Dragon" and "Toy Story 3". You love Toy Story and have decided that you must be Buzz for Halloween. We will have to see if we can conjure up an affordable costume.
You love to play with your sister. You love to make her laugh at you and play hide and seek with you. She looks up to you and follows after whatever you do. You also like to tease her but you look after her as well. She adores you!!!
You are such a GOOD little boy, but a few things that you struggle with are focusing and keeping your hands to yourself. You are also already a great procrastinator when you are told to do something, but these are things we are looking forward to working on in preschool this next year!
If I only I had one word to describe you, it would be JOY! That is what you have brought to us this last four years. You are such a wonderful, unique little spirit and it is obvious that you have great things to accomplish in this life. We are tremendously blessed by you and love you more than we knew was possible. We are forever grateful to have you as a part of our family!
Love,
Mom
(If you need something ultra cheesy, I just might be your girl. :))
