7 years old! How did this happen?! You have grown up so much this past year. After a fun-filled summer, including a month long trip to the States, you started first grade. Because of the timing of Daddy's SOS course, you ended up missing the first 9 days of school. I felt really bad about doing that to you, but you handled it so well. And you caught up in no time! Going back to our trip to the States, you were a great traveler this time around. We had some discussions beforehand, about how I needed you to be my big helper since Daddy wasn't with us. When it comes down to it, you know how to step it up. I was able to rely on your help the whole way--which was a huge blessing.
The one thing that really stands out from this year, is how good of a reader you have become. Daddy and I are constantly amazed at how easily it seems to come to you. I rarely have to help you with any of your homework. And you are reading at a 4th or 5th grade level already. You have read Harry Potter (1st book), almost the entire Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Percy Jackson, The Wings of Fire series, and dozens of others. It has become such that, we have to make sure you are actually going to sleep at night instead of reading for 2 or 3 hours!
As far as sports go, you participated in soccer and basketball this year, as well as marathon club. You seem to be progressing a little, but still get easily distracted by friends and by being silly. Dad was your soccer coach, so that was helpful. Overall good experiences, and hopefully you are learning to love something.
We had a conversation with your teacher, Ms. Schuh, early on in the school year--about distraction and self control. We told her that we know you struggle with hyperactivity and impulsiveness, and so she recommended doing evaluations for ADHD. Me, Dad, and your teacher filled out these forms, and then we handed them over to your doctor. However, we don't feel quite ready to put you on any type of medication for it. So far, it doesn't seem to be affecting your academics at all. You are still learning and doing well. We decided to try and help in other ways, and reevaluate next year. Ms. Schuh has been really wonderful in handling things at school. We have been grateful for her patience and concern. Despite a few run-ins with discipline at school, you always seem determined to do better in the end. You have a good heart, Sawyer, and no malice towards others. You just get really excited about life! And with enough positive reinforcement (and negative consequences for bad choices), you usually steer in the right direction. We are so grateful for this and for your academic smarts as well :).
It's so fun to see you growing up and catching on to 'life' in general. Gospel concepts are becoming very understandable to you now, and you are fantastic at giving talks in primary! After we discuss the topic with you a few times and help you with a general outline, you are able to get up there and give a talk without any help from us or reading from a paper. We have been so impressed by this! Definitely something you get from your Dad :).
Your sense of humor is getting a bit more refined (though definitely still that of a 7 yr old ;) ). But it makes me smile to see you trying to be funny like Dad. You love to play with friends, goof off, and be silly.
You have finally lost some teeth this year! The first one came out around St. Patrick's Day. The next one shortly thereafter (with some help from Dad). Then a couple weeks ago, you had a little accident on the trampoline (we think you hit your mouth to your knee), and knocked 3 teeth on the top VERY loose! One of them fell out immediately, and the other came out in the next few days. One is still hanging in there (literally). But it has helped you build your piggy bank account very quickly!
You also love to do things with your Dad. He took you out of school to go skiing one day (which you have become pretty good at this year!), and you often go on his YM's campouts with him. You two are like two peas in a pod. I love watching your relationship develop.
Sawyer, I am so grateful that Heavenly Father sent you to our family first. You are a wonderful big brother to your sisters, and I am so excited that you are going to get a brother any day now. I have been so proud of you and the choices that you make. I know that you will always get through any challenges that life might throw at you. You have such a sweet spirit and a tender heart, which are truly great qualities. We love you more than words can say. Happy Birthday!
Love,
Mommy
Weight: 56.88 (76%)
Height: 50.35 (86%)
BMI: 15.77 (56%)
For your party this year, you requested a Minecraft theme (one of your favorite things in life these days...). You are actually quite particular about the things that I do for your parties--I feel like I might have created a monster, haha. I had to constantly try and lower your expectations, for fear that they would be crushed. But in the end, you were so happy with your party and I thought everything turned out pretty dang good.
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