Aidan at Six

Happy Birthday to my sweet six year old boy.

At six, you are my junior scientist. You have proudly announced you are going to be a scientist when you grow up. (And then you went out into the backyard to catch bugs to examine under your new microscope.) You prefer nature shows and the discovery channel to kids cartoons. (although you have a soft spot for scooby doo.) I will still never forget the day I found you watching an HGTV program on how to build a backyard deck. (an interesting choice for a five year old boy.) Your obsession with Star Wars continues, but you have added a little Pokemon to the mix. You love books that explain the world to you and will spend an hour pouring over a treatise on dinosaur bones, space or ancient egypt. You also have a love of video games - from the Wii (you rock the drums on Rock Band) to Star Wars Legos on XBox (you have figured out how to fake hook up a controller to let your brothers believe they are playing with you. )

You like to be in charge. You can get a little bossy. You love to negotiate. You ask a whole lot of questions. And you are my rule enforcer. I see a lot of myself in you and your daddy likes to remind me of that every chance he gets.

You don't like food all that much, unless it's a favorite junk food snack. We battle over veggies and fruit, but you always have room for pizza, cupcakes, pepperoni, and cookies. You are still my junk food junkie.

You are kind and sweet. You look out for your brothers and your friends. You never want to see anyone else hurt or upset. You love to cuddle and give hugs. You tell all of us in your family how much you love us. Every teacher you have had - from your toddler room to summer camp this year - has told me you have such a good, kind heart. Of all the things I have heard, that is always what makes me proudest of you.

Happy Birthday Aidan. I love you and I am so very proud of you.

(I am sure we won't see much of you today, now that we are caved and bought you that Nintendo DS you wanted for your birthday. I am trying to convince myself it has educational value. Trying... )