9

Henry is 9! I strongly suggested that he stay the same age, but he insisted on getting a year older and now he is a big nine-year-old.

For the past two years, Henry's birthday has fallen on a school day, which is the biggest bummer for this boy! We do our best to celebrate with birthday banners, special meals and presents, of course. Henry chose to open his gifts before school this year.

We bought him a snow globe in New Mexico to replace his Vermont one that broke.

And you can tell by his grin that he was thrilled to get this double-headed dragon to add to his collection! 

And then it was off to school (we sent in our favorite double chocolate chip cookies for a class birthday treat!). 

Henry chose Tokyohana for his special birthday dinner.

And then it was back home for Crave cupcakes!

Happy birthday, Henry!

Here are some things that make Henry special at age 9:

• He craves adventure and wants to make the most of his weekends. School is never his favorite place to be, and he wants his time off to be fun and special. He is always up for exploring!
• Henry is such a thoughtful kid. When I'm having a rough day, he'll bring me chocolate from his "specials" bag or wrap up a gift or create a scavenger hunt. He hates it when his loved ones are feeling down.
• Henry is a huge help -- I can always count on him to help set the table or feed the animals.
• Henry is reading like crazy this year! He especially loves fantasy (favorite series are Percy Jackson, Fablehaven, Simon Thorn, Adventurers Wanted, and Land of Stories). 
• Henry is so creative! He is always coming up with new games and ideas (the land of the Pookies is still going strong!).
• He still loves food and eating. Henry is almost always my farmers market sidekick and he loves to help out in the kitchen.
• He still has the best big belly laugh.
• Henry is a sensitive soul with a huge heart.
• And finally, new this year, sneak attack hugs!

Happy birthday to my sweet, smart, funny nine-year-old!