This most adorable freckled boy turned eight the beginning of October. It's a struggle to find words to capture the wonder of Orson, but here's the best I can do.
Orson is also a fun-loving kid! He finds joy in playing games, roughhousing with Conrad, and general silliness.
Orson is frequently on the lookout for ways to help and serve others. He notices needs and does his best to fill them. He is definitely a team player. My heart just melts when we're out and about and he carries my bag or opens a door. I love the little gentleman he is becoming!
Orson is adventurous! He is always up for trying new things. Here he is holding a cockroach.
Orson is strong! He loves a challenge, especially a physical challenge. At forest school he's often climbing trees and finding other ways to challenge his abilities. When he works alongside Michael, he works so hard and is genuinely strong. Most of all, he works hard without complaining. This past summer when Michael was teaching in Colorado for three weeks, he put Orson in charge of several duties such as taking out the trash and other "heavy lifting." Orson took his duty so seriously and did such a great job.
Orson loves learning new skills. He was so excited to get a pocket knife for his 8th birthday and learn to whittle! He's also enjoyed working at our friend's farm and learning more about caring for animals.
Orson is an early riser! You can count on this boy being the first one up in our house every day. It's a skill I think will serve him well in his future.
In short, Orson is just amazing and we love this boy so much!
For his birthday, Orson got a few of his favorite things. Chips, which he LOVES, his long awaited pocket knife, and a puzzle maze ball. Orson is impressively good at solving the maze ball and within a week of owning it could complete it consistently (I still have yet to finish it successfully).
He decided on the coolest camping cake. It turned out so great!
Just a few weeks after his birthday, Orson chose to be baptized. It was an extra special day because he and his cousin Lydia were baptized together!
I love that the two of them wanted to be baptized on the same day. Lydia has waited since her birthday the end of July to make this happen! They planned out everything together and it was a beautiful day!
What made Orson's day extra special were all the people who took the time to come support him. All the Ballards were there (including Grandma who had broken her leg just a few weeks before).
All the Smith's made it too!
Orson's namesake Tom made the trip down from Salt Lake to join his special day!
He was also supported by out Stake President, his friend Porter and his family from IMA, Bishop Caldwell (a Bishop from another ward in the Stake that has just been so sweet and kind to our family), and tons of ward members. I hope he felt the love that so many share for him!
It was a day full of friends and family. The spirit was strong and hope Orson will alway remember how he felt on his special day. Orson, you are a joy to us and so many others. Keep working hard, growing stronger, learning, and sharing your love and talents with others. We love you!
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