Happy Birthday Silly!

This handsome boy turned nine the beginning of October! 

His birthday fell on General Conference this year, which he said was a great way to celebrate. Of course, he got to pick his favorite breakfast (waffles with fruit and bacon) and kick off the day with presents. He then enjoyed building his new legos while watching Conference. 

Remember when Orson turned 4 and he wanted me to title his birthday blog "Orson the Silly"? Well, Walter now refers to him exclusively as "Silly" and it's practically become his name in our house. I can't imagine why??

Walter might call him Silly, but he also thinks the world of Orson. Most mornings Walter and Orson are the first ones up. After a quick cuddle in our bed, Walter will tell Orson "Silly, snack!" at which point Orson will take him downstairs for a snack. They usually eat peanut butter pretzels or a piece of toast while I get a few more minutes of sleep. Orson is the best big brother! 

Orson, you are such an awesome kid! Each day you remind me that we need to read the Book of Mormon together. I've loved reading with you this year! We're on track to finish by the end of the year. 

For only nine years old, you are SO responsible. You've taken over doing the chicken chores and do such a great job. I never have to remind you of any of the steps. You even did the fall clean out of the coop on your own and can now refill the food bucket from the 40 pound bags of feed without any help. 

Daddy taught you to start the grill on your own, and this year you've started it perfectly every time we've asked. In the last few months you've even grilled the meat with very little help! 

And when it comes to school, you're typically asking me to come start school with you rather than the other way around. 

You got to attend Summit this year and had a blast with your friend Zach. 

This year you've discovered watching football with Daddy, and you LOVE it! You two are peas in a pod, and it cracks me up sometimes how similarly you behave. 

You've worked so hard with your Vanguard homework this year. I love seeing you dive in each week. You especially enjoy the weeks you have a cooking class. 

For your birthday, Daddy and I took you on a date to try out the UVU climbing wall. You'd expressed interested in trying rock climbing, so you were SO excited! You learned how to tie in (and the student teaching you said you did better than most adults picking it up). 

Since you've always been strong, it was no surprise you were a natural climber. You literally made it all the way to the top of the 30+ foot wall multiple times. 

After tackling a few of the easier courses, you were determined to get over this green overhang. And you did get it once! I think you would have continued for hours, but your arms got too tired. 

We finished up our night with dinner and ice cream at BYU. You told us about how you loved starting baseball this year, how you're proud of your reading, and how you'd still like to be a farmer when you grow up. 

Orson you are such a steady, strong boy. I love how you have tons of energy, but still take time to be still and ponder. I love how you take responsibility for many things and take pride in doing a good job. You are learning to be kind, caring, and hard-working which will help you grow in to an amazing man some day. We love you Orson!!!