The Con-Man Turns 10

Sheesh.  Even as I type it, it doesn't seem possible.

Connor James Carlson is a decade old.  Double digits.

We are so lucky to have Connor in our family.  He is the most patient, loving, kind-hearted, perceptive kid around.  Day after day, he shows love to his sisters and is willing to lend a helping hand when needed.  He cares deeply about the thoughts and feelings and will do whatever he can to bring happiness to the soul of another.  He watches faces carefully and can sense disappointment or heartache...and is quick to try to mend whatever hurt exists.  He is amazing with younger kids, often a favorite amongst the little people in our lives.  Brandon and I are continually amazed at our son's spirit.

What a joy it is to watch Connor's personality continue to evolve.  He is a social creature, loving time with friends and family and always asking what we have planned for the next day.  But he is also reserved...hesitant in new situations and fearful when trying new things.  To watch him conquer something that is unknown is incredible.  Connor is respected by his teachers and peers and loves to learn.  His smile is legendary and his eyes light up when something amuses him.  His whole body moves when he's excited about something, and he speaks with his hands, just like his Daddy does.  His vocabulary has expanded to include words like "technically", "amazingly", and "surprisingly".  We joke that he is the adverb king. :)  Connor has started to grasp what sarcasm is and it is so fun to joke with him.  "Yeah right, Mom!" is heard often around our house as we banter back and forth.

Connor's interests have changed from Thomas the Train to Nintendo DS (he saved all his birthday money to buy a new 3DS) and from Transformers to Legos.  While he's crossing the bridge from boy to young man, we still catch precious glimpses an imaginative soul in our son.  Listening to him animate his Lego minifigures as he builds new creations brings smiles to our faces.  Hearing him "cast" an imaginary football game is quite a riot.  He shares his Daddy's love of football and is a Green Bay Packers fan.

We watch him run like the wind on the football field as he continues to grow as an athlete.  He loves being outdoors and all things that come along with that.  He is agile and skilled in his movements.  It is a blessing to watch his talents evolve.

Our blonde-haired little man with an unforgettable smile is now 10 years old.  We celebrated Connor's birthday with a birthday dinner, an evening of Lasertag, and then a family trip to Chuck E. Cheese's.

Birthday gifts from Mommy, Daddy, and Sisters

Birthday dinner capped off with cake and make your own sundaes

Ready for some serious LaserTag

The birthday boy is captured!

The birthday man and Chuck E. Cheese

We had a great time celebrating and Mommy is trying hard not to think how fast the next 10 years will go.  Thanks for being who you are, Connor James.  We love you very, very much!