Who is this boy with the long legs? Who is this child that has such a big boy face now and who talks like a mini adult? He sure looks like my Jaxson and he still hugs and kisses and smiles like my Jaxson but how could my Jaxson change so much in one year. My lil buddy is slowly but surely turning into a little man. Guess what though, he's still the cutest lil man in town and he is doing such amazing things. Those hugs and sweet kisses, yes, he still has them and gives them away freely. The most amazing thing though, is he still tells the best stories...to anyone who will listen. I listen. I think someday he will be a storyteller and perhaps even write a book. A book that is wise but also a book that has a lot of humor in it.
This was our last full year with you lil Buddy. I cannot wrap myself around the fact that next year you will be in full-time kindergarten. From the palm of your Mom's hand, literally, you have grown into this marvelous little boy. We thought the first three months passed so slowly while you were getting strong enough to live in the outside world and now look, six years have gone by as fast as the speed of sound. The sound of you as you enter our house each time you come. I rather like the sound of you as you toss off your sneakers and run into the kitchen, announcing your arrival. Know that no matter what grade you are in or how big you might grow, you are always welcome here, at Nana and Papa's. It will only cost you a hug and a kiss. Today is your day though. You have earned it and what I would say to you is, EAT CAKE. I know you will like that. Chocolate for sure, with chocolate frosting. What do you say Jaxson, would you like to look back again, as we do every year, to see what you have accomplished and enjoyed. Let's do it before the party starts.
So handsome and you always have your smile with you. This was last year, right after your fifth birthday. We went to breakfast with Liam in the town of Manchester where you had just moved to. This photo of you makes my heart happy. I think its the sparkle in your eyes..
At the beginning of the summer, we went on an adventure to Kimball Farm where you learned to drive these little boats all by yourself. You only got stuck a few times. Great job. Whenever we go someplace that we haven't been, we always call it an adventure. I like that.
Then summer came and we went camping at Sebago Lake campground for a week. That was lots of fun. You run out of the water to give Mom a kiss and then you run off to play again. It's like you just have to check in, to let her know that everything is o.k. One day you, Papa and I went to Endicott Park to see the animals. I really love how gentle and comforting you are to all the animals you meet. They seem to like you back just as much as you like them. Remember to always take good care of them Jaxson and to be really sweet with them. They are just furry friends and will always love you if you're gentle. Just like Riley and Tucker do. I like your new red shoes that we got also. You are a sharp dresser for sure.
Summers mean Maine and the Maine house. You boys have loved it since your first visit. You always have so much fun but sometimes we just relax on the deck and read. Last summer Mom rented the jet ski for the first time. Now you and Liam are big enough to go on it. I think everyone on the lake heard the sound of you all laughing as you speed things up. Papa and I even took you for a ride. You and Liam are great water buddies and now you are big enough to keep up with him. Everyone goes tubing. Here you are with Mom and the two of you are having such a good time. Sometimes, though, a little guy just needs to rest his head on his Papa's shoulder. It's just another way of saying "I love you Papa". I hope the Maine house is a special place for you for as long as you want to come. One thing I know for sure...We have already made lots of happy memories there.
Look at how far you have come in your Art lessons. You go each week after school and you always bring home such a special surprise. This pottery was awesome and I'm so glad you decided to keep it for yourself. Remember to always give yourself some love. You are so good at giving things to others, but sometimes, when you really love something you have done, it's o.k. to enjoy and keep it "just for you". I hope I see it on your bureau the next time I visit you at your new house. I love that you have your own room.
One other big adventure we went on last summer was to Lego Land. Look how tall you are now. Your legs are almost as long as that giraffes. Well, not really but you are catching up to Liam. You guys loved it here, Nana, not so much. LOL
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It was really such a busy summer but now the sun is starting to set earlier. I saw you resting here in the hammock one day in Maine after swimming and you just glowed, from the inside out. I want to keep this image of you in my mind for a very long time. Rest little one, whenever you want. Life will be busy so capture the golden moments whenever you can. Know that it is always o.k. to recharge your batteries. I do wonder what you were thinking about here as you gently swayed in the breeze.
Summer fades into fall and you enter your last year of pre-school. You also go back to karate for your second year. You are doing an amazing job Jaxson. You earned your red stripped belt this year and you already know the importance of respect.
You love your ponies, Flicker and Jake and they surely love you also. This year you ride along holding the reins yourself and you are practicing your balance. Every once in awhile you give your pony's a hug. At the end of each lesson, after grooming them, it's carrots all around, and for the first time this year, you were not afraid to lay your hand flat and let the horse take it from you. I know that was a big challenge for you. See, they didn't bite your fingers. .
Oh my gosh, how much do you love your brother Liam. I'd say to the moon and back. You look up to him and you really are becoming best friends. I know sometimes he tries to trick you but mostly he really loves you and takes good care of you. I also think it's awesome that you both still like to wear the same kind of shirts sometimes. You are both my loves...and the two of you together means double love.
In the fall you and Liam wanted to take Mom on an adventure for her birthday. We planned an evening in Boston for dinner and you and Liam took her on the train. She was so surprised when she got to Boston. I know it was a very special night for her. Thanks for taking Papa and me along also...we had pizza and cake with gelato. Then a train ride home. This is a favorite photo of mine. When you two look at each other my heart takes a leap.
A few other things you did that were fun. You love working with Papa in the shop. You guys spend lots of time down there and since this photo was taken you have cleaned off your work bench. You love coming to the cemetery with us and both you and Liam help put the flowers on all the graves. Your favorite job is watering them. How about that great day at the Peabody Essex Museum. We went to the Play exhibt. The balloons were so much fun. Look at you and Papa sharing the same sweater. That was pretty funny.
Of course we all love Christmas. I especially love it again since you and Liam came along. Christmas is so special with the two of you. I even love seeing Santa Claus again. He only comes after you both are asleep but I caught a glimpse of him this year because not only did he drop toys at your house but he dropped these cool jet cars at Nana and Papa's house. You both are the joy of the holiday season. This year was another beautiful and loving one for our little family.
This year in between lessons and school we took a family vacation to Bermuda to celebrate Nana and Pap's 50th Anniversary. This photo of you and Uncle Chris is pretty special. At first, we didn't think Mom would let you ride but you so bravely wanted to go and Uncle Chris was really great at keeping you safe. What a wonderful family time this was. We made a lot of memories here Lil Buddy. More Bermuda below...I hope you had lots of fun also.
Then the end of your school year came and you and I went out for our special day. Actually Jaxson, I've been having special days with you for six years. You are one of the best....and it's so nice to have alone time with you. Pretty soon when Liam finishes school he wlll also have a special day. Do you know why? Easy answer, because you are both so special to me.
So Jaxson, as we say goodbye to 5 and welcome in 6, just know that you have been the most fun this year. I was worried that maybe we wouldn't have such engaging conversations but no need for worry anymore, you proved last year that you will always have engaging words and stories for me, you will just be a bit more discreet about how you present them. That works for me.
So now you move on. You live in a new town and in a new lovely home. You will go to the same school as Liam. I will miss our special days. We were so fortunate to have you and Liam all these many years, eight to be exact. We will still be close by though. These last two years with you alone have been a gift. You are a good boy, you like to please and your pretty low key. You're always up for an adventure and you like being outside. The side of you that I love best because I'm a Nana, is that you love to snuggle, hug and you even still like kisses. I know soon you might outgrow them but just know that I will always hug you and kiss you because that is what makes a Nana most happy. You are a joy and my best Buddy and I know next year you will do just fine in kindergarten. Your teachers are going to be so lucky to have you in their class. Meanwhile, Papa and I will be waiting for you right where we have always waited...in the kitchen. We will see you each Tuesday but not for so many hours, come on in and kick off your shoes and yell, Nana, I'm back. I'll put the teapot on for you and we will have an afternoon chat. I Love you Jaxson...to the moon and back...thank you for sharing your heart with me again this year.
“I love you, yes I do,
my little boy with the eyes of blue,
I love you, every day when you come to my house and play.
You will grow, this I know
But always remember
where you can go,
I love you, yes I do
My little Jaxson with his eyes of blue.
”
