Disclaimer: photos are out of order. Not sure what happened.

As always, lots has happened in the last 6 months. You are starting to sprout up and look like a real boy. You are getting more and more fun everyday and taking on a lot of the interests that I have as well (not intentional at all :)) so we do a lot together. Loved you as a baby, but honestly this is way more fun now that we can go do things together rather than changing diapers.

Camping

We bought an Airstream. You will someday learn that this is genuinely the most expensive trailer on the market, and you can probably guess out of your mom and I who insisted on the top of the line option (eye roll). Regardless, We are starting to get it out. Since we bought it at the end of the camping season we haven’t had much time with it but the plan is to use it a lot come next summer.

You absolutely love being in nature. You are an incredibly active kid, and the trailer was great the one time we got it out this year. We went to Ponderosa Park just outside of McCall for our first trip, and as you can see from the images did some smores, lots of cooking, fishing, hiking, bike riding and even watched a movie before bed. You are in your element when we are out. You don’t rely on devices (although if we give you one you lock in), and have a healthy balance.

I also got a new truck to tow it, and as you can see it matches yours. You had yours before mine so when I brought home a matching version you were stoked. Really look forward to writing this post next year after we have had it out a few times.

First Grade

You are smart. I think every parent says that, but they don’t always mean it or see it for what it really is. You will learn that I am a very type A, analytical individual – so when I say you are smart it isn’t because you are my son and I love you, but rather because the data shows it. You are already doing third grade math and you aren’t even trying. You have one of those natural gifts. When your kid has a natural gift like this you want to do one thing: don’t fuck it up. Sure we could push you and make you better (and to some extent we will), but really it is about ensuring you harness the gift and use it appropriately while not getting burnt out.

School is one of those things that so far you enjoy, but could also do without. You would rather be playing a sport or a game any day – which is how I was and seems to follow normal boy tendencies. But while it’s a passive thing for you, you don’t dread it. You are making some great friends, and your personality is very “go with the flow”, which I love. Very early days when it comes to school for you, we will see how it develops.

Sports

You have really taken a liking to sports recently. You have even gone as far as to watch a baseball game with me on tv (something at your age I could never do – way too boring). You are trying it all. You were into T-ball and swimming, and I think it lit a fire for the love of sports that you are now exhibiting. You have made some awesome friends doing it, you are as competitive as they come, and we are learning where you thrive and where it might not be a fit. It is so fun to watch.

One of the most surprising sports that you took up was hockey. I never played hockey, so every time I take you I have to YouTube how to put your pads on (there is a very specific order). You can skate pretty well and you are definitely getting better. I think you like the skating part, but you are not loving the sport all that much. You have committed to finishing the year (you don’t play games, just practices), but have said you want to be done afterwards. This is totally fine with me as at least you tried, and that is really all I ask. Plus, I grew up in Arizona and don’t care for the cold – so sitting in an ice rink for an hour a couple times a week is not my idea of fun.

Your favorite right now is flag football. You have some great friends on your team and you are actually really good. This year you were the Jaguars. You made the playoffs but lost first round, which definitely upset you. You have a solid competitive streak as I mentioned, and I can tell that it will only grow.

I gotta say, my favorite activity that you have gotten into is golf. You love playing golf. You and I go to the range frequently and even played a few holes together recently. You of course love driving the cart (we don’t mention that part to your mom), but when you hit a good shot your excitement overflows. It is amazing to watch you fall in love with the sport. I have a very good feeling this is something that you and I will be doing together for the rest of my life, and I couldn’t be more excited.

Another sport/activity I am very excited about is that you have developed a love for fishing. You can see a great picture below of a fish that you caught all by yourself in McCall. We have been out a few times together. You get frustrated when you miss a fish, and a little bored when it is slow, but you are only 7 so that is likely normal. I ahven’t introduced you to fly fishing just yet, but I am sure it will come easy.

Finally, baseball. You played T-ball and loved it. This next year you will play coaches pitch and you are very excited. You and I play catch a lot, and your interest in it continues to grow.

On another note, growing up I was pushed pretty hard by my dad when it came to sports (specifically baseball). I am trying to use that experience as a learning tool of what not to do in many situations. I don’t want to push you to the point where you don’t enjoy it, but push you enough so that you can succeed. I think I am erring on the side of being very careful with not pushing too hard, and that will likely stay that way. If you want to do it, you will. If you don’t, you won’t. Whatever you decide I am totally good with. Just having sports in your life is enough for me, and I genuinely think you will cultivate a love for them just like I have.

Summing it up

It has been a great few months and you are at such a fun age. Your best friend in the world is still your sister and you guys get along so well. You are both protective of one another and love each other so much – I couldn’t imagine a better scenario than the one we’ve got. I can’t wait to write to you again in 6 months to share more adverntures.

I love you more than all the world.

Love, Dad