a year in the life : grey 2012

our grey bear. this year brought a lot of maturity to an already old soul. he turned five, acquired lots of new skills, tried lots of new things with no fear, started kindergarten, played hard, and learned to love at a deeper level. this boy amazes us daily and i am more than privileged to spend our days together growing alongside one another. he is a leader and a servant with a heart that is so tender to the Lord that i can't help but be thrilled for the plans He has for this child. i praise God for this life that continually teaches me and pushes me towards Jesus. what an incredible gift we have to raise him. 

{january. perfect image. serious and silly. mr. responsible with a side of fun tucked away underneath it all.}

{february. manhood at it's finest. you are far beyond your years in understanding and reason.}

{march. i didn't want to use photos with others in them but when it comes to you, there's really no other choice. you absolutely adore those that surround you. you crave people and relationship. and your littlest brother has always adored YOU. you love tucker and will in a way that reminds me how to love those around me.}

{march. though you are very, very much like your father in most ways, you sure have learned to cut loose this year like your mommy. i have watched your energy go through the roof as you grow physically and for the first time can say that "boy" in you is truly shining through. you are very, very active and we have enjoyed watching this take on new forms this year.}

{may. five years old. surrounded by friends. this was heaven for you.}

{june. this picture instantly takes me to our time together this summer. me and you, usually sharing a bowl of cherries on the deck during rest time. you converse like a college student and so we never have a lack of things to discuss or work through together. our time is so very precious to me and i will never, ever take it for granted.}

{july. you have a always been extremely opposed to water in your face. the shrieks in the bathtub are not forgotten from years past. this summer you got over that in a larger way by boogying through the ocean, jumping all the way into the pool, and taking your own shower. we loved this small aspect of your growing up.}

{august. you began kindergarten. what a milestone! it is a joy to teach you in and through all our days.} 

{september. you absolutely loved every second of the beach this year. i love this photo of you. i can see you there exploring with your fingers and toes and eyes and mind. and i can see you simply enjoying yourself as you were running and jumping and just being right where you were.}

{october. you are constantly hungry to learn and master new skills. you have gained independence in so many areas this year. you want to watch and try and try again. you remain by our side and we are happy to teach you.}

{november. oh i love this photo as well. our relationship has developed into something really special this year. it's something that i haven't found words for but i know i love you more every second. i know your love for your mommy is deep and real and i am so grateful for you my son.}

{december. you learned to ride a two wheel bike and want to learn to play the guitar. you are becoming a young man.}

what a year it's been! as your daddy and i reflect on your growth, we praise the Lord for your life and can't wait to share 2013 with you.