Chase turns 9

 Our sweet Chase is 9! I really can't believe it, it feels so old. Chase is kind of an old soul though and in many ways far beyond his years, so I guess 9 seems about right. We aren't doing friend parties this year, but we still made his birthday special. Ben took Chase and Hudson to see the new Star Wars movie which they all loved! We had a few gifts for him and then on Sunday night we had a family party at my parents house with cake and more presents.

This boy loves one-on-one time, so each set of grandparents gave him a special date. Ray and Diane took him shopping at target where he picked out a present and then dinner at Pizza Pie Cafe. Nana and Papa took him to the Planetarium and out to dinner (he picked pizza again- this time at Blaze pizza).

I got to take him on a little lunch date the week after his birthday (it's more fun if you get checked out of school for it) and he chose Pizza Pie Cafe yet again- he loves that place. I loved having time with just him. We talked and talked, I got to hear all about his thoughts about the new baby coming, him reflecting on the last year, and a lot about his goals for the new year. The new youth program the church is doing is personal goal focused. The goals he chose were:
Spiritual: Read the scriptures. We talked about how participating fully in our family scripture study is a great way to meet this goal.
Intellectual: Keep working hard on piano- making the most of his daily 30 minutes of practice time. He's doing amazing in piano and I'm excited to see where it takes him!
Social: Work on building a stronger relationship with his brothers.
Physical: Learn to do a flip off the diving board without landing on his side sometimes.

A few things about 9 year old Chase:

• Still loves to read non-fiction books and learn constantly. He loves to watch documentaries about science and history. His other favorite books are Dog Man and Fablehaven. He got some Gary Paulson books for his birthday and has loved those as well.
• Wants to be just like his dad. He's constantly pointing out ways they are alike, or he decides he likes something (mushrooms) after finding out that dad likes them. 
• Loves third grade. He likes Mrs. Bland more than Mrs. Hubbard- but generally likes everything about school.
• Loves nerf guns, laser tag, Minecraft. He likes to help me cook and wants to learn to make more things all on his own.
• His favorite meals are tacos, sloppy joes, coconut curry soup, and pancakes and sausage.
• Wears his glasses faithfully now. And wears his Red Sox hat every minute he's allowed to (basically anytime besides school, church and the dinner table). He even sleeps in it. After wearing it all of last year, Heidi got him a new one for his birthday this year.
• After learning about musical terms in his music class at school, incorporated them (quite appropriately) into the piano piece he was learning that week. He even wrote them in in correct Italian. His teacher was impressed.
• We love this kid. He has such a big heart and is a friend to everyone. He's such a good big brother, he's quick to forgive, and tries so hard to be good. His passion for life and learning is inspiring to us and we can't wait to see where he goes in the world!