Well Mikey is 9. I say it every time but I don't know how it happens! His birthday was on a Saturday and we had sort of planned a sledding day at ConePark with the Herrick's but Mikey and I were both down with the stomach flu (booo!) during the week so we just had a day at home and then went to Godfather's with the Pick's and Koester grandparents last minute. Mikey really wanted a dessert pizza so that's what he got! The morning of his birthday we had cinnamon rolls and opened presents. He got a big spiderman Lego, a stuffed giraffes (I will never get over how much they love and play with stuffed animals!), a spiderman shirt, a terrarium from the Swindolls, and some birthday money from grandma and grandpa Ridenour. We got to show my family around our addition after pizza that night. It is really coming along and Travis built the "library" above the living room this week.
The following Thursday I had parent teacher conferences and Michael came home to spend the night with Mikey. They played outside, Legos, and a TON of Nintendo Switch!!! The next morning I brought Michael home and we had Friday off so we had another nice day at home. Then Saturday morning Jude had his last Jr. High basketball game in Winside. So he went to that and Gil and grandpa Lindy took Mikey and Cora to 4-H calf weigh in. After that we raced over to Winside and met the Herricks and grandma and grandpa Ridenour there. They won the game and Jude had a good season playing point guard (!). Next we ate lunch at Runza and following that we stopped by the Muellers to see their 21 (!) Australian Shepard puppies (2 litters). We have been thinking about getting another bigger dog and they must have won us over because we left debating between a male and a female. Spoiler we picked the male and named him "Bubbles" or "Bubba" for short (much to Cora's dismay!). Finally, we headed home for a quick house tour and some Spiderman birthday cake.
Mikey, you are such a cool kid. You are inquisitive and always trying to figure out how things work. You are becoming a very good student and have been very responsible with your school work this year. You love animals and all the pets and are a great chore doer! You have a great sense of humor and are always laughing. You have grown so much over this past year. I can't wait to see what the next year brings for you. Love you so much Michael Johnnie!!!
I should also mention that the week before Mikey's birthday we lost Grandpa Gilbert at age 99. His services were such amazing times of reflection on his amazing life and lead to some great discussions between Gil and I and with the kids. We were so grateful to have gotten to see him at Christmas.
