My little man is growing up

Whether I like it or not (and for the record, I don't), our "Habu" is growing up.  Last night he went to a "graduation" party.   Yes, he is "graduating" from elementary school. It was a boy-girl party and much to the boys' dismay, they were required to wear a collared shirt and nice shorts.   (Harry really is happiest in a Judo t-shirt and nylon sport shorts.)  I have to admit that when I dropped him off at the party, I felt a bit nostalgic and emotional.  How did the years go by so fast?

Harry is an awesome kid. He is compassionate and helpful and respectful.  He tries really hard at whatever he does. He has had straight A's and straight E's (excellent) for his whole elementary school career.  In  addition to that, he is such a leader at school.  He has a ton of friends and is kind to everyone.  On more than one occasion parents have told me that their child was so upset when Harry was absent because either he keeps things fair on the playground or keeps another classmate on track in the classroom. The principal also told me a few weeks ago that Harry really was a special kid.  She called him a quiet leader.

Harry also walks the walk.  At his Christian summer camp, he has twice been awarded the First is Third (FIT) award. This is given to the camper who puts God first, others second and himself third.  This is the highest honor at camp and if Harry wins it another time, his name will be inscribed on a plaque in the mess hall.

We have had our tough times.  He is not perfect (no one is, right?)  Harry had a few years when he was kind of angry at home.  But now, he is as delightful as he can possibly be and we are very close.  I cannot even tell you how very proud I am of this boy!  He is growing into exactly the kind of person we hope he would be.  Above all, Harry is pretty humble.  He would never tell you any of this and he'd be kind of embarrassed that I did.  So, let's keep it our secret, shall we?

And don't tell anyone...but he might even have a girlfriend friend who is a girl! And she is so cute!




{the next few weeks are NUTS here because Harry has tons of end of year stuff since he is leaving grade school and Will has tons since he is leaving middle school and lots of it overlaps...so I wanted to take a moment and reflect on each boy and what they mean to me right now}