Kenny's Nine Now...

So yesterday was Kenny's ninth birthday. We had celebrated his birthday a few weeks ago with the family and I don't think he even remembered it was his birthday yesterday.

We decided to take he and Kale to OMSI for his birthday because he had been asking to go for several weeks now. We started out in the science wing where Kenny and I went to the chemistry lab and did some neat experiments. He really seemed to enjoy playing with beakers, chemicals and learning.

Next, we went to an IMAX Movie,

about elephants and orangutans and what people in the world were doing to rescue and save the babies when their moms were killed by poachers or their enviornment being destroyed. It was really cute and sweet but reminded us all of the importance of taking care of our world.

After that we went to the Video Game Exhibit, Game on 2.0 where we explored over 40 years of gaming entertainment; from the first commercial coin-op to the latest in virtual reality and 3D technology. They had Nintendo, Pong, Wii, Centipede, Pac-man, pinball... the list goes on and on for 125 titles.

After OMSI, Kenny picked Izzy's as his birthday restaurant, so off we went to eat salad, pizza, chicken, Jell-o, all the good stuff that kids like. Unfortunately, for mom and dad who are dieting, we could only have a small amount of salad and just a bit of dressing (and not even the good kind). But the boys sure enjoyed their meal...

Later that night, Grandpa & Grandma Ericson & Megan and Tyler came for dinner and desert. IT wasn't bad and Kenny seemed to enjoy it all (Kale ate earlier as he doesn't like fish). We had cake and ice cream and brownies with raspberry sauce... all things mom and dad couldn't eat. But seeing everyone else enjoying it made it a bit easier to "swallow".

Kenny is an amazing little boy.

He loves legos, playing with Bionicles, Hero Factor or any other toy that he can take apart and put back together. He loves riding his bike in the front yard and around the neighborhood. He loves playing with his little brother, Kale (although I think they are going through a bickering phase right now, and I hope it ends soon).

Kenny loves school. He started on Wednesday and loves everything about it. He has two "girl" friends and his teacher's name is Ms. Marvin. He loves to read and is currently enjoying a couple of series: Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites.

Kenny is an inquisitive little boy, full of life and always wanting to learn. When he finds something he likes, he REALLY likes it and eats, sleeps and breaths it. He is kind and considerate. He is ALL BOY and I don't think that will ever change, (at least I hope not). He loves to be the center of attention, but also loves to have "me" time and be alone with his things and his thoughts.

Kenny really loves music and singing. Unfortunately for him, he was not born with intonation. He is really trying though. He sings the hymns at church and joins in with the radio and even sings in the shower. Sometimes we have to ask him to "keep it down" because he gets so wrapped up that he doesn't realize that he is "screaching". We love that he tries and we love that he loves music and hope that he always keeps that love with him.

As Kenny's parents, we are so proud of who he is and who he is becoming. I am pretty sure that his Heavenly Father is proud of him too. He has had a few challenges in his life so far, and they haven't been small ones. He is still working on some, some will stay challenges his whole life, but he hasn't let that get him down. He starts each new day fresh, with a smile (that is missing several teeth) and goes at the world full force.

We love him and feel very blessed to have him in our family.