Happy Birthday Tanner!

It is hard to believe that the little boy that started our family is turning 11 years old today.  We couldn't be happier with the boy he is.  His cautious temperament compliments his brother very well and keeps them evenly balanced.  Being the oldest, his younger siblings look up to him and follow his example as is evident in the below pictures. 


(Ella is watching Tanner out of the corner of her eye)

He doesn't complain (much) about being the big brother even when it means he has more chores to do or is asked to watch his little sister for mom.  Making his younger siblings is very important to him.  Joseph often waits anxiously for Tanner to get home from school and asks Tanner to play Legos with him.  He is even willing to play dolls with his sister(s), but may not approve that proof was taken or that it is being shared with the world...

While he is a great soccer player and a brick wall keeper, we are most proud  of his strong faith.  Saturday night he quickly came down with a laryngitis-type illness that caused pain and difficulty in breathing.  His first request was "Dad, can I get a blessing?".  Of course, he isn't perfect and is a champion teaser, but he is definitely perfect for us!