Today is Lars’ 9th birthday.  Last night he missed piano lessons to suit up for his first season of tackle football.  I came home and he was sitting on the couch watching baseball with his pads and helmet on.  When he took off the helmet, I was surprised by how old he looked.

Despite looking old, he still needed help getting his shirt and helmet on and off.  But that was the point - practice.  The shirt kept getting stuck and Lars needed help with the straps and making sure they don’t get stuck.

We have a birthday tradition of biking over to a local bakery to get treats for everyone.  Lars was up early and he had his football shirt on again.  As I was getting the bikes out for Lars and me, he casually told me he had been practicing getting his pads and shirt on and off again.  That’s Lars - if it’s physical and he likes it, he’ll practice until he gets it right.  I love that about him. 

Happy birthday Lars.  You’re a good kid.  Can’t wait to see what the next 9 bring.