Aaron is 8

My squishy, smiley, cuddly red headed baby turned 8 years old in July.

He's still smiley and snuggly, but definitely not squishy any more. 

His red hair is more strawberry blonde in the sunshine of summer. 

This boy of ours is charming, extremely affectionate (he gives the BEST hugs), is always trying to squeeze in more kisses at bedtime, and quick to learn. He fits many of the stereotypical "baby of the family" characteristics and golly he brightens my days. (Except for when he doesn't. ha! He has his moments like the rest of us.)

With Ethan and Aaron's birthdays being a day apart, they expressed an interest this year in not having a joint birthday party. Our new family birthday plan (oh, you know how I love a plan!) is to alternate between a party and a family outing. This applies for all the kids and of course they can always choose a family outing if they don't want a party. Aaron's family outing was to an indoor go-cart racing facility and he was pumped! 
Darin and I watched them and then did an adult race with the two of us. Darin won...no surprise! :) So fun to see their personalities behind the wheel. I'm not going to name names, but one child was very careful to follow the rules posted and another crashed into the boundaries multiple times. Two others were aggressive and fearless. Maybe you can guess?

Aaron actually came in 1st in the second heat, followed by Ethan, Luke, and Irina.

He's growing like a weed and it won't be long before he catches up to Ethan in height. This coming school year will be the first for him to take classes away from home. He'll be taking 2 classes on Mondays at the homeschool academy the older boys attend. He's nervous, but he tends to approach all new activities that way. Give him a day and he'll be begging for more. 

The family outing was the day before his birthday leaving us plenty of space to just enjoy him on his actual birthday. He requested a fruit pizza for his birthday dessert. (sugar cookie bottom, with a cream spread, and fruit on top... google it. It's yummy!)

Happy Birthday Aaron! 

I hope you never stop throwing your arms around my neck. 

We love you to the moon and back!