Educating Risa

My eldest son, Daegan, turned 8 today. We went away for the weekend to Edmonton, where we took in a bug class, swam (and swam, and swam!) in the hotel pool, ate delish veggie food, and generally enjoyed ourselves (more in another post). Upon our return this afternoon, Jim made Daegs a birthday cake—German chocolate with a raspberry filling layer—and Daegan’s requested dinner: pancakes. Yum!

In honour of Daegan’s birthday, I thought I’d share some pics of him on (or near) his birthdays in years past. I can’t believe that my first child is half-way to driving already! As Gretchen Rubin, author of the Happiness Project, put it: yes, some days sure are long, but the years are short. Hope you enjoy the pics!

Daegan, on his birth day (age 0):

Age 1, at a friend’s birthday party who was born the same day:

Age 2, after conquering some baked beans:

Age 3, having some cake and ice cream from his birthday party:

Age 4, on the piano you walk on at the Edmonton Science Centre:

Age 5, showing off a craft he made (and the allergic reaction to mosquito bites on his arm):

Age 6, with gappy-toothed smile:

Age 7, with Gareth at a fossil-casting class at the Royal Tyrrell museum:

Age 8, today, and looking rather grown up IMHO:

We love you, Daegan! Watching you grow up has been one of the biggest sources of joy in my life. You and Gareth changed my life forever—and I am so grateful for it!