Ramblings... Samuel

They grow up so fast!  This seems to be my theme for the week, but it has been on my mind a lot lately.  Here are some current thoughts/reflections about where Samuel is at this point in his life.  Samuel is a typical nine year old boy in many ways, but not so typical in other ways.  He loves sports, particulary baseball and football.  Loves playing both and watching both.  Loves Alabama football and will not miss watching a game.  His favorite NFL team is the Colts.  He loves to swim, hunt, fish, explore the great outdoors, and ride his 4-wheeler.  But he also loves to read and he loves school.  He loves to read about history (particulary anything associated with the Civil War and/or soldiers) and mysteries, although his favorite subjects in school are Math and Science.  Discovery Kids is his favorite channel on TV.  He enjoys his piano lessons but hates the recitals.  He likes to play video games but I wouldn't say he loves it.  In other words, we don't have to tell him "no more".  He is a straight A student, athletic, polite, considerate, and a wonderful big brother.  He makes good choices and decisions and if he happens to mess up and get a bad grade or if the teacher has to call his name out for something, he has already punished himself by the time he gets home.  No TV for that night or no playing outside or no video games, etc.  Usually the situations wouldn't even warrent a punishment in our book, but he feels that it does.  He loves to ride his ripstick that he received for Christmas and mastered it in a very short period.  Rarely do I have to tell him to get up in the morning and get ready for school, is upset if he has to miss school, does his homework on his own and studies for his tests on his own.  He is dilligent about learning his memory verses for the Adventure Ridge program at church.  One quirky little thing about Samuel is that he will only drink milk, water, or a sports drink such as gatorade or powerade.  He has never drank a carbonated drink and says that he never will.  He is growing up so fast but will always be my baby!  Some random pictures of his various interests and activities are below. 

First hunt with his dad

Field Trip - Alabama Sports Hall of Fame

Field Trip - Peanut Depot

All Star Baseball last summer

All Star Team - District Champions

Football

Piano Recital

Mastering the ripstick

Sledding

Swimming

Playing with his brother

First Buck