Dear Alden,
Last week, you turned nine! It's taken me some time to write your letter because we were not home for your birthday - we were at Disney World! On your actual birthday, we spent the day at Animal Kingdom. We went on an animal safari, did a few rides, had a yummy lunch at Yak & Yeti, and a fun character dinner at Tusker House where we met Mickey, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy in their safari gear. It was a pretty epic way to spend your birthday.
You are in third grade and doing very well in all aspects of school. You still have moments occasionally where you struggle with anxiousness or frustration, but overall you have matured a lot in the last year when it comes to school. You are a great reader. You read every night before bed and currently really into Diary of a Wimpy Kid. You are also especially good at math, even though you say you don't like it.
Last year, just a couple of weeks after your birthday, Dad died. It's been a hard year for all of us - we miss him so much and we're still trying to figure out life without him. You carry your grief quietly most of the time; mostly you share it with me and your therapist. You like to talk about Dad fairly often: what he would be doing right now, how you wish he were here and what you would like to do with him. You struggle a lot that you didn't get enough time with him and some jealousy that Leland had more time. You're right, nearly 8 years wasn't enough. We talk about memories with him and enjoy looking at pictures. You like when I randomly remember something he used to do or say, or when I find a picture of him with you that you haven't seen before.
The last year has been full of adventures. Last spring break, we went to Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Uncle Jon and Aunt Danielle came with us. We hiked, took a train ride through the park, and played at a trampoline park.
In June, we took an epic two week road trip. We made stops in St. Louis, Hot Springs, and Indianapolis on the way there and back. But the reason for the trip was to visit the Kiblers, a family I used to babysit for when I was in college. We had a blast on that trip! You discovered then that you love sting rays. They're your favorite animal now. You also say Texas is your favorite vacation ever.
You played soccer this fall. The last time you tried soccer, you weren't quite ready for an organized sport, but you are loving it now and doing really well. You team, "The Destroyers" has been undefeated so far, and you have one more game this weekend.
You like to ride your hoverboard, ride your bike, play soccer and basketball, CLIMB absolutely everything, play four square at school, play video games, and build forts.
Your favorite foods are candy and junk food. Ha ha. You also like crunchy tacos and salted caramel ice cream. Not together. Well, you might actually like them together, but I haven't seen you try that yet.
Every single day, you fight me about brushing your teeth. You forget to flush the toilet every time you go. You break a lot of things on accident. You are one of the messiest people I've ever met - your spot in the car is always full of junk that I have to remind you multiple times to clean up, and your bed is full of about seven blankets and 15 stuffed animals. You love the cats a little too much and it gets very irritating that you can never leave them alone. All of these things drive me bonkers, but you are also one of the most empathetic people I know. You care and worry about others, and you enjoy helping people. Your moments of frustration are usually caused by anxiety, which is something others don't always see. But I know that beneath your seemingly tough exterior, you're a sensitive kid.
Alden, you are such a gift. I am so thankful you're mine. Happy Birthday, my favorite middlest!
