Cole's 15th Family Day

Dear Cole - A very belated 'Happy Family Day' to you! Your actual Family Day is February 17th - the day we found out we were expecting you! But things were rather hectic this year as the day prior you became a big brother once again. 

With all the changes, you decided to wait to celebrate until we got home. And then life became even crazier and here were are! Celebrating your Family Day nearly 3 months late. But better late than never!

On a random Sunday in May, you finally decided it was time to celebrate your big day. You could have picked any fun local place to go, but the way to your heart is most definitely through food, and thus, we had a day full of all your favorite grub. This time you picked me to tag along (usually Pa is the lucky one chosen). 

You and I set off on a foodie adventure. Now that you are as big as me, you've been promoted to riding in the front seat. You sure do love sitting in the co-pilot chair. It's a much better seat than your other option of being squished in the middle of the 3rd row.

Our first stop was Kowalski's grocery store for a treat. You looked through their bakery options and quickly decided on a chocolate covered donut. We headed up to their loft area to eat it. You loved our little hideout until it was no longer just the two of us and others started to stroll in. We quickly wrapped up and were off to our next stop. 

You had mentioned going to the park to enjoy the beautiful day, but then decided McDonald's was more your cup of tea. You got your usual - a burger with fries and a milk.

We headed on home and played a brief game of catch since you had nixed the park idea. You insisted on standing at the top of the entrance to our side yard and would whip the football like a professional to your hand-eye coordination lacking mom below. I never actually caught the ball, but you sure did get a good chuckle at my many attempts.

That evening, you got to plan dinner and dessert. You requested your tried and true favorite - Red Robin. You've loved Red Robin for many years and always order the same - a burger, fries, and a cranberry juice. And for dessert, Red Robin's donuts hit the spot.

Cole - it seems like an eternity ago when we first found out about you. You were such an amazing little surprise. We had so much to learn navigating a difficult pregnancy and life with a teeny, tiny newborn. While we waited until you were born to find out if you were a boy or a girl, I had a feeling from your 3D ultrasound photo, and I was right!

Your likes and personality have remained pretty consistent over the years. You are our mover, never sitting still for long. You like being up and on the go. Even when playing your favorite xbox game, which is of course WWE (you sure do love your wrestling games!), you will stand the entire time right in front of the TV as you pack in every elaborate wrestling maneuver to take down your opponent.

You are a great helper. Whether it's shutting the garage door or fetching me my computer, you are always happy to put aside whatever task you are doing to pitch in. Not only do you help me, but anyone who asks, especially your little siblings Aria and Sam. You are a wonderful big brother and take your role as one of the eldest quite seriously. If you are within ear shot, I had better ask for YOUR help and no one else's as you sure do hate being displaced as the best helper in the household. 

You are a man of many names. Cole, Coley, Co-co, Cocoa Bean - you answer to them all. This year your bus driver gave you yet another nickname - Cole-slaw. Every morning as you boarded the bus, you'd be greeted with a friendly, "Good morning, Cole-slaw!"

You are the biggest goof ball. You really love being silly and performing for your audience. Jokes, dance moves, tickles, whatever it takes. Getting laughs is your top priority when your inner comedian comes out. You especially love getting Aria laughing hysterically by tossing toys or jumping off the ottoman. You will do anything you can to get her to chuckle.

You love to eat. You are constantly munching away despite being skinny as a toothpick. I'm pretty sure you could live off of cranberry juice, chicken nuggets, chips, and beef sticks. Although since Easter, you've gotten quite a sweet tooth from your gallon-sized bag of Easter candy. You've been slowly working your way through the large bag and finally got to the end of it. So of course, you had to ask for a refill of candy. You simply can't let that zip-lock bag go to waste!

You are definitely a man of routine. You are not one to attempt unknown, uncharted waters. You like knowing what to expect and enjoy doing all your favorite things. While your other siblings are excited to venture off to a new restaurant or fun excursion, you are more than happy to spend that quiet time at home. 

Cole, you are such a sweet, kind, loving boy. You have taught us so much. These 15 years have flown by in a blink. We are so thankful God gave us you. A very happy Family Day to you Cole. We love you forever and for always!