A letter to the birthday boy

 Dear Will:  

Yesterday you turned 16.  My goodness.  You are going to take your driving test next week so that will be another celebration.  Yesterday you didn't want a party - just some takeout and an ice cream cake.  You asked for a new gaming system which we let you open on Friday night because you wore us down with your negotiations, a trait that will surely serve you well in the future.  

Will, it's such a delight to see you grow up.  You have amazing recall for all sports trivia, facts, statistics, and just now you asked me who the leading scorer for UW basketball and then ridiculed me because I didn't know it without googling it.  I think you should grow up to be a coach or an AD.  I'd say radio or tv announcer but I don't think you like to talk as much as that job requires.   

You had a great football season as a sophomore and we were so proud of how you played.  You won the Scout Team Player of the Year and you are already working hard to get ready for the Fall.  You competed in wrestling for the first time and while it wasn't your favorite activity, you worked hard.  We are so proud of you for trying something new.  Your PE class is finishing up a dancing unit and what I wouldn't give to be a fly on the wall for that session.

Will, your sense of humor is still a delight.  Your sarcasm is constant.  Your design esthetic could be described as 'monastic' (white walls, dark furniture, lack of knick knacks).  You are sweet with the pets, except the chickens who drive you bonkers in the summertime when they screech outside your window in the morning.  The cats view your room as their refuge from the puppy.  Your little cousins think the sun and moon revolve around you.  Your sister doesn't take your advice but be patient there.  

Happy birthday Will-Will.  You are so loved.  We can't wait to see what the next year brings.  (Well, we can wait if that means that time slows down just a little bit.)

Will and Lincoln in his first few days with us. 

Birthday tradition- an ice cream cake.  I should have ordered a bigger one.

This is not your favorite picture and I'll probably end up taking it down when you ask me to.  But you let me take your picture on your birthday and there were too many giggles and this ended up being one of the better shots.