Collin's 15th Birthday

My grandson Collin's birthday is tomorrow. We will celebrate on Sat. this year. He's always been an interesting, fun, kid. He has always loved anything to do with nature. I remember when I was taking care of him when he was little. He loved going on our little nature hikes...down the alley....picking up pine cones, bugs, twigs, rocks, getting in  puddles...and often stopping and getting down on the ground to get a good look at something. Inquisitive is what I would have called him.  I remember one time when we were driving home...it was getting dark and his Grandpa said to be on the lookout for animals. Grandpa meant deer, but little Collin was checking for other animals. We heard a tiny voice say, "Grandpa I see an anteater," he was so serious. We both chuckled and told him to keep looking. My tomato plants were trained on bamboo poles one year. They grew so tall and made tepee like enclosures. One day I looked and he and his brother were sitting in the middle of the tomato tepee like two little brown Indians. He loved to help in my garden and went on to have his own garden a couple of years ago. So many veggies in such a small plot.

He's always enjoyed eating favorite things. I have eaten countless chicken Mcnuggets that he didn't finish. Doesn't he look like he's enjoying that sweet roll? His Grandma Bobbi always makes his birthday cake. When Joe asked him what kind he wanted...Collin said, "Chairwy cake." Joe always reminds me of that when I ask what kind he wants.. 

 

Now here he is today. His important birthday when he can get his learner's permit.  Getting your permit is a big stepping stone to adulthood....and some kids aren't ready for it.  He is such a good kid and really sensible and we know that he will do well. So,Collin, you have to know how much we all love you. You have been so much fun and we have loved watching you grow to be who you are today. Hope you enjoy your birthday this year...it's an important step toward being a grownup. Have fun and enjoy your special day.

Love you, Grandma and Joe too!

It's Collin's Birthday Today

I was doing this post for my Grandson Collin's birthday and suddenly realized that he is 14 yrs. old today.Where has the time gone?I remember before he was born. He has a brother just a little older than him, who we doted on, and at the time his Grandpa wondered if there was enough room in his heart for this new one to come. It didn't take long...in fact after holding him for the first time...his Grandpa was smitten...this little baby had wrapped his little fingers around his Grandpa's... and that was it. We found out then...that there is enough love in a Grandparents heart for every baby that comes into the family. He's been such a special boy to the whole family. Here he is eating a doughnut when we were out at the forest preserve. He loves nature and has since he and his brother, Tyler, would sit under my tomato teepees and hide out. They were preschoolers then and wanted to help me in my garden all the time. We would go on hikes and find bugs, stones, leaves, and other neat stuff.

This is his birthday at my daughter's lake house. We celebrated his birthday there one year. It is a favorite spot for him. A place where a boy can just let go and have fun doing all kinds of boy things. Fishing, hiking, climbing the trestle, snow sports, just exploring. I think he would go there more often...if he didn't have to depend on others to give him a ride there.

Here he is with a friend checking out a caterpiller. He loves bugs and has had a variety of pets. He takes good care of his pets. One day, while driving him home, we asked him to be on the watchout for animals on the road at night. We meant deer and racoons. We heard this little voice from the backseat..."Grandma, I think I see an anteater." He was serious as a heart attack. It gave us a chuckle.

This is a picture of his birthday last year. We will celebrate this year on the 5th of June..a combination birthday and graduation. As I said before...where has the time gone? He's growing so fast...I wonder what he'll be when he is grown?

Happy Birthday, Collin...Your Grandma loves you.