max at seven

Given the choice between having a big party in town with family and friends and heading out of town for a "just us" weekend, Max decided that we should hit the road. So off we went to Indianapolis to stay at a hotel with an indoor water park. Along the way we stopped at a whole bunch of toy stores in search of his birthday present (an elusive Skylanders action figure), then we went out for a late lunch and checked into the hotel and got down to business. The boys had a great time playing and splashing around until way past bedtime. The next morning, we had breakfast, did some more swimming, then visited the Indianapolis Children's Museum, which we haven't been to since long before Henry was born. It was a short but sweet trip, and a satisfying way for Max to ring in his birthday.

Our Max is a funny kid. He has an infectious grin that just won't quit, and that I suspect gets him out of trouble (and extra homework) more than it should. He can be incredibly charming, but at this point he's just as likely to spend an entire day scowling at everyone for no other reason than that life is unfair when you're the middle son. On the flip side, this is the year that Max is really striking out on his own, forging his own path that's separate from the one Liam made before him. He alone is sticking with 4-H this year (a decision I suspect has more than a little to do with the bonus of more undivided time with the parent who takes him to meetings and with Yami, Aunt Bethany, and Klaudia, who are leaders of the 4-H group), and he has decided that unlike Liam, he isn't really a fan of baseball and would much rather play soccer. It's so much fun to watch him at this stage where he's not just figuring out who he is, but figuring out who he is apart from his brother -- Liam never had to even consider anyone else's shadow, so this is new for us too.

Max seems to have really hit his stride at school too. He's doing very well academically, and he's one of those kids who can be friends with everyone, who can move from group to group and fit in equally well anywhere. Who knows, maybe he'll end up with some recessive schmoozing gene that is totally lacking in both of his parents and will lead to big success in his later life. We can hope, anyway. But for now, we're just happy to know that Max is a quirky kid with a great sense of humor who is perfectly comfortable being exactly who he is, and we're hoping he can stay that way for a long, long time. So happy birthday, Max, and welcome to seven. We love you very much!