Orion turns 9

No one likes a party more than Orion. It doesn't matter whose party it is. He prefers that it be his own party and he be the one lathered with gifts, but he will settle for someone else having a party, as long as he gets the invite. Orion approaches life that way; a series of parties or more often, a lack of. Everything is either great (a party) or terrible (no party). There is no in between, no gray area, no compromises. There are days until. Painful days. He counts the days until Christmas, Easter, his birthday, and vacations. The excitement builds as the day gets closer. The night before is restless, then party day is the best day ever. Followed by the worst day ever.

  I love this about Orion. He has passion. He is easily excited...and disappointed, but it is his excitement over the smallest thing that is so endearing. 

  This was a big year for Orion in so many ways. He has lost teeth, experienced the loss of a pet dog, got two new puppies, took a road trip to Oregon to see his aunts, cousins, and grandma, grew leaps and bounds, survived another fire evacuation in the rv, was baptized by his brother Ian, found himself in the middle of a pandemic, experienced home-schooling/ distance learning, managed to make it to Montana for his brother Aden's wedding (during a pandemic), and did I mention how much he has grown? Somehow, Orion surpassed his yiayia in height at 8-years-old. A benchmark that he is immensely proud of. 

  

  This was also the year of the middle finger. With our free range parenting style, we have chose to let him go through this phase, knowing that it will pass in time. From it, he is learning when it is appropriate to be unruly and when it is not. He knows that people find it offensive and refrains from sharing his favorite talent in public...unless he thinks he is being sneaky. Point a camera at him, and the finger comes out. Even at his brother wedding. 

At his core, this mischievous kid has a heart of gold. He genuinely cares for his friends and family. He is a conversationalist like his mom. (editorial: Conversationalist in our house really means; debater, arguer, contrarian: just like his mom. We encourage him to question everything...and he does. Obviously we need to review the commandment with him where it says, "Thou shalt honor they mother and father") .

      Orion is our pickiest kid. Most foods are "disgusting" especially fish (except for ceviche), and chicken (unless its nuggets). Peaches are currently his favorite fruit. followed by watermelon, grapes and any berry that he is not required to pick. 

Orion knows more types of cars and trucks than I do. He points them out on the road and not only tells me the make but the model of the car. Fast cars and big trucks that is. He could care less about family cars. He is also insanely inventive. Actually, he is more of an idea guy. He has solutions to every dilemma, and explains in detail how his inventions should look and how they will work. 

We are so blessed to have Orion as our son. He is creative, bright, sweet, and fun. He laughs heartily, plays hard, and loves unconditionally. 

Happy 9th Birthday Orion!! I love you! ~ Dad