Ode to Tucker, My Birthday Boy

Six years has gone by quickly. I can't believe Tucker can read, ski, hike, bike, swim, joke, and be such a good kid all around. It seems like he was just barely the most ginormous baby in the world (9 lbs. 12 oz....yikes!).

My two year old, silly as ever. Some things, I hope will never change.

Silly Tucker at age 3 in Zions.

Tucker amazes me because he is so good at whatever he tries. It took him about two seconds to take off on his bike once we took off the training wheels. It took him two times on skis to be able to whiz down the hill. It took him one summer to be able to dive off the edge of the pool in the deep end and swim to the edge. He learned to read so quickly and now can't seem to stop reading. Some of the things I love most about Tucker is how he is so smart. He really knows a lot about a lot of things. The other day he came out of the bathroom and said, "Did you know scholars believe the first fairy tales were Greek myths?" (apparantly that factoid was on the shampoo bottle). He is full of factoids. Another thing I love is how thoughtful he is. He got some snow shoes for his birthday and decided he wanted to buy Lucy and Anders some as well with his birthday money so that we could all snow shoe together. He is so well behaved. I have never had to worry about taking Tucker anywhere because I know he will behave well. I love when he gets so silly and laughs so hard he is in tears. He is such a good brother. He is a terrific artist and loves to draw. He spends hours coloring in his creations. When he grows up he wants to move to Africa to draw and take care of animals. He wants to be a Safari guy and already has his uniform. He just needs a jeep or truck and he will be good to go. I love how willing Tucker is to try things: from rock climbing to skiing to spinach he tries it all and usually loves what he tries. What would life be like without this great kid? Tucker we love you, happy birthday!