Eight Years Old: Ryan

Funny, energetic, focused, sweet, competitive, naturally athletic and increasingly more outgoing every day - our favorite Ryan turns eight today.

As he gets older, there are constants about Ryan that seem less a part of his age or developmental stage, and more a part of his core personality. Sports, athletic competition and numbers come immediately to mind.

Ryan has always loved sports, and will likely forever love sports. While kindergarten and first grade revolved around basketball and handball at recess, second grade is all about "Butt's Up" games against the blackboard. He loves following Major League Baseball (go Phillies and Dodgers), the NFL (go 49ers) and is inarguably the most involved participant in our family fantasy sports leagues. He's playing his third season of soccer this fall and his first season of competitive year-round baseball. He thrives when out on the field or court.

Ryan has also always been good at math, and continues to soar with numbers. This summer's math camp was a bit of a bust (deemed "too boring" by both kids), but he made the best of it by assisting his fellow campers and being the kid everyone came to for help. When it comes to math and computations in his head, he just gets it.

A newer development in Ryan's world this year is skateboarding. He started out using his Dad's old Lester skateboard and practiced going up and down the driveway. A lesson at our local skateboard park really perked his interest, and he was soon talking about getting his own newer (and a little more contemporary) board. He even saved up his own money to pay for it. More trips to the skatepark and lessons are sure to come as he gets more comfortable on his new board.

Another recent interest is Star Wars. After years of hearing kids talk about Star Wars characters on the playground, the time was right to introduce the kids to the films. Beginning with episodes 4, 5 and 6 we spaced family movie nights throughout the summer months. Ryan loved everything about the movies, to the point where he talks about the characters and plot lines constantly. We're planning Star Wars themed Halloween costumes for the family with Ryan as Luke, Lucie as Leia, Jakey as Yoda, and Chris as Obi-wan. For lack of another female role, I think I'll hand out candy at home.

While Ryan has always had a high level of energy, it seems to have increased substantially in the past year. I am not exaggerating when I say that if Ryan is not eating, sleeping, playing iPad games or watching TV, the boy is throwing a ball against something.

He has constant energy. He does push-ups against the kitchen counter while waiting for dinner to be ready. He makes "American Ninja Warrior" courses in the living room, jumping from couch to couch. He likes having timed sit-up contests, for fun. I ran his first 5K with him this spring and didn't once have to encourage, entice or bribe him to continue on. The boy just kept running, and running fast. I was so proud of him that morning.

We love you sweet Ryan, and can't wait for what the next year will bring you. Here's to many more adventures, athletic challenges, and tacos (his absolute fave, this boy can eat!) in the coming year!