Has it really been 10 years since this big guy came into our family? He was such a fun little boy and he has grown into such an exciting and smart young man. I don't know what I would do without Andrew. He is like me in so many ways so we understand each other. Our similarities can sometimes mean that we don't get along all that well either. We are both stubborn and want to do things our own way in our own time. That being said he has so much going for him. He is smart, kind, loving, helpful, creative, handsome, talented, and silly. I love spending time with him just talking about anything and he loves talking. It is definitely a win-win situation. He loves to be active and play sports, play video games and board games, read and draw, play the piano, and tell silly jokes. He is very energetic but he is also gentle and kind. He has always been sensitive to others feelings. When he sees that I am struggling with something he will usually go the extra mile to help me out. He is a great buddy to Peter and they are often found together being goofy and creative. He even plays with his sisters (especially Abby) and has been known to play house with them. It is so sweet to see him just go along with what they want so they will be happy. Andrew is a good brother, friend, and son. We were so excited for him to turn 10 this year. To be 10 years old here in Japan means that he gets to have his own military ID. Having his own ID means he gets to walk on and off base by himself (not that I won't be there right behind him as he leaves base but he doesn't care) and enter the Commissary and Navy Exhchange without me and buy something on his own. He has been talking about how excited he is to get his own ID ever since we moved here last year.
We celebrated part of his birthday by going up to Yokohama and eating dinner at a tempura restaurant then came back home to have cupcakes and open presents. All Andrew wanted from us this year was a remote controlled helicopter just like his friend Jared and marble cupcakes. He was so excited by the helicopter and Wii game from us and his other gifts from his grandparents. He loved the legos from Grandma and Grandpa Kelsch and the books from Grandpa Al. Grandpa Al brought these awesome animal masks for everyone to wear. They were funny and the kids really enjoyed them. Mike was so sneaky and bought trick candles to put on the cupcakes. Andrew thought it was funny and was such a trooper to blow out the candles multiple times before they finally stayed out. It was a fun little party. Happy 10th big boy!
