And a Happy Birthday to Koen!

 Lately, every time I see this boy

I marvel at how he suddenly looks ... so tall.

It would seem that I have not learned that

little boys grow up ...

 it still catches me by surprise.

Dear Koen ...

We literally had two sweet welcomes of you into our lives,

one when you were born and one when we welcomed you to live in Canada,

just seven months later!

 How thankful we are for the blessing of knowing you,

and knowing how to pray for you,

a third child, needing to stand up for yourself.

And rightly so, your ability to understand things,

your awareness of what is fair, just and good,

coupled with humor, 

are qualities you use for good.

As you turn nine,

the booster is put away,

the front seat is yours,

and, in your words,

you are "almost in Grade 5!"

It is a wonderful time!

May God go with you and bless you!

Love, Papa and Mimi

♡♡♡