Dear Finn,
You are 10 years old now. Ten. Two digits in your age now. All of your fingers. Finn you are such a great kid. It's been a crazy year and while there have definitely been times when the uncertainty and stress have gotten to you, for the most part you've just kind of rolled with the punches, chosen to look for the positives and made goofy faces and silly voices all along the way because that's just who you are. It's a gift, kiddo. You have a gift for bringing positive energy into whatever space you enter and making it more happy, lighter, and more easy going.
COVID is still very much a part of our lives this year. You were finally able to go back to school for full time in person in September which we were thrilled about! Everyone still has to wear masks and for the first several months things were very restricted with spacing and supplies and such. Vaccinations for kids weren't quite on the table before you turned 10 so there were all sorts of restrictions at the elementary school in order to keep school in person. But we survived it and you rode the waves like a pro-surfer. You were bummed when baseball would occasionally be cancelled for COVID related reasons but otherwise not too bothered by the whole thing. My heart still tugs a little bit every time I ask you if you have your mask as you head out to school because it's just a crime to cover up that happy little face all day. But at least you get to go to school and hopefully masks won't be around too much longer.
This year we didn't travel as much due to crazy restrictions and worry about getting those darn PCR tests in order to re-enter Saudi. For spring break we spent a week in Sri Lanka. We stayed in this crazy beach resort in our own little cozy bungalow and made friends with all kinds of critters. You got the most outrageous collection of bug bites on our first day there and we were much more careful to wear bug repellent for the rest of the week. You definitely had the most and you were so uncomfortable feeling itchy all week, poor kiddo. Your favorite part of the trip was probably playing in the enormous waves on the beach just a few steps from our bungalow. Or maybe it was the massive platter of mango you could eat for dinner every night. We had such a fantastic, low key time together.
We had a super busy summer and planned a whole US history road trip as a family. It's a trip I've been wanting to take for a really long time and your dad and I finally felt like you were all old enough to appreciate it. We spent some time in Denver and then flew to visit the Larsons in Louisville, Kentucky where you visited the Louisville slugger factory and thought you'd died and gone to heaven. It was so fun to see the Larsons and how easily you reconnected with Abby again. They're such wonderful people. From there we drove to Virginia where Kenzie and Trevan were living for the summer to visit for just a day. We met their new baby girl, Marlee who you fell in love with instantly. You love babies and little kids and they all love you with this undeniable magnetism that sometimes makes your siblings jealous. Tucker was SO happy to see you and the two of you played hard all day and you kept him constantly giggling with your antics. We said a sad goodbye to them after not enough time together and drove to DC where we spent a few days visiting sites and museums. You kids had all done research projects on US history or sites in DC. Those few days were my favorite part of the summer. We had such a great time exploring and learning together. Nana and Grandpa came out to play with us and it was so fun to explore the city, eat yummy food, and play hard. It was hot and we walked so much every day. You guys were SO tired by the third day but we had a great time. Your favorite without a doubt was the spy museum. It was so fascinating to see actual artifacts used by real life spies. You were totally into it. After DC we drove to Gettysburg and Philadelphia where we met up with Adam and Cami and their family and then off to New Hampshire. Last summer you went to three baseball games, the Rockies, the Nationals and the Red Sox. Man, it was fun.
We had planned a Germany/Austria vacation this year before Christmas to revisit some of our favorite markets and sites but just a few weeks before our trip yet another new strain of COVID erupted in Germany and Austria and they started rolling out crazy restrictions. Especially for people who were unvaccinated. So we changed our plans and drove from the airports we had to fly in and out of in Germany, to France. We explored Luxembourg for a day on our way to Paris and then spent two days at Disney and two days wandering the city and seeing the sites. Finn you're an awesome traveler. You've got a ton of energy, you generally get along quite well with your siblings, and you're happy any time you're moving. You loved playing at Disney but really just wanted to ride the big roller coasters over and over. We walked a LOT those days and everyone was exhausted but happy. THEN, dear Finn, came your favorite part of the trip. Skiing in France. We drove to La Bresse and spent two days skiing and you were in heaven. You look like a natural on skis, like they're just an extension of your body and your dad just eats it up. You'd do ski lessons for the mornings and then either take off with your dad or the whole fam for the afternoons. The girls got quite good and were able to go up the lift with us this year. When they wore out we'd play with them on a sledding hill or the mountain coaster and you and your dad would head up the mountain for just one or two more runs. You were so tired by the end of the day but so happy too. The last run of the trip was a little challenging for you but your face lit up with pride when your dad told you it was a black diamond. You were SO proud that you skied a black and it was the cutest thing.
You've had a great year in school. Last year you finished 3rd grade with Mr. Hjereson who ended up moving to the US after the school year. This year you have Mr. Denton for 4th and he's a great fit for you. You are a hard worker and only slightly discouraged when it occasionally takes a little longer for you to pick things up than it does your peers. You are enjoying reading and writing more which is so wonderful to see. Math isn't your favorite because memorizing math facts isn't easy for you, but you're doing just fine and you work hard. We've loved to watch you enjoy reading more this year. You've really gotten in to zelda graphic novels and anything about baseball. You got a box set of historical fiction books about famous baseball players and you've just loved reading those stories. Most nights we still have to tell you and Tate to turn the lights off and stop reading to get to sleep. Many nights Tate has a book he reads out loud to you when you're both in bed. I love watching the two of you get along so well.
Finn you're such a good eater. You definitely have foods you would prefer not to eat but you're more polite about it if they appear at dinner time than others of your siblings. You love carrots and tomatoes but don't like bell peppers. You LOVE mango, pears, peaches, grapes and apples but you don't like kiwi or papaya. You're happy with most anything we have for meals with the exception of muffins which you're picky about.
You still play the piano every day and we had two recitals this year. In the spring we ended up having to call it off in person at the last minute because Tate was sick the night before so we had a zoom recital instead. And then our usual Christmas recital. You don't seem to get nervous and you play so well. It's so fun to see you grow.
They had a set of races on camp this year they called the "Dhahranathon" and you ran the 5k with your dad while I ran it with the girls and Tate ran the 10k. You smoked it, Finn. You came in faster than anyone. Miss Lindsey Law was so impressed she asked if you wanted to join the run club even though you're not really old enough yet. That made you pretty proud.
This year was a big year in baseball for you. Your dad took over as the league president and it made for a lot more events and fun. He has been a devoted coach to you and your brother, making sure you understand not just the mechanics of the game but also what it means to be a good sport, a good winner and a good loser. How to work hard and the discipline and time it takes to improve and make changes. You absolutely love the game. You're one of the youngest kids in the majors league but you're also one of the best players and you're one of the most encouraging leaders. All the parents just smile as we listen to you cheer your teammates on from the dugout or from the field. "All right, get your head in the count! Anything good I wanna see you take a rip! You're a hitter! You can do it!" It's just the sweetest thing and makes everyone so happy. It's been a once in a lifetime season being able to watch you and Tate play on the same team coached by your dad. Tate isn't as into baseball as you but he shows up and tries his best and you're so encouraging and positive to him. You and your dad have a special bond in this or any sport. You are hard on yourself, especially when you're pitching and he's had to get on the mound with you once in a while to help you get out of your head. You're such a kind-hearted, hard-working, enthusiastic about life kid that it's just impossible not to root for you on and off the field.
We started going to Rugby this year on Saturday evenings. It's been so cool to watch you kiddos learn a new sport, associate with new kids, and just get out some movement on a Saturday night before it's time for bed and school the next day. The Rugby group has held a couple of small tournaments and you live for those days of team tee shirts and scored games and winners brackets.
In Dhahran Hill school there are opportunities to serve on student council in 3rd and 4th grade. With the odd schedule of last year you only had one trimester to try out by writing and giving a speech in your classroom. You didn't get voted in and it crushed you. This year you tried again and lost out first trimester and finally got voted in second trimester. Every loss had you really down for a day or two and you were beyond thrilled when you won. Making promises to your sisters about special spirit days you were going to rally for in student council. You were a little disappointed when, in your first student council meeting, it became apparent that you weren't quite going to be able to have the power and influence you had imagined. But you still loved serving in student council. Having lunch time meetings, volunteering during spirit days, giving speeches and making videos. It was totally your jam.
You've made some great friends in school and through baseball this year which has been SO good to see. You haven't had an easy fit in our ward thus far. A few kids who you are friends with but not that click really naturally with you. You had a huge spy themed birthday party and you absolutely loved having a huge crew of buddies to pal around with. Conor, Nino and Ricky, Michele, Benny, Max, and Milo are probably your closest buddies and all such good kids.
Finno, you are a treasure. You have your days when you just wake up grouchy and tired but for the most part you're just so good. So kind. Everyone who interacts with you comments on your good manners and how grateful you are. Your dad and I are very proud of you and the boy you're growing into. Next year you'll be a deacon. It's so hard to believe that this will be your last year in primary because sometimes you seem so young still. But we know you'll be ready. You're a good brother. You are always willing to help out if I need a hand. You read with your sisters and practice piano with them sometimes too when I've got something going on. You recognize the spirit and want to do what's right. You're in a really good spot, little man. We love you with a love that makes us all squishy inside. Thank you for being the kid you are. 9 year old you was a pretty fantastic you. But I think we'll like 10 year old you just as much.
Happy birthday, my sweet boy.
The world is yours,
Mom
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