James has had an eventful year as he has transitioned to middle school. From the small school environment where he had his father and sister around to support and guide him to a new public school with a 4,700% increase in size (ha!) from 25 students in six grades (K-5th) to 1,200 students in three grades (6-8th). It's been a lot for a kiddo who can feel anxious at times. Happily, he has been doing wonderfully -- making friends and getting distinguished honor roll in his first term. We are so proud of him and the growth and maturity he is demonstrating. Every day is still work as he manages a busy hallway and some rough-and-tumble middle school boys. But he is doing well and we know he will find his stride in this new environment.
When I took him to a parent-child bingo event in November at the middle school, about eight kids hollered for him to sit at their table when we walked into the cafeteria, which warmed my mama heart. Then, in the kind and attentive way that James is, he checked in with me a few times during the event, feeling bad that I was stuck with random parents while he hung out with friends. I assured him I was fine and was secretly so pleased to see his great relationship with his buddies and also witness his caring nature still intact.
James had a great Christmas break. It's terrific to have so much time together to celebrate. The days before, we rest, bake, and complete all the other final preparations for his birthday and the holiday. On Christmas Eve, we celebrate with my cousin Christine and her family and friends, which is always fun and very filling. Lobster mac and cheese is the highlight for many of us.
We start December 25 as a family at 7 am opening Christmas gifts, then my parents arrive, and we enjoy a terrific breakfast together. After breakfast (berries, cinnamon rolls, eggs, Christmas cookies), we transition to celebrating James's birthday with presents. Then we get a few minutes of downtime before heading over to my brother's house for a lovely dinner followed by cake and other desserts. What a terrific day with family.
Also during the break, James got to do some boxing with Josh, fly his stunt plane at our favorite parking lot (side note: everyone has a favorite parking lot where they learn to ride their bike, drive a car, crash small toys, right?!), skate with Alma and her friend, learn to use his new hoverboard, play a lot of video games (Madden 2024!), and enjoy a second birthday cake made by Nana.
While James still loves the cats (Dylan's favorite spot is on James's lap), his main obsession these days is video games, which he often researches extensively during his spare time. This year, due to gaming, he has learned so much about planes, especially those used during WWII. Based on this love and knowledge, instead of a birthday party, James opted for a family trip to the two Smithsonian Air and Space Museums (the hangar in Reston and the original museum in downtown D.C.). It was great to see his excitement about the WWII planes that he knows all about due to playing a certain video game. It was charming when he would exclaim, "I flew this!" about several of the aircraft. Below, he is pictured with his favorite plane in the museum's collection.
We all had a great time on the overnight trip, which was special for James and a joy for all of us. We are all so grateful for our little Jamers who is steadily growing into a smart, funny, joyful, and kind young man.
Happy birthday, buddy. We love you!
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