What it means to have a 7-year-old:

Although he still wants to be near me, he isn't a lap sitter any more.
Occasionally I'm asked to snuggle with him when he's trying to stretch out his bedtime.
He brushes his own teeth, changes with the door closed and doesn't need bathing instruction.
Birthday Cake candles consisted of the #3 plus 4 single candles.
Reading is becoming less of a chore.
He still likes to run around the house on all fours and pretend he is an animal.
Bedtime snacks are still required.
Being 7 means I can tell him, "You'll have to wait," and know he won't pee his pants.
First Grade is an amazing year in school.
He can read his own Piano Lesson Book and practice independently.
Melt downs still occur.
Being pokey is now a way of life.  He has his own schedule.
I can't spell things like t-r-e-a-t or p-o-o-l in front of him.
Nothing is a choking hazard, hardly anything is boring, and everything is fun to a 7-year-old.

Of all the great things a 7-year-old can do – what I'm able to do for him is dwindling.  I didn't anticipate that happening so fast.  Often I just want to scoop him up and carry him up the stairs or help him into the car only to find that he can do these things himself and what's more – I can no longer throw him over my shoulder or cradle him in my arms.

3+4 is a wonderful age.  To many more Axel.

Aside from the 22 bookmarks Axel made for his school Valentine party last week, with a vacation last week and a 7-year-old birthday this week, Valentines didn't get made for many of our special friends.  We did find the time however to create 1 special card for a dear neighbor who will be heading to heaven soon.

Although we are relatively new to Arden Hills we quickly learned that one special man had much to do with the brand new playground and trails connecting us to Axel's school and the beach.  Don Messerly serves on the Parks and Trails Committee with me and has recently decided to decline further cancer treatments.

Last summer we were coming home from the pool and there was as vintage bike sitting in Don's yard.  $15 was posted on the sign.  I have never seen Axel move so fast.  He counted out $15 in quarters from his piggy bank and proudly brought them to Don's door.

"Now you make sure it works alright for you, otherwise you get your money back" he told Axel – cautioning him to be careful.  Many days last fall the single-speed Huffy Superstar was locked to the bike rack at Axel's Elementary – offering nostalgia to parents and grandparents.

One special Valentine was all we needed needed this year to keep our hearts warm – one that will hopefully brighten a few spirits in the difficult weeks to come.

What a week – a fast dash down to the sunshine state for some salty air and chlorinated waters has left us refreshed. (That and awake at 6am.)

While I won't pretend you are interested in piles of my vacation pictures, I will leave you with this:  
Turns out State Park beaches aren't nearly as popular as the traditional tourist ones.  We were practically alone on this little stretch of the Gulf of Mexico.  The seagulls who live on Honeymoon Island are clearly elated at the sight of humans and can hear a zip-lock bag opening from a mile away.

As Axel ran to keep his cookie (which the seagulls ultimately grabbed right from his hand), we couldn't help but laugh at the domestication of these wild birds.  They LOVE Chips-Ahoy.

Although the air was a sub-par 55 and the wind gusts must have reached 30mph, the beach is still the best place for boys...and Nana's.

I hope you can find a warm adventure this spring...or at least one involving Chips-Ahoy.

Jen