the leavitts.: chet is 8!

we now have an 8 year old!

our sweet little chetty bear is getting so grown up, i can hardly believe it. he was really excited to turn 8 because almost all of his friends already had. i remember that stage of life, where it was exciting to get older. *sigh*

chet's birthday has fallen at the start of spring break the past 2 years, which is awesome! not only did he not have to go to school on his birthday, but he also didn't have to go the whole week after it! his actual birthday was on saturday. we had baseball games all morning, and then we spent the rest of the day celebrating with just our family. we had his party the next day.

chet only had a few wishes for his birthday:

1. he wanted to ride shotgun. we found out that technically an 8 year old can ride in the front seat in california, if all other seats are full. ever since chet heard that, he had been counting down to his chance to ride up front. he couldn't stop grinning when he got his first chance. unfortunately for him, we only let him ride up there on a few really short rides and then we got in our heinous car accident (which he was in the back seat for), and now he will never ride in the front seat ever again! haha

2. chet wanted to have a birthday party with his friends. we found out that california pizza kitchen hosts the cutest pizza parties in their restaurant before it opens to the public. you get the whole place for your party, and they let the kids make their own pizzas and tour the kitchen. it is such a cute idea, and an amazing price! chet invited a few friends from school (kai, ethan, jaoquin, emma, ruby c., and ruby v.) and his brothers. if we had've let him, chet would have invited his entire class, but we cut him off! i loved the cute group he invited to celebrate with him - such nice kids! i also have to mention that matt and i made some pretty amazing sugar cookie pizzas for party favors.

3. chet wanted some pretty expenive gifts for his birthday this year... none of which he got! but he was thrilled with what he did get, especially the money! chet's birthday reminded me how many thoughtful people we have created relationships with since we have moved here. it is always fun to see other people fuss over your kids. we are a lucky family.

chet is growing up, no doubt, but there are some characteristics that he has had his entire life - things that make him chet. he has always been careful and thoughtful. chet rushes into nothing. he gets that from me! haha. sometimes we see it more as 'stubborn' and it drives us crazy but, for the most part, i really admire his ability to stop and think before he makes a choice. chet is sensitive, and this makes him very aware of how his actions can affect other peoples' feelings. he is a sweet, kind boy because of that. chet is also witty, and creative, and a great reader, and fun!

chet is an amazing brother. i love the friendship holden and chet have, and the way that he plsys with tad. chet is patient with his brothers, and they have the most fun together. i am impressed by how capable chet is when it comes to helping and teaching his little brothers. i mean, he is only 8! chet is a really great student. everyone at the school always compliments us on how great our boys are. he is a really great son, too. he can tell when i am having a hard time and will step up to help me out. it means the world to me when he does. he is a little boy with a BIG heart!

we love chet!

birthday breakfast.