How can you possibly be nine years old?  How can time fly by that fast?

Seems like only yesterday when I was playing matchbox cars with you at your first house on Cornfield Drive in Somersworth.  You loved those little cars.  Or watching you very precisely move your Thomas the Tank Engine trains – you knew every one by name.

You’re on the cusp of double digits now… and you’re smarter, more handsome, funnier and more conversational by the day, I have no regrets about our relationship, which is a very cool thing to be able to say.  I’ve been there with you – and for you – all the way. We’ve spent an amazing amount of time together. You were our first grandchild, so that meant you got more time than any of the others.  Just the way it worked out. It made us very close.

That’s why it was so much fun being with you today, on your birthday.

Grammy and I went to  your house for spaghetti & meatballs, birthday cake and song…  When we walked in the door (having been in Arizona for a week), you ran over to me and I picked you up and held you in my arms for a long time and even landed a few kisses on your cheek (something I don’t get to do much anymore).   You didn’t want me to let go, I could feel it, and neither did I.

After the birthday celebration, you played one of the new video games we gave you.  You asked me to join you because it was a tandem game.  I’m the first to admit I stink at these, but for some reason, I “got” this one and was able to stay with you for the most part as we moved our characters through amazing adventures.  What a cool game!  It was so much fun doing that with you… we jumped up, moved side to side and ran…we were laughing and sucking wind and discovering it together.

Happy Birthday Ben, I love you l-o-t-s!