Happy Birthday, Sweet Child of Mine!

 

My youngest kid, Scotty, is turning 29 tomorrow! My new tradition for birthdays is to write a blog post talking about my love and gratitude, and it's Scotty's turn!

I'm so grateful for the many memories and the close relationship I have with this amazing young man. 

10 Things I Love About You, Scotty

1. I love that you play Guitar Hero. Memoarrr, and countless other games with me! Even though you're much better than me at just about every game, it's always fun to play with you. Your playfulness goes beyond board games and includes, video games, Walking Scavenger Hunts, GISH, Pokeman, and just about any new idea I suggest, including "randonauting" last year.

Walking Hunt on Catalina Island

Dressing up as a Tea Bag and Teaspoon for GISH

Pokemon Hunting

2. I love that you are such a talented and creative game designer and puzzle-master yourself! Since you were a young child, you've had such a gift at creating challenging puzzles and games. It was so fun to go to the Escape Room Convention with you and to experience the escape rooms you've created!

3. Even though I suppose it's not very good "parenting" on my part, I love binge-watching Netflix shows with you.  It's also been fun to watch movies and build "brain neuroplasticity" by discussing them as if we're movie critics.  Watching all the movies that are up for Best Picture Awards has been especially interesting. Even though we are drawn to different genres, I enjoy the critical thinking discussion about each movie. It was especially fun that we both like "Everything, Everywhere, All at Once" so much and that it won Best Picture this year!

4.  I love that we started running together when you were just a little kid and that we did so many races together over the years.  We had so many Bolder Boulders, Turkey Trots, Muddy Buddies, and other races, both where you ran your best, way ahead of me, and times when you coached me to do my best and finish strong.

5. I love all the road trips that we've been on together! We did a lot of exploring and excursions when you were a young kid, but things got more exciting once you could drive and could share in the driving fun! From the road trip to Mount Rushmore and getting caught in a torrential rainstorm when you were getting your hours in, to the Vegas trip to play Black Jack, to the Mardi Gras New Orleans trip, to the Christmas road trip to Florida, I love how flexible you are as a traveler and how we never run out of things to talk about.

6. I love how ambitious and accomplished you are. I'm so proud of all your achievements and successes both throughout your academic years and now in your career.

7.  I love that you are successful and independent and that I was able to be a guest in your Centreville home last Fall. I'm sure you will always be a playful kid-at-heart, but it's reassuring for me to see you become such a responsible young adult.

8. I love that you take the time to talk every weekend and make the effort to visit family as often as you can. Your visits are always so fun for me and it was a big surprise when you unexpectedly were in Denver for a work trip around Mother's Day this year!

9. I love how supportive you are with my different projects and causes. When you were young and didn't have a job, you'd still find a way to contribute and help and volunteer with me.  As an adult, you've been an avid Carpe Diem Day supporter.

10. I love how much wisdom and understanding you have.  I've been impressed with your ability to converse in a deep and thoughtful way since you were young. Over the years, I've seen you mature into an introspective adult and feel so grateful for our relationship and how easy it is to talk to you! I always respect and welcome your perspective on anything and everything!

Happy Birthday, Scotty! I love you!