There were times that I didn't believe I would make it to this post, but you really can't argue that 7 year old boys just aren't little any more. They aren't babies. They are people who can be trusted to help out with things, people who can go to the park with their brother and be safe out of sight.

Spence, you have shown both your dad and I this year that, with focus and determination, you are a deeply observant, whip smart young man. Your ability to see a frog, turtle, butterfly or caterpillar in a thick of green is uncanny. And your eye with a camera is already impressive to even your photographer grandfather. You want to do good, and I think you are even starting to believe that you can. I love you.