Awesome Brother!

HAPPY 12th BIRTHDAY, NICOLAS!

You always wanted a little brother. When John Michael came along 20 months ago, you weren't sure he was the brother you were hoping for. Time and love have shown us that he is exactly the brother you were meant to have. You have such a special bond with him and it's amazing how much you two look alike at the same age. The top right photo of John Michael climbing on you and the photo below of you in your Bavarian sweater are amazingly similar. Same smile!

I hope John Michael learns a lot from you -- you're a great role model to him. You have an adventurous spirit, you're a strong Catholic, not afraid to stand up for your faith, fun and loving brother (most of the time), awesome son, smart, funny, brave, courteous, cheerful (OK, what's the Boy Scout oath again?) and all around likeable kid. We love you!

Brotherly love and Boy Scout camp

Nicolas made it home safely from a week away at Boy Scout camp. He's such a vibrant part of this family and we've all missed him very much, including Anna who has had to be the big sister all week and take on some of Nic's chores.

While at camp, Nic earned 4 merit badges -- Music, Wilderness Survival, Leatherworking, First Aid and he partially completed Environmental Science. Wow! For Wilderness, Nic and another scout had to spend a night outdoors and could only bring 3 things with them. He brought a towel, plastic bag and a flashlight. They made their own shelter from pine needles, wood and branches. He said he only slept for 30 minutes the whole night! For Music, he had to compose 12 measures of a song, sing God Bless America with proper posture and voice, name the 5 instrument groups and attend two live music performances (he used my vocal jazz concert and a music in the park we attended with our family recently). I love the short piece he composed for piano. There are some cool jazz chords in there.

All week, John Michael has been pointing to Nic's picture around the house and saying "K". It is so sweet to see them together again. He gave Nic big hugs and kisses and smiles.

While at camp, Nic said he saw a boy from another troop who had Down syndrome. He said he was about 12 or 13 years old. He didn't have a chance to talk to him, but I got choked up thinking about John Michael being a Boy Scout in the future. He'll be the best Scout ever. The BSA has a special allowance for people with different abilities. Where typical kids age out of Boy Scouts at age 18, there is no age limit for those who have developmental disabilities. Recently, I saw a video of a young man (age 40!) with Down syndrome who earned his Eagle Scout rank. That is so hard to do for any young man, so I was doubly impressed when I saw that (not to mention I was crying by the end of the video)!



Have a great weekend! Mine's already getting better :-)