Eight years ago I experienced a whirlwind delivery that necessitated an emergency dose to my epidural, and Dr. Wolsey just about didn't make it back to the hospital for Spencer's arrival. Those events seem so vivid and recent that it's hard to believe that eight years have already passed since then.
Well, eight years is enough time to get to know a person, and what can I say? Spencer has a larger than life personality; everything is full-throttle with him. He plays hard, works hard, studies hard, and sometimes fights hard. He is charming and charismatic, and he adapts to all situations with ease. He is a very fluent reader, but loses interest in books quickly, so he often starts a book then moves to another. He has quite a gift for writing, though. Journals and notebooks often litter his bedroom, filled with expressive stories and anecdotes, accompanied by quirky illustrations. When it comes to athletics, Spencer is one of those people who makes any sport look effortless. He just has a natural grace and way about him. And with all of his fabulous qualities, it might seem weird that what I love about Spencer is that he consistently makes his own bed every morning without being asked. Yeah, he's a good kid.
A Birthday Photo Shoot
I wanted to get some photographs of Spencer for his Baptism announcement and birthday invitations. Bicentennial park in Provo provided the perfect backdrop. With a newly acquired suit, he looked as though he was eight going on nineteen. Were it not for his boyish grin with a mixed assortment of adult and baby teeth, I might have been convinced that he was ready to leave for a mission.
Birthday Breakfast of Choice
Spencer requested German pancakes on the morning of his birthday, and to every one's delight, I obliged. We even pulled out the china to make it a little extra special.
Birthday Activities
Jason met all of us during his lunch hour and we went to the distribution center to allow Spencer to pick out his own set of scriptures and tote bag. He also really wanted to have a pocket hymn book. How can you argue with that?
We got some lunch at Coney's and then headed back for work and home. Jason got off work a little early in the evening so he could stay home with Ella while I took the boys to see the Pixar movie Brave. We filled up on so much popcorn and soda, that there was little appetite left for a birthday dinner, so we decided to go out the following night, but we did have him open his birthday gifts.
Spencer's Birthday Dinner
Even though he chose to go there last year on his birthday, the Pizza Pie Cafe got Spencer's vote again this year. Well, how can you resist all-you-can-eat pizza, especially when you have choices like Oreo cookie? As you can tell from the photo and the chocolatey crumbs on his face, this was not Spencer's first slice. (It probably wasn't his last, either.)
Spencer's Baptism
Grandpa Gilliland and Grandpa Park served as witnesses to Spencer's baptism. Grandma Gilliland said a prayer, Grandma Park directed the music, and Brevin gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. All of these were at Spencer's request, and all participating added a significant, personal touch to the ordinance performed.
Of course, the sweet events of the day were cause for celebration afterward with food, gifts, a birthday video, and cake. We sang Happy Birthday and Spencer blew out the candles on his chocolate raspberry cake. It was a fitting conclusion to all of the celebrating that came with the passing of eight years.
Happy Birthday, Spencer!
This post authored by Amber
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