Happy Birthday, Emery

I can't believe that this little guy ...

who looked like this when he was one ...

and this when he was two ...

and this when he was three ...

and this when he was six ...

and this when he was eight ...

and this when he was ten ...

turns thirteen today!  Thirteen.

I really can't believe we've had 13 years with this kid.  I'm so grateful to be his mom!  So, in honor of this momentous day, here they are ... thirteen reasons why I love Em.

1.  Emery can accomplish anything he sets his mind to.  I've never met anyone who can set a goal and attain it like Emery can.

2.  He has an amazing memory.  Yep, Emery has a great memory.  (Get it?  It rhymes!)  It's true.  He remembers everything.

3.  He's getting really good at playing the piano.  He has learned some awesome songs because of this combined with reason #1.

4.  He read the entire Book of Mormon.

5.  He's determined to always do his best.  This applies to everything ... school, sports, whatever.  Sometimes this is a little frustrating, because it drives him crazy if he's not as good at something as he wants to be.  But I love that he expects nothing but the best from himself.

6.  Emery loves healthy foods.  His favorite foods are steak and cucumbers.

7.  He's sooooo fun to tickle.  And I think he secretly likes it when I give him the tickle torture.

8.  His entire life, he's always had this talent that if he's going to throw up, he can hold it in until he makes it to the bathroom.  As his mom, and the "throw-up-cleaner-upper," I really love and appreciate this about him.

9.  He's a real smarty-pants and he gets excellent grades.

10.  He makes a mean batch of chocolate chip cookies.  Mmmm.

11.  Emery has the perfect golf swing.  Grandpa Ralph beams and gloats about Emery's golf swing.

12.  He is becoming fabulous at mowing the lawn.

13.  He adores our dog, Jimmy.

Okay, just one more ...  Emery's smile.  That smile combined with his sparkling blue eyes completely melts my heart.

Happy Birthday, Em!!  We love you tons!