Layne's Birthday

Well, I'm a little behind on posting. I hope my many followers haven't given up on me. (Laughs sarcastically!) If you hadn't heard, I made the long trek to Idaho and spent a month visiting family and friends in the Idaho and Utah area. We plan, as long as there are no major expenses that prevent it, to make this an annual pilgrimage.

While we were in Idaho, we celebrated Layne's birthday. Layne is a major Star Wars nut. If given the choice between any other kid favorite and Star Wars, he will choose Star Wars. Star Wars backpacks, Star Wars t-shirts, Star Wars action figures, Star Wars games, etc. Naturally, I wasn't too surprised when he wanted me to make him an R2-D2 cake. I didn't realize when I committed to this enterprise, that it would end up being such a major project!

Beside the cake, we had a Star Wars table cloth, along with plates and cups to match. We were able to have his cousins over. Tiffany and her family were able to come down from Ashton to visit and eat some cake. We had a fun time, and Layne enjoyed his "R2 CAKE!" He also got a Star Wars game for the Leapster. It is a little above his abilities, but I think he will love it someday. It teaches letters, letter sounds, sight words, basic number skills, and other things for preschool and early schoolers.

It has been a difficult year with Layne. As many of you know, Layne was diagnosed with some mild developmental and attention problems. We are working through this and Layne is managing the best he can. In spite of this, and unexpectedly, because of this, we love him very much and are so pleased that he has been in our family for the last four years.

Layne is my little love bug. With his big blue eyes and sweet expressions, he will forever have a special place in my heart. Children with difficulties and special needs tend to have a different relationship with their parents than "normal" children, and I am starting to understand that now. Layne will be starting preschool at Boren Elementary this fall to help him with his delays.

Although he is behind other children his age, Layne is progressing. We are amazed with how much he knows and how much he picks up, even when we don't think he is learning. We read scriptures with him before bed and he seems to really like it. He also loves to be read picture books and has many favorites. In Sunbeams, his teachers love him and miss him when he is gone. He loves his little friends from church and is interacting and playing a lot more with them than in the past.

This is Layne after he dressed himself one morning at my mom's house. Sandals with white socks, on the wrong feet, collared church shirt with green Mario t-shirt over top, with black exercise pants. Layne's bright smile and enthusiasm for life are contagious. Happy fourth birthday Layne!