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Dear Kollin,

It's easy to remember how old you are since you were born in the year 2000.  Not that I would have a hard time remembering if you weren't, but I like that on your birthday, your age is always the last digits of the year. 

I always want to remember you as the cute, chubby cheeked toddler walking around the house with your binky hooked to your cloth diaper, kicking the ball around the house, and kicking at the cat.  I also want to remember you as the little boy who sat on mine and Kimberly's laps on the front porch swing learning to say "kuck" when you saw a truck, or when you saw a car, or any moving vehicle, and when you'd say "bap" when it was time to take a bath, or when you'd see a lake, or any body of water. 

 

 

I also want to remember you as the smart little kindergartener who got in trouble for talking excessively to your friends in class.  Or the kid who always exceeds the school's expectations on all your grades and tests.

 

 

But I also never want to forget you now, as the intelligent, kind, and handsome young man that you are.  You have so much talent and so much potential for your future.  In honor of your 13th birthday, here are 13 of my favorite things about you at this point in your life:

1) When we stand up to hug, your arms reach above mine.  I love this because you're growing so much, but it also makes me sad that you have grown so much.  As of this year, you are taller than both of your older sisters.

 

2) You are a proud, proud uncle to McCoy.  You say that you can't wait to have a little boy, but that you want him to be just like McCoy.

 

3) You want everyone around you to be happy, and I think you're selfless in every way.

4) You're such a "thinker" and you are constantly coming up with ideas and websites to make quick money.  I know you're going to go far in life with that attitude.  You love to brainstorm when the family gets together, and you always ask to play games because you enjoy spending quality time with your family. 

5) I can relate to the fact that you are a picky eater.  I was once the exact same way.  I also have faith that one day you will like more foods and appreciate how delicious food can be.

6) You chuckle, shake your head, and look down when we ask you anything about girls.  Kimberly and I hope you know that you're always welcome to talk to us about anything at all.  It's likely that we'll understand, and we may have some good advice for you.

 

7) Your dimples.  This will never change.

 

8) Your sports inclination.  You have always loved going outside and playing sports of any kind.  You played soccer when you were younger, which was really cute.  You then were really interested in wrestling.  You travel an hour to play in your baseball league throughout the entire year.  You can hit some crazy trick shots in basketball.  And you are running like a champ.

 

 

9) You love videos and video editing; so do I.  You usually can be seen with a video camera, and that is what you asked for this year for your birthday.  You will excel in this, and I can't wait.

10) Kaden and Kylie love you.  They look up to you, and talk about you a lot.  "Can Kollin come camping with us?"  "Can we invite Kollin, too?"  Whenever you are around, I don't see much of you or them.  That part I don't like, but I love that you guys get along so well.  And they still call Lenox a leopard bunny -- I think that's what you called him once?

 

11) You always take interest in what is going on around you.  You are a good listener, and you are really patient, like our father.

12) The way that I have to take a moment now to guess if it is you or Dad that answers the phone when I call.

13) You are the little brother I always wanted, and you are perfect.  I wouldn't change one single thing about you.  I am proud of you, of your accomplishments, of your personality, and your kindness and care for your family and friends. 

 

You are now the age that I was when I was blessed with you as my little brother.  Embrace these years, because they are fleeting.  You will look back one day and remember these days as the ones when you really grew, learned, made (and sometimes break) friendships, and really found yourself.

In this day and age, I am nothing but a click away.  You can text me, call me, email me, instagram me, facebook message me, snapchat me...but more than anything, I hope you always know that I'm here for you.

Happy Birthday, Kollin.  Welcome to your teenage years!