My Amazing Hank

Hank continues to amaze me with his ability to excel at everything he does.  This post is dedicated to all things Hank.  Here is his amazing school picture, you have to love the missing teeth!  At his parent teacher conference I wasn't surprised to find out he is doing extremely well in all areas.  Reading seems to be his strongest subject.  He loves books and we don't miss a night reading together.  He will tell you P.E. is his favorite subject, next to recess and library.  This kid is always on the move.  His schedule keeps me running all day long.  Flag football season has come and gone and he worked really hard.  Hank is a natural when it comes to executing and reading plays...it must be from all the Madden!  His favorite play is the double reverse jet sweep, whatever that means.

Hank had a bunch of buddies on his team this year.  I am so glad he got to play with his friends Cole, Boston, Ethan, and Dominique.  He also made some other great friends.  I love looking in the lunch room and seeing Hank eating with his team.  These boys were lucky to have three coaches this year.  Randy, Morgan, and Greg all pitched in to make the year extra special for the kids.  Randy pretty much kicked butt as the special teams coordinator.

Here are some random pics of Hank throughout the season.  There wasn't a game he didn't score at least one touchdown.  He was also a master defensive player.

Of course Hank had a cheering squad.  Sarah, Jack, Grandma Jeri, Grandma Jackie, Max, Sam, and I were to nearly every game.

 The Ross family showed their support at his last game.  Throughout the season we also had the Royster Family, Grandpa Griff, Grandpa Curt, Scott, and Brett cheering Hank on.  The support is so amazing.  Our family pretty much rules.  I still have Bell's Palsy, so I purposely avoided the camera.

Hank's number one fan enjoyed sprinting across the field during every game.

Sarah came prepared with suckers to entertain Max and Jack.

 Max is a trooper going to Hank's various activities.

Hank loves his sports.  He can't wait for Jr. Jazz to start.  Thankfully we have until January to get ready for that.  I need a break from games and practices right now.  Taekwondo is kind of kicking our butt lately.  Since Hank is part of the Black Belt Club, he has 3 classes a week to attend. Between that and football we were maxed out.

After Hank's football game we raced to his taekwondo test.  He is demonstrating his attack and defense in this picture.  His test went very well and he moved up the ranks to a green striped belt.

I really hope Hank sticks with this a little longer.  His instructors see so much potential in him and they really care about his success.  They've been by his side for 2 1/2 years now.

Randy took the boys to the driving range last weekend and Hank renewed his love of golf.  Max just loves to crush things with a stick.  I can't wait to hit the links with them.

Even though Hank has a really full schedule, he still finds time to harass his little brother.

They get a long about 50% of the time but I know when it really counts they are there for each other.

 Max and Sam are so lucky to have Hank for their big brother.  The way he deals with his diabetes every day is inspiring.  It's been over 6 months now and he pushes on with strength and determination.  We recently switched his endocrinologist and it has given us hope and courage to press on.  Dr. Swinyard also has type 1 diabetes and has lived with the disease for 35 years.  It is comforting to see that it is possible.  He also told Hank he could get an insulin pump so we are in the process of ordering that.  Hopefully it will make things easier to manage.

It's safe to say, Randy and I are pretty proud of our Hank-Man.  You can expect many more amazing things from this one!