Hank is 8!

How can this be?  I officially have an eight year old!  Based on the items he got for his birthday it seems more like I have a teenager.  Basketball shorts, socks, a Ute's sweatshirt, Skull Candy Head phones, an ipod case, and jerseys.  I have to admit I was most excited he asked for a white board.  Sarah and Brett hooked him up with a sweet one.  Such a proud moment for me, my kid wanted school supplies.  We celebrated Hank the entire weekend starting with his friend party on Friday night at the Legacy Center pool.

These boys enjoyed pizza, cupcakes, and more burping than I could ever imagine possible from such small humans.  Total boys!  Look at Hank's face...I'd say he was in his happy place.

The boys sang "Happy Birthday" and quickly scarfed down their cupcakes so they could swim.

His friends gave him basketball cards, pokemon cards, football cards, a soccer ball, and a remote control helicopter.  My mom and dad took Sam for the evening so I didn't have to chase him around the pool all night.  It was a genius idea.  Randy and I really enjoyed sitting around and watching the boys run wild.

They had a blast and didn't stop for the full 2 hours.  I really tried to get a great picture of them swimming but it was a pointless task.  They were having way too much fun to pose for a picture.  Hank has such great friends.  One of his best friends, Dallin, shares his birthday and had his party the same night.  Next year we need to coordinate their parties a little better!

Hank's birthday morning started with presents from Randy, Max, Sam and me.  Hank was up at 5:30, so excited to start his birthday.

The headphones were a total hit!  I love this reaction.  We hurried to get ready because the birthday boy had a basketball in Salt Lake at 9 a.m.  

Sadly this is the best shot I got of Hank playing ball.  Mostly because the game was so intense.  It came right down to the last second.  These boys played their hearts out and came so close to winning their first game.  Man, they wanted to win so bad.  I don't think I've seen a sadder sight than 6 little boys crying after a game.

The grandparents were on hand to give their support and help cheer Hank up.  Poor kid, really couldn't muster a smile.  I was afraid the loss might ruin his birthday.  Nothing a little breakfast at IHOP can't cure.  Grandma Jeri and Scott treated us to a delicious feast and Hank was feeling better in no time.

They gave Hank an enormous water gun, and athletic shorts which he opened before we ate. 

Note to self, don't take Sam to a restaurant ever again! 

I spent the rest of the afternoon preparing for Hank's birthday party with the family.  I decided to go all out this year.  I mean, you only turn 8 once right?  

Hank's birthday always falls around Super Bowl weekend.  Perfect timing for a sports nut to have a birthday!

I didn't capture all the decorating awesomeness but trust me when I say it was all things Super Bowl.

I love this little moment between my mom and Hank. 

Our birthday boy!

Sam and Tuck coordinated their outfits for the occasion.

Hank scored a Ute's shirt from the Ross Fam.

Grandma Jackie and Grandpa Curt gave Hank this Ray Rice jersey just in time for the Super Bowl.  They also gave him a sweet Lebron James jersey.

Always a treat to have these two around.

I'm not sure Hank is really enjoying whatever Brett is doing to his face!

These proud grandparents have been to nearly every basketball game Hank has played this season.  I love watching them get into his games. 

The Royster's lovin' some Hank-man, especially when he wears his Ute's gear.

Hank must have wished for the Raven's to win the Super Bowl.  

His birthday weekend ended perfectly with a win from his favorite team and a thoroughly entertaining Super Bowl.

Hank at 8 years old is extremely smart, passionate, and driven.  He is self motivated and when he has something he wants, he will stop at nothing to make it happen.  He questions everything and thinks very deeply for a kid his age.  I love that quality in him and hope he always has a curious, inquisitive mind.  He is dedicated to doing everything he has to with his diabetes to keep him healthy and strong.  I can't express enough how grateful I am to be dealing with this horrendous disease with a kid like Hank.  He is so responsible and I trust him completely to take care of his diabetes.  He inspires me every single day with his courage and strength.  He cares so deeply for his little brothers and I have no doubt he will protect them for the rest of his life.  Hank is so fun to hang out with.  I love our little one on one shopping trips.  His high pitched giggle is contagious.  Hank is a natural athlete and is fiercely competitive.  This kid loves to win!  I look forward to watching him compete for many years to come.  Hank is also a great student and is doing very well in school.  I just couldn't be more proud of my boy.  Randy and I feel so lucky to have Hank as our son.  I love you Hank, forever!