Happy Birthday, Joseph

Joseph, my very smart, very energetic boy is 9!!! The other day, I said to Joseph, "I can't believe you are 9," and he said, "Why can't you believe it? I am just turning 9, nothing to not believe." I can't believe it because 9 years have gone by so fast! Sometimes I still think of him as my crazy toddler or the new kindergartner. But he is definitely older and well past those stages. He half hangs out with the older kids and half with the younger kids. He can play with the little kids and joke around with the older kids. He still wrestles anyone willing to wrestle and he still likes to climb things. He plays all of John's nerdy boy board games and loves it. He plays soccer with the older boys and is pretty good with the basketball. Joseph loves his chickens. We let them free range around the yard and Joseph is always checking on them to make sure they are all safe. When they go to the front of the yard, he comes in crying because he is worried that they will get lost. Otherwise, Joseph is the same happy boy he has always been. Nothing has ever really bothered Joseph or his peace. Joseph Smith's mother mentioned Joseph Smith's "native cheery disposition". Joseph is named after Joseph Smith and he has always had a native cheery disposition.