Landon turns ten

My baby is TEN! No more single digits for our family. This year has been a big year of growth, learning, adventures and tons of fun. Let's celebrate Landon by counting down the TOP TEN best things about him!

(View years past recaps here: eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two)

10. Homebody

This boy loves being at home. He hates having too many activities during the week after school because he loves playing at home, especially with the neighborhood kids. He is Mr. Social Butterfly, and he needs to be free to "fly around" and prefers to do this around home. But he can also make friends with anyone he meets (more on that in #4 below).

9. Mathematician

His brain is amazing and wired for math (I wonder where he got that from???). He just "gets" it and "sees" math I am pretty sure. Landon is so receptive to learning new concepts and understanding how it all works together. It isn't uncommon to find him and I in his room some nights quizzing each other on math facts (he just learned how to estimate square root values!)

8. Gamer

Yes, video games, but also card games, board games and making up his own games. Landon enjoys playing games and catches on quickly. But watch him - he may try to cheat ;) We are still working on losing gracefully and playing for the fun and not the outcome. That will come someday, right?

7. Talkative Comedian

Man, this kid can talk! There isn't much silence with him around. And when there is, we instantly get worried that he may be sick. His brain moves a mile a minute and his mouth tries to keep up. He is very inquisitive, perceptive and also very funny. He loves attention and tries to make everyone around him laugh. He isn't afraid to stand out.

6. ADHD

After an official diagnosis this year, having a name for how his brain works has been great for Landon (and for us). We truly believe his brain is wired differently and we need to help him find ways to channel that energy to help him succeed and reach his full potential. While at times it can be challenging to parent and guide him, we are all working through learning what works for him and the family.

5. Traveler

While he loves being home, he also enjoys travelling to new places. In 2025, we went on a Bahamian cruise, visited Minnesota & Wisconsin, and he went to Disney World with his brother and aunts just a few weeks ago. He enjoys the new experiences and finding the uniqueness of each location.

4. Friend to all

Landon does not know a stranger. He can make a friend anywhere he goes. It only took a few hours for him to find a friend on the cruise ship, strike up a conversation with another kid at the ballfields (especially if they have a football), and thrives with his friends at school. While his personality can be intense at times, he has great empathy and really does want to make people happy and make them feel loved.

3. Maturing Preteen

This one is a hard pill to swallow. How can he be a preteen already? But I see the transitioning starting. There is no little boy when I look at him. He is growing taller, more mature but thankfully not too smelly yet ;)

2. Baller

It comes as no surprise for anyone that knows my boys, balls are life around here. Baseball, football, basketball, tennis ball, pickleball, ping pong ball, billiards ball - you name it and Landon loves it. He is still playing flag football and loves being quarterback. He finished his second season of basketball and his defense is improving. Baseball is still a passion, and he loves being on the mound pounding the strike zone and now that he's 10, he can throw a curveball. All sports all the time for my energetic boy.

1. Collector

When he does sit still long enough to eat his dinner (this is a struggle), he can be found in his room sorting, making packs, reorganizing or just admiring his collection of Pokémon cards. I think he now has over 3 binders full of cards and loves trading with friends. Him and the neighbor even started setting up a Card Stand on the corner and surprisingly they've had some customers. I love his entrepreneur spirit even if I don't understand the thrill of Pokémon cards. It makes him happy! He also collects baseball, football and basketball cards and has a "treasure chest" of other items he likes to collect.

Happy Birthday, Landon! We love you!!