Griggin, today you are 11. You woke up happy and smiling.

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Tonight we get to celebrate with a dinner at your favorite Italian restaurant. You’ve got a few haunts you likes to frequent, and originally wanted to go to your “special celebration” spot, until I reminded you Italian was an option. Then it was a no-brainer.

This past year I’ve observed you make some excellent decisions and adapt to difficult situations. You’re taking changes (like starting a new school; working with a different Dyslexia tutor… AND 7:30am tutoring) in stride, and making me really proud. While you’ve got a few years before the world will let loose on you, I feel (today) that you’re on a good track.

Your temper is still short; even shorter even as “them hormones” are starting to creep in. You’re moodier; get angrier faster; are more resistant to the idea that Daddy and I can help in tough spots. This part is tough. I know it’s going to only get tougher too over the next 6 years, but I’m hoping we’ll all come out of it with minimal emotional scarring ;p

You’re growing to be more considerate of others. More often than not I see you watching out for your brother. You think of things that make him happy. You make choices that will make things easier on us. I thank you for that. You growing up into a considerate human being is the best compliment you can give us as your parents.

Now… onto this year’s interview:

  • me: What is your name?
    • G: Griffin
  • me: What is your full name?
    • G: Rogers!
  • me: Do you know what the V stands for?
    • G: Viktor
  • me: What do you wish it stands for?
    • G: I don’t know!
  • me: How old are you about to be?
    • G: 11
  • me: What is you favorite color?
    • G: Blue
  • me: Who is your best friend?
    • G: Hayden
  • me: What do you like to do with your friends?
    • G: Play… games
    • me: Such as what
    • G: Play sports
    • me: What kind of sports
    • G: Uhmn.. soccer and baseball?
  • me: What is you favorite book?
    • G: Let’s see: Rick Riordan books
  • me: What is your favorite movie or TV show?
    • G: I don’t know
  • me: What is your favorite animal?
    • G: Moose
  • me: What is your favorite food to eat?
    • G: Pasta
    • me: Any particular type of pasta?
    • G: Nope
  • me: What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
    • G: Cookies & Creme
  • me: What is your favorite toy?
    • G: Computer
  • me: What is your favorite outfit?
    • G: I don’t know
  • me: What song do you love?
    • G: Uhmn… Happier?
  • me: Who is your biggest hero?
    • G: Messi
  • me: What are you really good at?
    • G: Soccer and baseball
  • me: Where do you wish you could go on vacation?
    • G: Ugh… Hawaii???
  • me: What would you buy if you had $1000?
    • G: Another $1000?
    • me: You’re just exchanging $1000 in that case
    • G: Ok, fine, then I’ll put it in the bank!
    • me: You’ll put it in the bank, you wouldn’t buy anything?
    • G: No
    • me: But if the point is you HAD to buy something, what would you buy?
    • G: Off the rent? Of the house?
    • me: You’re going to help us pay down our house?
    • G: Ya: what else would I do with a $1000? If I can’t put it in the bank…
    • me: That’s pretty nice of you man!
  • me: If you could have a wish, what would it be?
    • G: Be taller!
    • me: That’s a good one. I want that too.
  • me: What do you want to do when you grow up?
    • G: Be a professional sports player
  • me: What do you hope to do before you turn 12?
    • G: I don’t know.
  • me: Give me a piece of advice…
    • G: Trump, Don’t build a wall!