Mama's Boy on Father's Day

Nine years ago, on the first day of summer, our sweet little Stockton made his way into the world. We were so happy. We had prayed from him to come and knew that Heavenly Father had heard and answered our prayers. We knew our first son would be named Douglas so we had never come up with any other boy names. We get asked if we named Stockton after that amazing basketball player, John Stockton. That is partially true. In order to figure out a name we liked we started naming famous people and when we said "John Stockton" we both knew that Stockton was it. I think it fits him well:).

Stockton has been talking since he was very young. He said several recognizable words when he was 1 and he hasn't quit since. If I ever need to know anything that his older brother won't tell me, I just need to ask Stockton! He loves to talk still and I hope he never stops. (Sometimes a break would be nice but overall, I love that he will talk to me!)

He was a trying toddler. He was grumpy 90% of the time and was into everything! Everyday was a challenge and I found myself constantly at my wits end.

But, even with all his energy, he was also snugly, sweet, cute and lovable. He was my little mama's boy. He always wanted me to do everything and seemed jealous of his dad. When Russell came home from work and gave me a hug, Stockton would work his way in between the two of us. One time Russell brought me flowers for my birthday. When he walked in the door with them Stockton told him, "Dad, how did you know that is what I wanted to give to mom!". He always wanted to steal his dad's thunder.

That's what makes it a little ironic that his birthday happened to fall on Father's Day this year. He was excited when he found out, "Now you will have to serve Dad and me breakfast in bed!" It turned out to be a good birthday. He sang "My Daddy is my Favorite Pal" with two of his friends in Sacrament Meeting. He snuggled with his dad the night before instead of me. He wrote a really sweet note to his dad and stuck it to the trophy they won in baseball this year. He has been more of a daddy's boy the past few months since Russell helped coach his team. He is so glad to have his dad there and be dad's priority this year. If there is ever a conflict in games, Dad goes with Stockton.

This is a typical outfit for Stockton. He believes that a white undershirt should be worn every day of the week, by itself with whatever sport shorts you have available, clean or not. He will not wear plaid shorts or denim. It is all about the sport fabric.

He thought he may want to go to The Roof for his birthday dinner but somehow we didn't make reservations in time:). He choose Cafe Rio instead.

He had a party at Classic Skating with many of his friends. I was so exhausted serving pizza, pouring drinks, cutting cake, pouring drinks, keeping track of piles of scooters, moving shoes out of the walk way, rounding up boys to head to the pool, sorting tokens, directing kids to the drinking fountain and on and on and on that I didn't really feel up to taking many photos. I did manage to get a few.

Drying off after sliding.

Darling pics of my cute nephews and boys! This was Mason's first time swimming. I think we managed to enjoy the only sunny day since school has been out. What luck!