As a result, I don't have too many pictures of Ryan during that age.
He eventually outgrew it and let me chase him around with the camera, and even when he started school, he'd still be willing to pose for me.
About 2 years ago, his aversion returned. He started hissing at me whenever I tried to take a picture and if he reluctantly agreed, he wouldn't smile. Having a smartphone makes it easier for those stealth shots, but he still hates it when I ask for a picture. Well, except when he was playing lacrosse; I could take as many as I wanted then.
His birthday wasn't much different. He didn't want a big to-do; in fact, he really didn't know what he wanted to do, although he was pretty adamant that he didn't want a party. So we ended up having take-out from Panda Express, then some pumpkin pie with whipped cream instead of a birthday cake. Then he just sat around with us watching Phineas & Ferb. Very quiet and relaxed.
Later that night, since it was a Friday, his friends picked him up and I assume they did something fun; don't really know. He didn't say much when we asked him the next day. But, he seemed fine, so I guess he got what he wanted in terms of celebrating.
But, yeah. He's 18 now.
He went from this...
to this...
and being kolohe (mischievous)...
to growing up...
and being not so little anymore...
18 Reasons Why I Love Ryan
1. He's not afraid of acting like a dork. As part of his duties as Communications SBO, he makes videos for the school's morning announcements. The videos he's done so far have been absolutely hilarious!
2. Family time doesn't annoy him as much anymore. At least he doesn't quietly sulk in his own corner now.
3. He's kind and thoughtful, and puts others before him. The things he's done for his siblings and friends have made my mama heart proud.
4. He's spontaneous; he likes to keep me on my toes with some of his ideas.
5. Hard work isn't something he shies away from. If something needs to be done, he'll do it.
6. He's still willing to pray with me every morning before he goes off to school.
7. No prompting is needed when he tells me he loves me.
8. I love when he comes and finds me, just to talk about his day.
9. He's so intelligent; I know he'll do great things!
10. He has a testimony of Jesus Christ.
11. He treats his sister like a young lady. He's respectful and kind and gentle whenever he interacts with her, which means a lot since Vanessa can be a bit on the shy side.
12. I can trust him. Sure, we had some harrowing experiences, but overall, everytime he leaves the house, I know I can trust him to make good choices, do his best, etc.
13. Even though Jeff won't readily admit it, he admires Ryan. The two of them are so much alike in temperament and personality, it's no wonder Jeff gravitates towards his big brother.
14. He's patient with his siblings. Whenever he has some down time, I usually find him playing video games with Ethan, helping Jeff with basketball (or some sport), or talking with Vanessa.
15. He still roughhouses with Scott. Even though his Dad is still a bit taller (a fact that Scott likes to tease him about), Ryan will think nothing of just spontaneously trying to wrestle Scott to the floor.
16. He's respectful towards others. Always. To this day, I'm still getting comments from his friends parents' about what a respectful, well-mannered kid he is.
17. He's very in tune with others' feelings. There have been times that he's been home late from school or leaves the house because someone needs him.
18. He makes life fun. His sarcasm, his smile, his laugh, everything that makes him Ryan, makes our lives fun and happy.
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