Happy Birthday, Zachary

Zachary was born on June 26th, 2008. I first wrote about him on his second birthday here. I realize that this is June 24th and you might be wondering what my rush is in posting this two days early. Actually the reasons are two-fold. First of all June 26th is a trifecta in our family. That's right. We actually have three birthdays on this date. And second, Zachary's dad is home on leave right now and will be returning to Afghanistan very shortly so I wanted the family to enjoy the post while he is home. That will also help explain why there might be a preponderance of pictures of Zachary with his dad.

Back to Zachary. What a cutie he was and is. That's why this is going to be a picture post.

He was born in Kansas City just before his family moved to the DC area.

When he was less than a year old, we visited him and his family during their huge remodeling project. Suddenly Zachary found himself in the care of two people he didn't know at all but he soon warmed up to us. I know his mom wishes we would have combed his hair but he was as cute as he could be and absolutely perfect in our eyes.

Before we left, I grabbed Zachary and his siblings and lined them up for a little photo shoot.
They all adore him almost as much as he adores them.

And when I mention adoring fans, I can't leave out his mom and dad.

He and his dad have always enjoyed sharing a few laughs.

Last weekend, Zachary's grandpa and I dashed out there to see the family and the completed remodeling job. So we'll fast forward to Zachary as an almost 3-year-old. My how he's changed. He's still engaging and adorable and precious but he's much more outgoing as you'll see by these pictures.

He was eager to show us his pumpkins.

And his prowess with the basketball. (We were amazed at his dribbling skills.)

And his confidence.

His strength.

And everything else about him.

Zachary is truly a joy to everyone who knows him.

So Happy Third Birthday, Zachary. You are truly a blessing and a joy!