Noah's 14th

Today is Noah's 14th birthday!

Noah was our 13th grandchild and 8th grandson!

He is a very important part of this large family

and, of course, a very important part of this beautiful family.

I wrote about Noah on his birthday last year in this post and following the links back to previous posts will tell a lot about Noah's past.  So I'll just post a few pictures here to show how he's changed through the years

and talk about what's been going on in his life during the previous year.  In late January, he and Anna went to an ISSMA competition and Noah got gold in two choir ensembles, a band ensemble, and a band solo.

Noah and Anna are both amazing singers and their performance in the Hibner family talent show in Gulf Shores this year was nothing short of amazing!

Noah's interest in chess took a leap this year too!  He has competed in his first few public tournaments and qualified for the state chess competition in Indy which happens next week!

During the summer, Noah was lucky enough to vacation in California with his dad and in Florida with his mom.  I asked if he had any pictures from these trips and he sent me this.  (It's the only one he had but it does show him leaving California.)

Although Noah has always excelled on the baritone, this year he also took up the trombone so that he could be in jazz band since a trombone fits better in a jazz band than a baritone.  And he has done very well with it.

Also, over the holidays this year, Noah vacationed with his large, extended family in Gulf Shores.  Here are two pictures that show what an agreeable, affable young man he is no matter what crowd he's hanging with at any given time.

Which brings me to the things I want to say about him that having nothing to do with what he's doing.  He's very smart, very courteous, and very centered.  He's kind and considerate to his siblings

and loving and fun to be with to his younger cousins and second cousins.

He responsible, thoughtful and does his chores without complaint.  All in all he's a wonderful grandson and we could not love him more or be more proud of him.

So happy birthday, Noah!  We're hoping this birthday is your best one ever 

but only half has great as the many, many more to come!