Thinking back over the last year, it is pretty clear to me that you completely rocked June 2016 - June 2017. From entertaining campers and counselors with your card-playing prowess to fearlessly diving off the board at the pool, you kept everyone on their toes all summer. You took a mountain biking course and embraced your inner daredevil, much to daddy's delight. And you outlasted everyone on the rides at Six Flags! You simply love the thrill of exciting plunges, despite never screaming!
One of the biggest things to happen for you (and our family) this past year was your selection of Yeager from the animal shelter last July. What a surprise when you saw his picture and thought he should join our merry crew. He was so much more dog than I thought we would own, but it turns out he was a perfect choice. You are best buds. He helps wake you up in the morning, and goes to bed with you at night. You play with and comfort each other, you read to him, and you make each other smile. While he is nearly double your weight, you handle him surprisingly well, and I am sure you will be fast friends for years.
The school year started with lots of challenges. With Greta in middle school and Daddy returning to work, you were solo on the bus and at aftercare, and we were all somewhat untethered at the beginning of the year. But you soon adjusted to the new routine, and then embraced your new independence. 
Daddy and I were very proud of your effort in your classes, and especially how hard you worked to make new friends. You had wonderful teachers (Mrs. Brys and Mrs. Gildea) who challenged and supported you, and you excelled under their guidance. Your decision to take viola lessons was surprising to me, but I soon came to love the sounds of you practicing, and your concerts were terrific. Mrs. McClenon did a wonderful job as your orchestra leader. And despite loud protests over taking speech classes for a couple months this winter, you worked hard and eliminated the impediments you faced, ensuring that people will listen to WHAT you are saying and not HOW you are saying it. We will always be grateful to Ms. Montana (you should know that she actually wrote to us and said "He took it upon himself to change his speech pattern and with your support, was able to do so in a very short period of time. I wish all my students and families invested in speech practice as Lincoln and you have." Way to go, buddy!!)
You agreed to give basketball a try over the winter and proved to be an agile all-around team player, and love the game. Your speed and flexibility were great assets, and you had a terrific season. We loved watching you play, and are excited to see you continue to learn and develop your skills and leadership at camp this summer.
Daddy's new job at UAlbany complicated the lifestyle you had created when you first moved to Albany, but it also brought us the perk of attending college sporting events. Turns out you LOVE live sports! What's not to love when you're screaming in a stadium while chugging soda and popcorn?! You were a great spectator and fan, eager to high five the players, and offering words of support when needed. It is great to see you developing such good sportsmanship.
Other highlights this year included your terrific pogo stick special report and talent show performance, and your mastery of many card and magic tricks. You are sometimes reluctant to put yourself out there, but once you do, you give it your all and are a natural performer. You even gave fencing a try! You and Greta loved sparring, and the sword play definitely inspired creative games in the yard. You also enjoy Nerf battles and Legos together, and while she isn't a huge video game fan, you convince her to play every now and then.
You are much more helpful around the house, folding laundry, clearing the table after meals, loading and emptying the dishwasher, and picking up your room. I appreciate you making daddy and my loads a little lighter. You've also matured enough to enjoy real movies (like Forrest Gump and The Hunger Games) and are immature enough to guffaw with Daddy at Dodgeball and that silly prank show I can't remember the name of right now. (Daddy says it's "Impractical Jokers.") Truth be told, you are such a classic, traditional All-American boy: love soda, burps, video games, comics, and sports!
Your good attitude garnered kudos throughout the year, and resulted in your invitation to be an orientation leader at school in the fall. I can't believe you will be in fifth grade...the last year of elementary school! I am sure that it will be great and that this 10th year will be simply terrific!
Daddy and I love you so much. You bring so much laughter and levity into our lives. Right now you are curious and clever, brave much of the time but still cautious, and very aware of where a line is and decisive about whether to cross it. You are good at following the rules, showing care and concern, and are willing to help others. You are kind and funny.... oh so very, very funny! And mischievous!! Just thinking about your antics makes me smile. And I love that you still want to cuddle and read at night, but that you also understand when my days are too long for a lot of QT at bedtime.
So happy birthday, dearest Lincoln. You are the apple of my eye ... a terrific, talented 10-year-old and we love you so very, very much! Make a wish!!!
These reports are a tremendous record, Cary.
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