Ladies and gentlemen, this dude takes up a pretty special place in my heart. He's my brother and it makes me so happy to say those words! Anyone who knows this kid will know what I mean.  I can't tell you the number of times he's come gliding into the room singing at the top of his lungs, all in an attempt to bug the heck out of me. Generally it ends in me trying to tell him to be quiet and then breaking down in laughter despite my best efforts not to succumb to his antics. I love this kid and his hilarious impersonations of James Bond the first time he put on a tux for prom (Don't worry. I have documented proof). Or the time he did his best at impersonating a dog as we drove with the windows down through  Grand Teton National Park (also have documented proof of that. Thank heavens for smart phones.) 

But underneath all of that goofiness is that sweet natured little boy I've always known. The boy who still sleeps with our puppy Sophie every single night. The boy who used to spend hours in his room with his big bin of lego's creating whatever his mind could imagine, no manuals necessary. In fact, I'm pretty sure he never even bothered to look at any of those manuals.... 

The boy who could spot a military vehicle from a hundred feet away and be able to tell you what year it was made and what national army it belonged to. The boy who would spend hours drawing said military vehicles and then go to each member of the family asking "on a scale of 1 to 10, how cool is this?"

A 10, Rob. Always a 10.

This is the little boy I remember:

And somehow, somewhere along the road, while all our backs were turned, he grew into the young man you see below! How does this happen?!

Robbie, you bring so much joy into our lives. You brighten everyone's day when you walk into a room, like a candle in a dark room. Or more like a bonfire in a dark room sometimes, you're so goofy and joyful. You've grown into such a kind and happy young man. I get excited every time I think about what the future holds for you. 

I love you little brother.

Keep on being the amazing little goofball you are.