Birthday boy on his birthday! 
Before being baptized...mom's wearing 4 inch heels so looks like a giant! 
Granpa Dooley, Grammie S and Zane 
Grandma and Grandpa Johnson and Zane 
Chase Pack and Zane 
The boys and Dads all in white 
Zane and Dad! 
Bishop Higham and the boys after the baptism Dear Zane....
You turned EIGHT on March 22. I woke up that Tuesday morning full of wonder just thinking that I had been a mom to you for 8 years. I don't know where all the days, minutes and seconds have gone but where there was once a wrinkly, red, new born baby, there now is a handsome, tall and energetic boy. I am in awe of your testimony. It is so strong and you live what you believe every day. I pray that this is a trait you will carry with you for the rest of your life.
Two weeks ago you had your bishop's interview for baptism. And when I asked you how it went, you said pretty good. And then proceeded to tell me that the only question you had problems with was the word of wisdom question. I was slightly alarmed but tried to ask casually why that had given you problems. You said you told the bishop that you "mostly" follow the word of wisdom because you sometimes have treats! Our bishop assured you that treats sometimes is fine and you came through with flying colors. We had such a good talk that day on the way to and from church about baptism, and the Holy Ghost. We both felt the spirit and it was a great experience to share with you.
Preparing for you baptism was surreal and a little frustrating for me. Surreal because I can't believe it's here, and frustrating because combined baptisms were implemented this year and it meant some concessions on things I had already planned...and you had to un-ask one of your witnesses. I was really disappointed for you, but you handled it so well!
You turned 8 on a Tuesday this year...so that meant you got to start cubs on your birthday! You were so excited and couldn't wait to get going on everything! Mom didn't know you needed a cub shirt so you didn't have that (sorry :) ) but you came home with great stories, memories and an enthusiasm for your troop. It's so fun as your mom to watch you do these new things and find joy in them.
As you continue to get older you amaze us with your wit and smarts. The other day Dad had some music playing and you asked "dad, is this music from the 19's.....?" Letting the question linger and effectively making mom and dad feel old. You've asked me a similar question with the definite impression that you consider anything before the 2000s to be sooooo old.
You are the best big brother anyone could ask for. Although you and Rhett have your arguments, you are quick to mend them. Thank you for taking the time to play with your younger brothers and include them with your friends and in your interests.
You LOVE hockey right now. Any kind. Watching it on TV, playing stick hockey in the hallway, on the XBOX, collecting cards and stickers or playing table hockey. You amaze me with your grasp of the rules and game play, and how many players and teams you know. I laugh because the first thing you do in the morning is check the scores from the games the night before to see who one and who lost.
Your love for sports is contagious and we can't wait for the snow to melt so you can be outside improving your skills in soccer, basket ball, biking and of course hockey.
Your reading level continues to improve and at this point you are ahead of your grade average. It brings me so much joy to listen to you read and to see you get into a book. I know you don't always want to sit down and read but when you do you remember just how enjoyable it is!
You and technology seem to be a match made in heaven. You were THRILLED when mom and dad gave you an ipod for your birthday and have been excellent at sharing it with your brothers. And you learn things on the computer and other techie things around the house with ease. I'm anticipating that one day soon you will be the one teaching me how to use my phone, computer, etc....
We are so proud of you Zane! You work hard at being good, following the commandments, and living the way that we have taught you. Happy Eight Birthday and Baptism! We love you more than words can express!
Mom and Dad
