Rowen Turns Eight | Murrell Park | DFW Portrait Photographer

We are back again at Murrell Park with another birthday post for our birthday series! My oldest son, Rowen, turned eight over the weekend and I am undoubtedly unwell. Third grade starts next week, it’s starting to sink in that my time with him is diminishing, and before we know it he will no longer want to be seen with me in public. I’m not ready!

This past year has been a difficult one to say the least, and definitely a hard one on the parenting front. But no matter the challenges or bad behavior that came our way, I couldn’t be more proud of the boy my son is.

Rowen absolutely LOVES the beach! Last year I did his pictures at Murrell Park, and since it’s such a great location we decided to come back again! This time however, I found a different spot that had sand! Our usual go-to lake spot is nothing but rocks, so Rowen actually got to take his shoes off and dip his toes in the sand. He also thought it would be hilarious to spell out “SOS” and “HELP” during his session.. ha-ha. I can’t get over his sense of humor, or how much he looks like a tiny TEENAGER in these photos!

The one thing i’ve noticed the most this past year is much Rowen is just like me! The things he’s into, the games he plays, and his outrageous imagination all remind me exactly of myself at that age! One day he came home from school and said, “Mom, I found this book in my classroom about the Titanic. Have you heard of it?”

Have I heard of it?!?!

My eyes INSTANTLY lit up with excitement! (I’m a Titanic buff, if you didn’t know.) We sat on the couch for nearly two hours as I taught him about all things R.M.S Titanic. It was a proud moment for me.

Ever since that day he has been obsessed with Titanic, and makes sure everyone he encounters knows about the fateful voyage. It’s actually pretty cute. He was disappointed however that he was not getting a Titanic themed birthday cake. Sorrryyyy Rowen..

Besides Titanic, Rowen’s current interests include reading, history, Star Wars, basketball, video games and music. It’s such a treat to see what he’s passionate about and share experiences with him. We went to two Dallas Mavericks games this season, and I don’t think i’ve ever seen him so happy. He also is perfectly happy jamming to Taylor Swift with me in the car!

I’m truly so proud of the young man my son is becoming. He has the biggest heart, and is always the first person to step up and help someone in need. He holds doors open for others everyday, he looks people in the eye when he shakes their hand, is a wonderful friend, and is always sure to pay you a compliment. This boy reminds me that the simple things in life are the best, and that that’s what truly matters most.

Happy eight birthday, Rowen! I can’t wait to see all the new things you will accomplish this next year, and all the new memories and experiences that we will share together. The Titanic museum is #1 on my agenda! I love you!

xoxo Mommy

T-shirt and hat are from Zara.

Check out more of Alyssa Michel Photography’s work by heading over to the portfolio. Want to reach out about your own portrait session? You can do so by contacting us through our contact form. I cannot wait to hear from you and learn more about you and your family!

You can view more of the birthday series here!