the teen

He's been acting like a teenager for years (in a good way).

And now, as of today, it is official.

Thirteen.

He started his morning with a french toast requested breakfast.

And then sadly, he had to go to school.

He graciously spent his birthday at an event sponsored by the Japanese exchange student program. He ate half cooked hamburgers in a high school cafeteria and then spent 2 hours at a program for the host families with lots of Japanese speaking and dancing. He didn't even complain.

He is the hardest person to buy for. What he really wanted was a Buccaneers jersey. I looked online. It was $150. He didn't get one. But he did get some pretty sweet football gloves.
Close enough, right?


He is just like me and doesn't like cake so he requested 7 layer bars for his birthday treat. I was thrilled to make them for him since they are my favorite too.

He is always on the go. Active. Athletic. Friendly and happy.

This teen is going places.

I will never forget holding him in the hospital. A nurse came in, took one look at him (he was beautiful) and said, "Wow! He's a keeper!"

And so I kept him.

His birthday makes me happy. He makes me happy. It is a privilege to be his mom and to watch all the amazing things he is doing.

He is dependable and organized and smart.

He is still beautiful.

(I think all the girls in the ward and school would agree)

He is a teenager.

At last.

Happy Birthday Brandon.