Nate is 13!

 Nate became a teenager! Now we have three--pretty crazy. I think it was a little bit a disappointing birthday for him (as he told me later in the week) but I guess that's part of growing up. He struggles to come up with things he wants sometimes, too, which probably doesn't help. On the day of his birthday, we had cinnamon rolls for breakfast. He wanted pie instead of cake so I made those during the day--a berry pie and a coconut cream pie. It was a busy evening with different activities but we had roast beef before Eli, Eve and I left to watch Eli's first soccer scrimmage. Then we came home and did presents and pie:

His poses crack me up :)

 

Nate had a big year. We moved to Jerome and he started middle school not knowing anyone (except Lily but he rarely saw her at school). He played his first year of football and baseball here, plus all-star baseball. He got braces. He learned a lot and did great through the challenges. Even though Nate is more introverted, he always manages to make a lot of friends and stand out in school. He's super smart, which probably helps, but he also is kind and respectful so teachers love him. He loves when they plays games at school and he often wins them :). He is still very competitive and tries hard in anything he does. He was frustrated when he didn't get much playing time in football. It was fun to watch him shine in baseball, though, and he had a great season. He's great with younger kids. He has a ton of patience with Eve but he doesn't coddle her too much, which is good for her. He loves playing anything sporty outside. He loves video games too and is quite good at them. He's really good at figuring out tech problems and solving them. He's also really good at word games. He definitely has a problem-solving mind. He loves watching his favorite youtubers, Marvel movies, cereal, and Outback steakhouse. He is super funny and makes us laugh a lot, especially when he breaks out his amazing dance skills. He is very musical and he progressed so much this year on the saxophone. He constantly amazes us with the songs he learns and can whip out when he wants. He's super fun to watch sports with, of all kinds. He's also very spiritually and emotionally mature, even though he doesn't express it much. He takes everything in and listens well. We're so grateful for Nate and can't imagine our family without him!