Happy 14th Birthday Jason!!

My eldest child turned 14 years old today. Where did my 9 pound baby boy go? Today, that infant is almost looking me straight in the eyes at 5 foot 6 inches and he wears a mens 9 1/2 shoe!

The cake was a cookie cake - though looking at this picture, I don't understand two things: 1) why didn't we take the plastic lid off? 2) Why did the bakery put the 14 at the end after his name? Good grief!



Here is the young man. He got some new athletic shoes of his choice from us. He got money, a gift card and some cool skate things from all the grandparents. He had hoped to use the gift card at a particular store in the mall - but they were out of stock on the hoodie he wanted. So, we may have to wait until after school starts in the fall when they start putting out winter clothes again.

Speaking of fall, Jason will start the 9th grade in late August. I can not believe that he will be in high school! Un-real. He has already registered for his course selections. If everything goes as planned he will be taking:

CORE CLASSES:
* English I
* Algebra I
* Biology Pre-AP
* World Geography

ELECTIVES
* Art I
* Athletics
* German I

His FINAL elective will be:

* Business Image Management and Multimedia/Computer Multimedia Animation Technology

Jason has decided not to continue with band after 8th grade. As a former marching band member all through high school - I am a bit sorry he isn't continuing - after all he plays very well - but it is a big committment to do marching band. His heart isn't in it - so as long as he stays in athletics, we are going to support his decision.

Jason was invited by the high school coach to play baseball (not related to school) this spring. Workouts have started and he has grown so much that we had to get him a new bat and new cleats. They can wear metal spikes this year. He is hitting well with the new bat in practice. I am anxious for the first game!