Birthday #12

Tomorrow is DS#1's 12th birthday. The kids are in school tomorrow plus the boys have soccer practice tomorrow evening, so we celebrated his birthday tonight. We usually go out to eat, but he instead asked his Papa to grill some steaks and then for dessert, he asked to go to Brindles, his favorite ice cream shop. We also went ahead and opened his presents today.

He's been asking for a Nintendo DS forever, so he got a pretty red one today plus a couple of games. DS#2 picked out a Lego Bionicle to give him also. Of course, DS#2 was the first one who started playing this toy that he was giving to his older brother. DS#1 didn't seem to mind. He really is such a great big brother.

Next week will be his celebration with his friends. He and four of his friends will be going to Laser Quest and then out to dinner. I would love to go, but those boys seem more comfortable around DH. We'll get him the ice cream cake that he requested. Good choice, I think. ;-)

Yes, my baby boy is growing up. He is noticeably taller than me now. He looks like he'll be DH's height soon. What's even more important to me is that he is such a great kid. He has averages of 97-100 in all of his classes, despite skipping a grade last year. He is always asking DH and me if there is something he can do to help around the house, like folding the laundry or loading the dishwasher. He doesn't hesitate to pick up his baby brother when he gets fussy, especially at night. We don't know what we would do without his help with his siblings sometimes. Yes, he is growing up into someone I'm proud to call my son. :)