Zachary Turns 14

Itʻs your birthday today......ZACHARY!  Zac immediately started up the creepy, personalized song the morning of his birthday after listening to us sing.  I made him birthday waffles and sent him out the door early for school.  When I picked him up with a helium balloon and an "Itʻs My Birthday" button, he was grateful and mentioned he would have worn them and carried them around all day.  That made me so happy--I would do anything to fade into the background when I was in middle school but Zac is happy to own it.

After school, we played games and then went to dinner at his favorite noodle shop--the one we tried first when Brett and Shireen were in town.  

A wasabi bugger.  He is definitely 14.

Kate was so excited to give him her gift, which she selected and paid for: a Saint Christopher chain!

Zac is still king of expressions: here he is opening surf stickers and wax from Owen.  

A homemade card from Grandma Nufer:

He spent the rest of the evening reading in his new socks, long-sleeved (always black) shirt, necklace, and VANS.  He has finally hit the age where clothes are meaningful, desired gifts.

He read the first five books of the series in a week, and is almost finished with book 8 two weeks later.  (Hereʻs to hoping heʻs been doing his homework.)

He requested a cake "just like Owenʻs":

His birthday party was a trip to Oahu with Brady/friends for the game.

Zachary is still so delighted with little kids.  He silly and spontaneous, and loves to make them laugh.  He has a special relationship with Roxy, playing with her every night, and she sleeps with him for an hour before going to her kennel.  I think this says a lot about the kind of kid he is, if a tiny dog and small children adore him.  

Zachary is crazy athletic.  I canʻt score anything on him when we play trampoline basketball--he is so fast and coordinated.  He works hard at it--when the run the mile in PE, a lot of the kids say they are "not going to go all out."  Zac said one day he thought about easing up, too, but, "I just couldnʻt.  I had to try my best." 

Zachary has learned how to study and he is exceptionally responsible about his school work.  Iʻve been so excited to watch him develop as a student and take ownership for learning.  That is a long process and there is still plenty to learn, but I see how much he has progressed over the last two years and it is impressive.  Just this past week, he went way over and above an assignment requirement to make a historical video about surfing.  He probably spent 20 hours on it.

Zac plays every piano he sees.  He hates to be told what to play or how to practice.  He loves to play.  He has a sharp memory and plays with volume and enthusiasm.  He has also developed a better dynamic range and musical sensitivity.  

Zachary is learning the ins and outs of friendship, loyalty, and phones.  He suddenly spends a lot of time texting and video chatting with friends.  He has a super sweet relationship with his "cousins"--Elise and Sariah. He canʻt believe he has to take a GABB phone to school and is "the only one in the ENTIRE SCHOOL" without a smartphone.  Shrug.  

Quoting Dr. Suess is a no-no but I canʻt help it...

 "Kid, youʻll move mountains."