Teen Days Begin

He, who was once my baby boy, is now a teenager.

We started our celebration with a little trip, just the boy and his parents, while we were in Colorado:

We then went to a fun Greek restaurant, where the waiters breathe fire and the staff sings to birthday guys, followed by the opening of gifts:

Once the big day finally arrived, it was time for more celebrating, with NM friends and family:

The man child got gifts fit for a modern teenager, including his own laptop and his own Kindle:

Like any American teen, this one wanted junk food for his big day.  It was all about pies with Frito pie, spinach pies, whoopie pies, caramel pecan silk supreme pie, banana split pie, and Butterfinger pie:

The day ended with one final Dad v. Brishen measurement, where Dad realizes his dream of maintaining his height advantage at least until Brishen's teenage years:

My biggest fear about the teenage years are that they, too, will go too fast.  I have so few years left with this one under my roof.  So far, he still likes me and is a pleasure to be around.  So far, he thinks girls are a waste of his time and energy and that playing board games with his parents is one of the greatest things to do.  So far, he is happy to play gladiators with his sister and tell me about every Calvin and Hobbes comic he reads.  So far, he is respectful and happy and connected to us all.  I know that the next stage in his development will take him emotionally further away from us so that he is ready to then be physically away from us.  I will be strong.  I am the mom of a teen, so I have no choice.  Right?