Our Birthday Teenager, Clark!

My son is officially a teenager and I can't believe it!  Where on earth did the time go?  And where on earth did my sweet little toddler go that wore out his purple jersey and constantly carried a football?  Actually he is still carrying around some time of sports ball but is sure not so little anymore.

Clark celebrated his 13th birthday by waking up to his favorite breakfast of French Toast.  I quickly had to decorate the family room (since we got home so late from St. George the night before) so he stayed upstairs while the rest of us hung some party decor but he often yelled his requests down about how many balloons to hang and where.  Then we hit Laser Quest for a family round of lasertag.  Yes, the champion still reigns . . . me!  But only because Joe helps Carlee.

We grabbed some lunch at Panda Express and came home for presents and cake.  That evening Joe and I were "required" to attend our ward date night so we left Clark home to "babysit" with his new PS3 games.  Clark was more than happy to stay home and play with his new stuff so he happily sent us off for our date. 

 Looking very excited and very grown-up!

 

Yes!  A new Baltimore Ravens hat!

 An assist laser for his airsoft gun

 "The Hunger Games" movie which he had been begging me to buy at the store everyday when he left for school.  Little did he know that Carlee and I had purchased it the day it came out and were hiding it for his birthday.

 Madden 13 and a new controller for the PS3 which he helped to purchase with his saved money for the past year.  Ironically he had saved up enough just in time for his birthday.  Hmmm . . .

 Opening his cards and money from his family and siblings

 Clark requested a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and his name written in white in the shape of a triangle.  Strange request but it tasted great and looked like a large slice of cake!  Perfect!

(Someday, while looking back, my children are going to make fun of my decorated cakes but I am prepared to hit them back with, "You told me to!")

 Happy Birthday, Clark!  We love you and are so proud of you!