AJ is12

I have a 12 year old.
Say what?!?!

So... Birthdays are my favorite days of the year. The older I get, the less extravagant they get, but they're a pretty big deal. It is an entire day of perfection. Unless the day falls on a Sunday, or if birthday-ee is in school, as AJ is this year. When that's the case... We celebrate for 3, 1/3 days. So this year, this is how AJ celebrated turning the big one-two:
Saturday:
After AJ got back from Scoutings Jamborall, we went to Classic Fun Center with the family and his friend Jarren, then stopped at Iceberg on the way home for shakes:

Then, Sunday, the family who was available, came to the house for shepherds pie (ajs 2nd favorite food) and birthday cake, oh yeah... And he got to open some presents. (He got a nice suit and outfit from grandma and grandpa white, an outfit and the "Mario & Luigi dream" 3ds game from gma and gpa Castleberry, a tie and tie tac from the jones fam, and a DS game, reading light, x-box remote, and dog tags from us). Everyone that came had a blast, and AJ was in heaven!

Today, Monday, September 30th, his actual birthday, after he got home from school, he decided that even though his parkour teacher said they'd be celebrating his birthday, he'd rather celebrate by opening his presents and playing for a little bit before we go to the Olive Garden with Grandma and Grandpa for dinner.
He was thrilled with his new sleeping bag and camping pillow, but ecstatic with his air-soft rifle and gear. And was extra excited when we showed up to dinner and grandpa had a present balanced on his head, a new jacket!

AJ is an absolute delight. He has a contagious love for life that makes me happy to get out of bed each morning. His compassion is astounding. He is insightful and imaginative, and would rather play and be active than watch movies and play video games. He currently loves his "urban gymnastic" class and goes as often as he can. He is very smart, oh-so-funny, loves to read, and will still hug his mom in public. Although almost daily he makes me want to rip my hair out he has many endearing qualities that make him a supreme package of enjoyment. I love my growing little man and hope this next year is the best year yet.