Evan is a Teenager!

It's official now.  We have a teenager.  I have kind of considered him a teen for a while now because he is very mature for his age, but I have noticed a few changes in him in the last few months.  He is definitely wanting to hang out with his parents and younger siblings less and less.  He will often sit with his earbuds in his ears whether or not he is listening to music.  I don't know if that is because he thinks it looks cool or just to tune us all out.  Haha!  He gives us the teenager stink eye glare a lot more too.  The teen attitude has definitely made its appearance.  How long will this last?  Of course, I am also growing a bit sad thinking we only have about five more years with him at home.  He has big dreams to accomplish and will likely not be at home much after he graduates from high school.  Sigh.  We still wanted to celebrate this special day with our still precious big baby boy.  I have especially hated this pandemic for him because he is definitely our more social child who craves interactions with friends.  He is lucky to have a best friend neighbor across the road, but he misses school and sports.  I hate that he missed his final days at his old school with his friends, but I can't wait to get him established in his new school, sports, and church activities.  I know he will thrive and be successful wherever he goes. 

I made my big teenager a chocolate soccer ball cake.  Soccer is still his favorite sport, and I hope he will be on a good team when we move. 

He is wearing his favorite Adidas soccer shirt.  Yes, he prefers athletic wear all the time. 

So grown up and handsome.  Where is my little baby?  

He's still there and will always be mama's baby. 

I think this was doughnuts for breakfast time.  Grayson is probably Evan's favorite little brother right now.  They both love to wrestle and play rough.  They gang up on poor Brody and Mattox. 

For his birthday supper, we were able to go to his favorite wing restaurant, Wild Wing Cafe.  They stayed open longer than most establishments and implemented stricter seating policies and other measures for their staff.  We all felt very safe, and Evan got his favorite meal. 

Baby sister Maggie looks the most like baby Evan so it is nice to have her to remind me.  

Mommy and Mattox and Brody enjoyed celebrating too.

We love you to the moon and back, Evan!  Keep making us proud in all you do!

Evan's Trip to Disney World

Evan had the opportunity to visit Disney World with his 7th grade class in February.  He was lucky they got this trip before the pandemic ended all travel and school activities.  Evan and his class spent two nights in a hotel and visited three parks.  They did an educational program at each park and then had free time to ride rides.  Since they were not able to obtain fast passes for rides, I stressed the importance to Evan of using his time wisely because the lines would be long. While he did not always listen to me, he had a good time with his friends.  I also knew I would not get good pictures of him if I did not encourage him to get pictures from the Disney photographers around the park and with characters.  Thankfully, I trained him well so we do have some memorable pictures for him to keep.

They rode on a nice tour bus to Florida and arrived after lunch for their first day at Epcot.  Evan and his best pal, Lee, stayed together. 

They had an educational program where they rode the Living with the Land exhibit which talks about innovations related to farming and growing food. 

Evan and his pals headed to Mexico first, and he snapped some pictures of the pyramid and the boat ride. 

Then, he and his friend met Donald. 

The Disney Photopass photographers gave us some nice pictures to keep. 

Evan sent me selfies and pictures of his lunch to show me he ate an egg roll.  Haha! 

They got a nighttime picture in front of the big ball before they left to head to their hotel. 

I loved this one.  I think they were supposed to look like they were holding the ball. 

They started the next day at Magic Kingdom, and Evan got his picture alone in front of the castle.  His friends didn't want to wait in the line and preferred going to get snacks.   I think Evan was the smart one here.  

My favorite.  Disney can add these little props to their pictures.  I don't think Evan knew why they told him to raise his arm in the air.  Haha! 

Evan's selfie in front of Gaston's Tavern in the newer part of Fantasyland.  He also got some pictures with his buddies, Lee and Mason.  

I think this is the Swiss Family Robinson tree house.   

Evan with Scar from Lion King, and his score on the Buzz Lightyear ride. 

Evan's and Mason's picture on the Buzz Lightyear ride.  

Lee rode by himself. 

Evan actually loves the It's a Small World ride, and he also loves the Haunted Mansion. 

He got a few good shots and some videos of the fireworks show at night. 

I was the most disappointed in him for wasting most of his day at Animal Kingdom.  They arrived early in the morning because they only had until 5:00 when they would be leaving to come home.  He had the entire time to do what he wanted, but he and his buddies spent most of the morning just walking around doing nothing.  I had told him he would have to get in line immediately to ride one of the new rides in Avatar land because they did not have fast passes and would have to wait over an hour.  Instead, he finally went on the safari ride and never even went to Avatar land.  He expressed his disappointment about this later. He does love the safari ride though and took most of his pictures there. 

An elephant's rear end and some lazy hippos.  It was cool enough that they were not in the water. 

Some waterfowl and alligators. 

Giraffes and a Baobab tree.  

Zebras, Giraffes, and Impala

The giraffes will come very close to the vehicles. 

Elephants and lots of animals on the savannah. 

He did get some good shots of the elephants.  

We always love the flamingo and ostrich.  I don't think Disney feeds their flamingo increased beta carotene that other zoos do to make them look darker pink.  These look more natural. 

Rhinos and Lions 

Look at all of those gorillas!  Haha!  Evan tried to snap his own selfie at Mount Everest, but Lee did a better job. 

Yep, Evan looked terrified in the ride photo.  I could not even get him to ride this with me and Brody last trip. 

Lee loved it. 

Lee did look a bit uncomfortable hugging Goofy. 

Awe, Evan and Goofy! 

Then, they met Scrooge McDuck who was very interested in their belongings. 

I have introduced Evan to these old cartoons from my childhood and the newer seasons as well. 

I love when the characters really seem to enjoy their jobs and interact with visitors.  I love Evan's and Lee's smiles here. 

I wish Scrooge would give us some of his billions.  Haha! 

Checking out Evan's purchases. 

Since Evan will be moving this year, I was so glad he and Lee got to do this trip together.  Lee has been the best friend Evan has probably ever had.  They are more like brothers/twins than friends.  Since they are older now, I think it will be easier for them to keep in touch.  They both have phones and can use modern technology to stay in touch.  

At the end of their day, I "made" Evan wait in the line to see Mickey and Minnie.  I considered it a necessity for any trip to Disney.  I don't think I was wrong. 

Lee got hugs from Minnie. 

Evan got special hugs too.  Doesn't he look so grown up?  Sigh.  

Just conversing with the famous couple.  I am sure they didn't actually talk, but it is truly amazing how much they can "communicate" with you without speaking.  

Just the perfect way to wrap up their trip. 

Goodbye, Disney!