Today my baby became a teenager. That feels like a big change. It’s a title change and it means he’s close to driving age. I’m feeling it!

We had so much fun going to see our friends before they flew back to Texas. We laughed and were silly while enjoying Psycho Donuts in San Jose. Our family has a tradition of getting donuts on birthdays and special occasions and today didn’t disappoint!

After we said our goodbyes, we went home to plan the rest of the (birth)day. I dropped CJ and two friends off at the movie theater to see Men In Black 3 in 3D. Another first… Dropping kids off at the theater and coming back afterwards to pick them up. It worked out fine, by the way – I survived and let the leash out a bit more!!

While the big boys were at the movies, the little ones and I went to get our nails done. Poor little C had to sit and wait with his lunch and an iPod touch to entertain him. It felt so good to sit down and relax for an hour!!

We picked up the boys from the theater and they came back over to play Mine Craft on the computer. Lots of screen time today – but that’s what teen boys crave! Typically he can play for 30 minutes to an hour each day on weekends, but today there were no limits. I liked how they were taking turns and sharing best practices and server id’s and plans to play together online when we move.

For dinner, CJ wanted to try out The Counter on Santana Row. They make custom burgers where you pick all the parts- protein, cheese, toppings, sauce, type of bun and how you’d like it prepared. Most people rave about this place and we’ve been wanting to try it for ever! We all enjoyed being together more than we liked the food, unfortunately, but at least we can check it off the list.

So to be honest, all of us were so tired today and I didn’t really feel like going out for dinner, but we did anyway. And afterwards we would usually go walk around and stroll, but we were fully baked and ready to head home. But… there was still one more thing to complete the birthday tradition… Can you guess what that would be?

I was hoping we could skip it and chalk it up to making new traditions, but that wasn’t going to happen!! There’s something to be said for some rituals and the birthday boy still wanted his cake, and preferably red velvet cake to be specific! And so off we went for one more stop!

It was so worth the effort and the work to see his smile and to sing happy birthday with his grandparents on the phone with us to celebrate our teenager.

And then I thought ok, time for bed (my bed) but that would be wishful thinking!!! He wanted to sleep outside tonight in the back yard in a tent!!! Oh my goodness… I had said sure earlier in the week but didn’t think much about it and hoped he’d change his mind, but no!! Bring out the lantern and sleeping bag and pillow and matt and book and all that good stuff. You only turn 13 once and we’re moving in 23 days so tonight was the night!!! Oh my lucky stars!!

Happy Birthday, CJ! I hope you’ve loved your special day. xo