Erik is 13!!

 Erik has been manifesting his teen personality lately, but what do you expect when you live with 2 other teens and you're in 7th grade? It's been fun watching him grow and interact with all his older siblings, especially yesterday when Victoria called him on his very own cell phone, which he has been asking about for months now. He got my old phone, which Jason fixed up a bit since the speaker had some issues, and a new case. The good thing about it is I can now contact him if I'll be late picking him up from somewhere, the bad thing is we have to set those parental controls in place. He is usually pretty responsible for screen usage, but that could change with his own phone and his coming into the teen years officially. 

Talking to Victoria on the phone.

He is enjoying being on the club soccer team and played really well during the outdoor season, even though it was a losing season. They are now in the indoor season and his team is improving. Erik is still like a solid tree while playing defense, as displayed last weekend when they had to stop the game twice for him while he collected himself after some hard hits from the ball. 

He's looking forward to track season, which will be the first time he gets to participate in it. He enjoyed cross-country season and especially enjoyed feeling motivated by Austin's success. 

He's trying something new, that his siblings never did. That is joining the NJHS. He was recently accepted and inducted into the society. He already is a great leader, scholar, and is service-oriented, which are the main pillars of the NJHS. He doesn't like a lot of positive praise or pomp and circumstance, so after the ceremony, he only allowed one quick pic of himself before we had to rush off. Typical Erik!

Shaking hands with the principal.

He's to the left of the principal on the risers here.

Here's his one pic before we left. 

I went back to take a pic of the poster that he made of all his years of service, he was in the car by this point. 

I wanted to take his picture here, but no such luck.

 

His trombone playing is coming along and I am proud of how he is applying himself there. His band teacher has high praise for him, along with his other teachers. He still is a respectful, helpful, hard-working student. 

We partied yesterday on his actual birthday. He had some friends meet us at Flodin Park to play basketball, football, soccer, grounders, and infection. When they were done there, we drove them all back to our house to play games and eat. They still went back outside a few times, because they didn't get enough time outside at the park, I guess. We served pizza for everyone, but breadsticks for Erik, along with carrots, pretzels, and soda. Erik wanted his favorite poppyseed cake and homemade vanilla ice cream which was a big hit! 

Regathering after a few plays in football.

Determining who is "It" for infection.

Food!

Fun group of boys!

His favorite cake!

Earlier in the day he opened his family gifts. This is a Plymouth Reign soccer backpack.

His favorite cereal.

The phone!!

He got some Minecraft Legos too.

Grandma Pat and Grandpa Jim were here and we finished up the day watching football, one of Erik's favorite things to do, and for some, eating McDonald's. He also really enjoyed playing games on his phone with Kade and Austin. 

A big breakfast with Grandma and Grandpa!

Happy 13th to my baby!