Figuring It Out

Another year has passed, and I think it's safe to say that time is truly flying by.  My firstborn child is 15.  My little, roly-poly baby boy is now as tall as I am.

Owen's journey from 14 to 15 was a year filled with new opportunities, and a few goodbyes, too.

For years, Owen had wanted a pet snake, and for his 14th birthday, we surprised him with his very own slithery snake.  He thoroughly enjoyed bringing his pet down from his bedroom to shock visitors.

At Christmas, a light mishap sent him to the ER and it was confirmed that Owen had his first broken bone.

Because the break was in his hand, Owen was unable to drive a snowmobile.  That didn't stop him from getting some time outdoors on the sledding hill, though.

In 8th grade, honors science students have the opportunity to create a project for the district science fair.  Owen's experiments with water purification methods earned him a Junior Research Fellow Award.

Another opportunity 8th grade students have in our school district is the chance to visit Washington D.C. I was quite nervous to send my boy across the country on his own for four days, but he had so much fun exploring and hanging out with friends (and sending me selfies!)

As his 8th grade year came to a close, there were many celebrations.  Owen attend honors' award night where he was recognized for his exceptional grades.

And he also attended his first dance-the 8th grade farewell dance.

Summertime was most welcomed, and was filled with trips to the local parks,

fishing,

and Flint Junior Golf with Grandpa and cousin, Flynn.

Just like that, summer was over and it was time for...HIGH SCHOOL.  While some kids dread this step up, Owen was nothing but excited for this fresh start.

One thing that is different about high school here is, on Wednesday mornings, school starts two hours later to give time for teacher meetings and test make-ups.  The leaves time for Owen and I to have a little one-on-one time at a local diner.  We talk, we laugh, and we EAT.

Owen also attended Homecoming, and totally rocked suspenders and a bow tie.

At the beginning of 9th grade, Owen had opted to take regular college prep Science, but after a couple of months, it was clear that he should be in Honors Science.  He applied to be accepted into the more advanced class, and his teacher joked that the class he was leaving would have a much lower class average without Owen in it!  Haha!

Owen also said goodbye to running on the cross-country team this year, and decided to apply for the Robotics Team.  We were all very excited when he received the news that he had made the team.  Parents were invited to join in on the season's launch, and I sat in the back of the room and watched as Owen was warmly accepted into this group of teenagers who loved computers and gaming and all things technology, and I knew he had found his people.

When he was 14 years and 9 months old, Owen was eligible to take driver's training.  He passed with flying colors, but I have to tell you, there is nothing scarier than being in the passenger's seat with a 15 year old driver. 

Now don't worry-even with all of the honor's classes and Robotics and driving, Owen still saves time for straight up FUN.

He loves to be outside exploring, and he loves spending time with his brothers and sisters.

This year, once again, for his birthday, Owen requested chocolate pie, and had fun joking around with friends and family.

Oh, and his favorite recent gift?  A black winter hat with two giant puffballs on top.  He wears it every chance he gets and loves it.  (I have no idea where he gets his sense of humor.)

Speaking of humor, Owen has a thing for stupid "dad jokes".  Here's an example:

"Mountains aren't just funny, they are hill areas."

I have said it before, but Owen is THE best big brother.  He is always willing to stop what he's doing to help his siblings.  Middle school was a little rough, as it often is for kids, but Owen put all of that behind him and totally made his freshman year HIS.  New friends, new activities, and a new focus have really helped him come into his own.  He makes us proud every day with his choices and his behavior and we are so lucky that he is ours.  We love his sense of humor, and we love his intelligence and the little tidbits of knowledge he works into conversations.

I remember the days when my kids were all little and they needed so much from me.  I remember the days when I felt like I'd never get a moment to myself.  I remember being scared to send my kids to school and to play dates with friends.  It doesn't get any easier-it's still hard.  It's hard giving your kids freedom, even though they're ready.  It's hard to think Owen only has three more years of high school.  The days fly by and the weeks fly by, and the years fly by.  Sometimes 15 years ago seems like yesterday.  It has been quite a journey with Owen leading the way, but we have learned so much from being his parents.  I have always known Owen was destined for greatness, and I think he is starting to see that he has the power to make his dreams come true. 

Owen, we are so proud of all that you are.  You impress us everyday and we are lucky to watch you grow into a wonderful young man.

Happy birthday, O.  Mom loves you!