I remember when all my babies were teeny tiny, trying to visualize my kids when Zeke turns twelve: Zeke's last year in Elementary School! Paisley will be about to leave Middle School! Adren will be at the end of Junior year, and Eli ending sophomore! Here we are.
We had a bit of a late night the night before Zeke's big day. (If you remember that outdoor movie night.) His best friend, Israel ended up staying the night and they crashed downstairs. The Birthday Fairy simply does not work after hours, so set up would begin the morning of. (This is highly unusual.) I had baked, iced and decorated his cake the day before and could only find the garage shelf to hide it. I wrapped his gifts and located his birthday banner as well, so it was only a matter of setting up. I went downstairs first thing to find Zeke in the front room, wearing the VR headset jumping around. I went about setting up while he chose to keep his eyes covered, as he could hear me doing what he could only guess. Highly unusual, I say.
He invited a handful of friends to bring to the mall for the movie, Godzilla vs Kong, then a pizza lunch in the food court. I had Jon and the big boys and Paisley bring the pizza to me so that they could join us for lunch. While the movie was going, I put together a scavenger hunt throughout the mall. I thought some things were really tricky and they would need some clues. (Brazilian Flag belt buckle? Gold Buddha?) But they found it all eventually. It probably helps that the Provo mall is only at about 25% capacity. I've done that mall scavenger hunt for mutual activities and birthdays and it continues to be a good time. My plan was to find a candy store there for prizes, but the only store still open is Dulces Mexican Candy and Snacks. I was having a heck of a time finding something not covered in Tajin and deciphering what exactly was inside that picture of a brown blob on the box. Caramel? Marshmallow? I settled on what looked like little chicks filled with candy. Turned out the little chicks poop out the gum. For eleven and twelve year olds. So they were a hit.
And we still had some partying to do at home!
Zeke is my little sweetie. I call him that all the time in a special voice. Always have. I will still grab him and give him smooches because I cannot bear the thought of that being the last time I do that. I love that Zeke will chat with me- anytime, all the time. And he includes all the details. (He knows what I like) At night he'll come in my room and say, "Oh, I didn't tell you how that thing went today..." I tell him he leaves a "Snail Trail" all over the house. Socks, shoes, backpack, cups, wrappers- I can always follow his trail to find out where he has been. But, he's very sweet and always says, "Sorry, Mom" and cleans up quickly. He is a real gentleman with me and I appreciate that. He is so smart, always at the top of his class, which is impressive to me being that he is in Portuguese. Learning has come easy to him and he stays right on top of his work. I hope that continues through middle school next year because I am tired. He has a few very close friends. Abby next door continues to be one he spends a lot of time with. I see them out on her hammock talking and laughing for hours. Of course, Israel is his closest pal, but living clear in Springville, he may not attend the same school with him next year. His other friend Dalton lives behind us, and another kid nearby named Cole. Those two boys seem to be a bit temperamental, and are more hit-and-miss. I always look for things to keep Zeke busy like Kiwi Crate and random crafts- he loves to build things and experiment. I need to get him back into a sport now that things are picking up, even though that is not his favorite. I so enjoy the mornings with him as I drive him to school, and just can't believe these days of going to Lakeview Elementary are almost no more. I look forward to watching Zeke figure things out in his life and no doubt grow into the best young man. I will always be his biggest cheerleader. I love you, Zekey Bears!
