Alex Turns FOURTEEN!

If you look at Alex and, especially, if you talk to him, you would think he is at least 17. But nope, he just celebrated his 14th birthday at the end of July! He is an easy kid to please. I mean seriously--how did I get away with this simple chocolate with cream cheese frosting cake and sprinkles as his birthday cake?

Alex had two pool parties this year--for two different groups of friends. He just has so many friends that it's always so difficult for him to figure out how to include everyone and not be overwhelmed-haha. 

The kids played a few games, including the infamous--swim across the pool relay race while wearing a huge wet t-shirt. 

Changing out of it is the hardest part. 

But most of the time, it's just a bunch of squeals, laughter and games. 

He has an awesome group of friends (and at least a dozen of them are not pictured here!)

For his actual BirthDAY, we were visiting Bryson City (more about it in another post) so Alex got to open gifts while on our mini-vacation. It's sweet to notice that Alex told us beforehand that Robert and I had really outdone ourselves for Christmas and gave him way too many awesome gifts...so he wasn't asking for anything big for his birthday. We loved that!

And here is Alex and mama (that is me, who doesn't know how to properly take selfies that look good) on his 14th birthday.

Alex is a great kid! He loves talking to people and makes friends with everyone. He is a big helper around the house as long as he has his music with him. Alex still loves to read and read and read when he doesn't have his phone for texting;). He is not as crazy about all the nature disasters anymore but still loves history (thus he is taking AP World History next semester!). Piano is his passion. Not math;) Alex is still on a rowing team and practices three times a week (he is very proud of his leg muscles:)).

I asked the other two kids to describe Alex in one word and Katya said that the only way to describe Alex is in seven words, "I am kind of a big deal"😆. Mark was nicer and just said right away, "Talented"!

Here is the annual update:

Height: 6' 1 1/2''
Favorite sport to watch: football
Favorite sport to play: basketball
Favorite book: "Boys in the boat"
Favorite movie: "The Blind Side"
Hobbies: piano and singing and basketball
Future profession: singer or business manager

Happy birthday, Alex!!!