Through the eyes of a teenager.

        

It's official.  Today, Jacob is 13.  Since he was a baby, we've tried not to fixate on the younger years, and endlessly wish our days away... wishing he was still 6 months, or 1, or 2, or 3...  We wanted to truly enjoy each age, and look forward to the next.  It used to get on our nerves when someone warned us how fast "time flies" or even worse, "enjoy 'em while you can."  We knew they meant well, but it was sort of a 'rain on our [happy] parade.'

But I can honestly say, that the past couple of years have brought a wealth (to put it nicely) of mixed emotions... on all accounts- Ryan, myself, and the growing boy himself- Jacob.  Emotions of happiness, regret, pride, fear, exhilaration, exasperation.  When it comes to the kids, it's a fine line between what I am comfortable sharing- and not sharing, and I realize I haven't come close to crossing that line, but I will say this.  Older kids can be a bit more complex.  A tad (or heap, depending on the day) more moody.  And a lot more cheeky.  And there days when "not fixating" on those younger years is not so easy.

Although I may need to take a 7 year solo vacation get my hands on this book  [immediately], I think we we got pretty darn lucky.  And although these older years can be challenging, they can be pretty enjoyable too - and quite entertaining.   

Come rain or shine, we commit to fully embracing the teenage ride... being one with the drama.

A few reasons why we're so smitten with this boy, as seen through the lens of his own camera.

He can be very serious...

...and very silly.

He is highly intellectual, fascinated by nature, history, & information of all sorts.

(an unknown specimen in his microscope)

But then again, he's a teenage boy- so anything involving poop (or any bodily function) captures his attention.

 

And speaking of being a teenage boy, cleanliness & organization are not always his utmost priorities.

But he does know a good meal when he sees one.

(This Boy Scout camp meal did not meet his culinary expectations.)

He'll always be a kid @ heart.

He loves his sister...

 ...and his parents.

 (recognize this?)

And we love him too.

Happy birthday Jacob!

* All photographs courtesy of Jacob Sessions.