Xander is 12

Happy 12^th birthday, my very first pre-teen! Yes, I do realize that I am 1.5 months late, but better late than never!! LOL…

Xander, you are an amazing kid! You are growing into an amazing young man! I am so proud of you and the person you are becoming!

You are in the 6^th grade now, and doing well. You ended the 5^th grade with honor roll all year long! You are doing a great job in your classes, and I really hope that work ethic continues as you get into the more difficult years ahead! Your teachers this year are Mrs. Potts (language arts), Mrs. Myers (math), Mrs. Fallis (reading), Coach Dan (social studies), and Mrs. Eishen (science)- all of them seem very nice!

You have officially passed me in height. I try to not admit that you are finally an inch taller than I am; in fact, I keep asking you to stop growing. Every single time, you tell me, “NO!” I try to get you to drink lots of coffee to stunt your growth, but it hasn’t helped either! (kidding, kinda….)

You are an excellent big brother. I think I say it every single year, but I am amazed by your help! Many people talk about how, at this age, kids are so disrespectful and don’t do anything. But when I ask you to do something, you jump up and do it (most of the time LOL)! Strangers have even complimented what a respectful young man you are! Even though you tease and pick on your siblings, you would do anything for them! I love that too! You have such a big heart- never wanting anyone to be upset. I love that about you!

You love hanging out with your dad. The others do too, but you REALLY enjoy spending time with your daddy. You would pick him over me any day of the week; and while it might make me a little jealous, I am so glad that you have such a great relationship with him!

I love you so much, and I am SO excited to see what your teen years will hold!

-Love, Mom

Now, as is our tradition, your 20 Questions….

Xander first: Red- 9 years old; Blue- 10 years old; Green- 11 years old; Orange- 12 years old

1. Favorite Color:  Red   Red   Red  Purple

2. Favorite Toy: Legos  Lego   Pokemon   Pokemon Cards

3. Favorite Fruit:  Apples  Apples   Apples   Blueberries

4. Favorite TV Show: Max Steel  Mighty Med   Lab Rats  Impractical Jokers

5. Favorite Lunch:  Ham  Baked Potato   Eggs in a Basket Pizza

6. Favorite Clothes:  Minecraft Shirt   Star Wars shirts   Jammy pants & t-shirt   Silky shorts/t-shirt

7. Favorite Game:  Assassin  GoldenEye   Call of Duty   Call of Duty

8. Favorite Snack: Blueberry Muffins   Baked Potato   Cinnamon Toast   Baked Potatoes

9. Favorite animal: Giraffe   Lion   Kangaroo   Wolf

10. Favorite Song: Everything is Awesome   Stitches   Can't Stop the Feeling   24K

                     11. Favorite Book:  Baby Mouse   Cat in the Hat   Hatchet    Night of the Twisters

12. Best friend:  Abbey & Josh   Josh  Josh and Ace   Ace

13. Favorite Cereal:  Corn Pops   Cinnamon Toast Crunch   Corn Pops   Cocoa Puffs

14. Favorite thing to do outside: Water guns   Ride my scooter   Ride Bike   Swim

15. Favorite drink: Orange Juice   Mountain Dew   Mountain Dew   Iced Coffee/Frappe

16. Favorite holiday: Christmas   Christmas   Christmas   Christmas

17. Favorite thing to have in bed: Pillow  Bear   Legos  Blanket

18. Favorite breakfast: Chocolate Mint-Chip Donut    Cinnamon Toast Crunch   Eggs in a Basket  Fried Egg Sandwich

19. Favorite Dinner:  Ham   Lasagna   Lasagna   Lasagna

20. What do you want to be when you grow up?: US Army Soldier  US Army Soldier   US Army Soldier  IDK**
(** I have to admit, I’m kinda sad that this one changed….)