FOURTEEN

My Tanner turned FOURTEEN on Saturday.

I didn't like it.

But I
{L-O-V-E}
 this child and can't imagine my life without him in it!!!

{Two Weeks Old}
Who could have guessed that this chubby, cantankerous, allergy-ridden baby would turn into such an amazing young man? 

We had some fun with Tanner (or, at his expense) in the weeks following up to his birthday.  The ONLY thing (O.N.L.Y.!!!!) he wanted was a new guitar.  He started asking for one about 5 months ago and even bookmarked the website page that had the one he wanted. 
We told him, "Tan, it's really expensive."
and
"Well, I don't know bud.  That's a big, expensive gift...more than we usually spend on birthday gifts."
and
"I think that guitar is too advanced for you."
and
"Oh, man...I hope you're not too disappointed."
and even
"If you don't stop irritating your brothers you won't EVER get a new guitar!!!"

The day before his birthday his Facebook status read:
"My parents aren't getting me a guitar."
I responded:
"Those dang parents!!"
He didn't think that was very funny. 
He erased it shortly after I responded.

But...his birthday came, and his "dang" parents, and both sets of grandparents, came through.
If you look closely, you may even catch the small glimmer of a smile on his face. 

That's a rare thing from my teenage boy.

After the guitar was opened and tuned, we cranked up the fire pit, roasted marshmallows, made S'mores, and listened to Tanner strum on his new guitar.  He even sang a little but shhhhhh...don't tell him I told you!!!

Happy Birthday, Tanner J! 

I {heart} you!!!