Living his best teen life ever!

 Ashton has officially hit the teen milestone of friends, friends, and more friends!  The weekend before last, he had the weekend of his life.  Sleepover on Friday, date with girlfriend on Saturday, lots of friends over on Sunday, and skiing with friends on Monday.  The funny thing is, he has been to the movies and watched them with his friends, and we haven't been able to get him to go to one in years!  We always assumed it was sensory overload. He has even watched scary movies with his friends and girlfriend.  I guess making out and peer pressure win! Also, he and his girlfriend exchanged initial bracelets for valentines day.  So super cute!

This weekend, he had much more of the same, including getting his first hickey from his girlfriend.  The poor girl's mom was mortified when she noticed. I tried hard to burst out laughing. Although I don't think my poker face was very good.  Oh my goodness, a true rite of passage, and Ashton seemed proud, like it was a badge of honor.  Hopefully his friends didn't rag on him too hard!

Growing and Changing

 Age 14 has been full of growth and changes for Ashton, from growing physically taller to growing a little facial mustache.  From not caring about girls last year, to being obsessed with young ladies.

First, the stache....

Next, the young ladies...Ashton has been chatting with many young girls since his experience at sleep-away camp, but he finally found a girl whom he has been able to meet in person! LOL.  Her name is Grace, and last weekend we drove down to Rockville (she lives in Washington DC) to meet halfway at a trampoline park.  They were so cute. They even planned to match their red and black pajama pants. Her parents were lovely, and we had several things in common, including adoption and faith. It definitely makes me nervous, but I am thankful that she lives a comfortable distance away, her parents are also older and were on the same page, and neither kid can drive yet.

Ashton the player!

Lately, Ashton had discovered girls!  He spends hours a day snap chatting multiple girls and talking to girls on the phone.  I can't keep all the girls straight, and sometimes I don't think he can either LOL.  The other day I was suggesting that he could invite "Madison" to go sledding with us next week, and he corrected me that he was no longer into Madison and was onto someone new. When I asked what her name was he had to look on his phone to remember her name.  LOL.  By the way it was Hailey!  Not sure if Hailey is still in the running or not as of press time, as there appeared to be many young ladies he was chatting with.

As a typical 14-year-old boy, Ashton spends hours hidden away from us playing video games, working on his bike, or talking to friends or girls. Needless to say he wants to spend the least amount of time with us as possible.

We had a nice Christmas. Christmas Eve, Mr. Rick and his family stopped by briefly to drop off Ashton's gift and visit for a short while.  It is always fun to see him and his family.

That evening, we went to church with my dad, and Ashton was very respectful and engaged.

Christmas morning, we enjoyed opening gifts, and Ashton was thrilled to receive lots of new bike parts.  He has spent many happy hours taking about his bikes (cue crying mom).  In the evening we enjoyed our disgusting Chinese buffett with our friends.

Ashton and Daddy went skiing/snowboarding last week for the first time this season.  They are hoping to go again next week.

As we close up this year, Ashton has matured in so many ways.  We look forward to seeing what 2026 has in store.

Farwell Gerald

Gerald, "the big fat fair fish," whom mom expected to live less than 48 hours, exceeded our family's expectations and lived 14 months.  Yesterday, we found Gerald floating sideways in our tank.  Farwell Gerald.  You will be missed!

In other news, Ashton has been really showing some maturity getting himself up independently for school and getting himself out the door!  We've been super impressed!  Hoping it continues!

1st Quarter of HS done!

Well, Ashton made it through his first quarter of his freshman year! He earned two Cs in English and Math, a B in technology, and an A in PE.  Tonight he is going trick-or-treating with his friend Griffin, Nanna's son Michael, and his friends.  He is basically dressing up as a bandit/thief.  This will be the first time he goes totally unattended.  I am hoping he and his friends will make good choices!

Trying new things

September has been a month of adjusting to new routines and trying new things.  So far, Ashton appears to be enjoying high school.  He feels like the day goes super fast, as he is home usually by 2:30.   He has spent time with both new and old friends, going to football games, spending the night, and going fishing.  We asked him to choose an activity to participate in, and he chose basketball.  He wants to try out for the JV basketball team.  So, 2 weeks ago, he started attending a basketball clinic at a local basketball training academy.  He seems to enjoy it.

Shooting some hoops!

LHS here he comes!

I can't believe Ashton has started HIGH SCHOOL!  Unbelievable!  The school has been amazing in customizing his schedule to his learning preferences, and I expect it's going to be a really amazing year!  This quarter, he has one of his favorite middle school teachers, Ms. Schaper (who moved from middle school to high school this year), as well as technology (always a favorite), PE (movement is always beneficial), and Algebra 1.  So far, we are one week in, and he seems pretty happy!  Here's to a great year!

First day of 9th grade!