Teenagers...

I've got one... want to see it? ;]

Wow. I sit here sometimes just shaking my head in bewilderment. I have a teenager. Its funny, I catch myself often wondering what my father was thinking at stages in his life that I remember while growing up... like what he was thinking when I was doing funny things with my hair as a teenager, insistent on the clothing I wanted to wear... you know, how was he dealing with getting older but still remembering what it was like to be a kid. Now I sit here finding myself in the same spot. I call it a predicament but that's just me. Actually, things aren't that bad. Yet. Luc could care less what he wears or how his hair is. I know that will all change soon enough. I am not going to force the issue. Fact is, I wouldn't mind him caring a little more about his appearance but again... I am not going to force the issue.

He has perfected some of the classic teenage responses to things. When you tell him something that requires any sort of movement or thought on his part... he stops, nods his head back while closing his eyes... and then lets out a sort of a long sigh... kind of a uhhhhhhh sound that is slightly audible. I know you know it. It is the very embodiment of sound to the word "contempt" if you could indeed put sound to it. Its funny but I actually overheard him giving tips to Max on how to do it the other day. They didn't see me walk up and I was just in their periphery when I heard Luc tell him... "no, you need to stop and then tilt your head back...". I guess its graded on style. ;]

We had a really nice time in Austin last weekend. Popped in to a friends house and caught up with them for a little bit. Ran a couple of errands in preparation for the big Birthday Extravaganza... I figure if I keep calling it that, the name will stick. Amber and I swung by Lone Star Bakery in Round Rock to pick up the cake. She had ordered it earlier in the week and it was a half white, half chocolate cake that in all honesty... never really had a chance. That bakery is known for the locally famous "Round Rock Donuts" which are kind of an orange color. You know it when you have had them. The cakes are good too... as are the cupcakes. ;] Good stuff.

We swung by the first grocery store we spotted on the way back from getting the cake to pick up plates, napkins, etc. Whenever its not an HEB, it always prompts a discussion about how much we wish we had an HEB up in Plano. They would do a booming business because none of the grocery stores measure up. Anyway, walking out Amber and I started being silly about the name HEB. Happens a lot... us being silly I mean. So inevitably one of us will bring up that Max used to get HEB and DQ confused when he was a little kid. I think it was the fact that it was letters he recognized and both logos being red that confused him. That is always good for a laugh. This time we stayed on the name HEB. I reminded her that HEB stood for H.E. Butts and at one time there were grocery stores with the full name on them. Amber started giggling and then it was on... we like to add lib when things get funny and so we started goofing on the name Butts... like "hey, where are you going? ... going down to Butts..." "where you been? I have been in Butts all day..." This goes on for a minute until she throws out there (brilliant girl that she is)... "H.E. Butts... now with gas". We stumble out of the store gasping for air laughing. At times, I don't think I have progressed much past the age of 13 myself.

So birthday party was great... tons of food and everyone had a really good time. My kids miss Austin. They really miss their cousins more than the actual place itself but I cant blame them. Austin (and areas surrounding) is a pretty special place. There will always be a calling to move back there one day. This summer will be tough because it has started to set in that we really dont live that far from everyone. The kids always want to see all their grandparents and cousins so I foresee a few trips this summer to visit. I think there may even be a plan in works where some of them come up here for Six Flags. We did the season pass last year and went 6 or 7 times I think... It would be fun to have all of them running wild in the amusement park... amusing even. ;]

Did I tell everyone? Going on a big hike this year. Utah. I think Zion National park. It looks incredible. I cannot wait to get my camera gear there and document what we see. Tried talking Jim and Jacob into going with us. Its Luc and I so far but anyone is welcome. We are going sometime early summer. The kids get out the first week of June so I am thinking mid to late June. It depends on who else is interested. Hoping to do at least 3 days of hiking and really shooting for 4 or so with a point to point type of route desired. The views there are incredible so I don't think we can miss if we land there at this particular park. Its north of the Grand Canyon so that might be a destination on the way back. I think we can even hit Los Alamos or Groom Lake on the way out or back. Maybe a stop at the Little A'Le'Inn near Roswell for T shirts... who knows. I have lots of vacation time to burn and even some time to plan it.

Hope everyone is doing well. Going to the big San Angelo in a couple of weeks to see my cousin Matt get married. He seems very happy from all I hear and that should be a nice visit. This will make the second time I have been in a suit this year. As long as it still fits...

Later. bb