Thirteen

Jacob Alan Weaver is FINALLY Thirteen!  And, in true Jake Weaver fashion, he seemed to figure out a way to make the celebration last weeks!  We happened to be in OKC a few days before his birthday (I am sure it was basketball related), and he ended up getting a birthday dinner from us at Red Robin.  And I know he got a couple more in the two weeks that followed.  He loves celebrations - and to be celebrated - and it is contagious!

He is kind, funny, a wonderful friend, son, and brother.  I wrote this post for social media on his actual birthday: "6’1” of joy, wit, fun, and smarts. All around great kid. The consummate middle child; loves to hang with his older sisters and be an example for his little brother. And he teases them all relentlessly. When he was a little guy, I used to tell people that everyone needed a little Jake Weaver in their lives. Nothing has changed. Dream Big. Change the World."  He has a big body and even bigger dreams, but biggest of all is his tender heart.  He is a joy to be around and lights up a room with his presence.

So, because it took so long to get from this birthday on January 25th to his party on February 1, there is a lot to pack into this birthday post.  This is his last photo as a 12-year-old - cuddling our puppy who celebrated her 1 year Gotcha Day on the 27th:

On his birthday, we balled.  All day.  Little Brother Finn had a game early, then we were off to Norman to play with his new team, Buddy Buckets 2025.  We had a lot of game success, Jake played a lot of minutes, and go this first 3 in a game!  He was a defensive force, and the Buckets won their division on Sunday:

At Finn's Game

CHAMPION!

Buddy Buckets 2025

Also on Sunday, we lost a basketball HERO and his 13-year-old daughter.  This one hit hard.  Moments before the tip-off of the championship game on Sunday, everyone's phones started alerting with the news from TMZ that LA Lakers Legend Kobe Bryant had died in a helicopter crash.  The memories we shared as a family and as a basketball family helped heal the shock that filled our hearts.  Kobe's daughter, Giana (Gigi) was also on that flight and died.  These boys are 13.  And just doing what they love.  Heartbreaking!

On Monday, Jake had a 7th Grade Stillwater Pioneers game in Edmond.  (It was also Everest Pearl (Evie)'s Gotcha day!)  Jake played against Edmond Central - a team filled with old teammates from Solid Rock and AET.  We caught this fun picture with his recent AET teammate, Brady Hancuff.  We miss playing WITH him, and playing against him is tough!  To know what they were saying to each other in this moment...

At the end of the week, as we inched towards Jake's party with his friends, we had to find him his first suit.  He is playing Mr. Salt in the 7th-grade musical production of Willy Wonka later this semester.  He is not a shopper, and it is hard to find the right fit, but we did it!  Mr. Salt will look good up on that stage!

ignore the tags and wrinkles - this was a trial run!

Ready to go backstage!

Saturday.  FINALLY.  PARTY DAY!  Jake had a group of his friends join him for a bowling party at the local bowling alley.  We think this was his third party there!  It's hard to find a good place in January, and he (we) is (are) leery of trampoline parks and gymnastics gyms since he seems to get injured so easily...  Kobe cupcakes, a Thunder Jersey, a commemorative bowling pin and gift cards to all his favorite spots were the theme of the day.  It was a great party with a great group of young men.

brotherly love

And to cap it all off, he got braces on Tuesday the 4th.  Somehow, he makes it all look so effortless and easy!  I think he is rocking thirteen!

Early Morning braces appointment!

Last picture without / First picture with

Looking forward to his teen years!  Parenting 3 teenagers is a challenge, but a fun one!  His sisters are 17.5 and graduating high school this year; off to college in 6 months.  I love the relationships he has with each Emma and Lara, and I love that they take him on "teenager" adventures.  Plus, he is a great role model for his 8-year-old brother, Finn.  Always a middle child, but the best middle child I could ask for!