Jackson at Thirteen

My oldest grandson, Jackson, now talks with a man's voice--how did that happen so fast?

He's super-bright--and goes to a school for gifted kids.  He's big--taller than both his parents--and he loves wearing brightly colored sneakers.

Sneakers--that's a thing where he lives, maybe everywhere for teenage boys.  Buying them is akin to buying a car for older boys--choosing them and customizing them and finding just the right socks.

Jackson is into shoes, music, cars, and big hair this year--the latter causing his daddy to wonder how long until this stage will be over.

Last night the two brothers (who are also best friends) treated us to a viola-violin duet.  After it was over, we watched the video: "We were crap," Jackson said.  "We were awesome!" Marcus said.

Today, Jackson and his friends are spending the day at King's Dominion riding roller coasters.  Little Bro doesn't ride coasters, so he and his mama are going to the movies instead.