Each year is my favorite. That does not mean that the past year did not present its own challenges, or that it was easy. It means that I was fortunate enough to spend another 365 days with you. To watch you grow. To watch you change. To see you stumble and maybe fall, only to pick yourself up and try harder.
The years go by too fast. Fourteen... all I can think about is that in 4 more years, you will be preparing to start your life as an adult. While I welcome this, I realize that I am running out of time where you will be living in our home and part of our daily life. I want it all to slow down. 
My best days, my most cherished memories, are those that we spend together. I love riding bikes with you. I love watching you ride and chasing you up the trails. I can hardly keep up with you anymore. I love swimming and snorkeling with you. Hiking, camping, traveling, laughing, talking. It really doesn't matter what it is as long as I am spending that time with you.
I love that you can make me laugh everyday. I love it more that you can make your mom laugh. You make Orion laugh harder than anyone can. That interaction is one of my favorite sounds.
On your 14th birthday, you are at least 5' 9 1/2" tall and getting taller by the day. I've watched you take ownership this year of your school work, your goals, and pushing yourself in things like mountain biking. You are changing before my eyes. Sometimes I hardly recognize you and have to do a double take to see who that young man is before me.
I'm excited to see what next year brings as you start high school and continue to transform into the amazing man that I know you will become.
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