Today is Simon’s 13th birthday! As of today, all three of my kids are teenagers. While most of our attention has been on his upcoming bar mitzvah, we can’t forget that today is his birthday. I was going to write about his year, but he asked me if we could do a birthday interview, so here we go! (comments in parenthesis are from me).
1. What is your favorite toy?
My computer.
2. What is your favorite game?
American Truck Simulator. You know they’re releasing Kansas next?
3. What is your favorite sport?
Biking.
4. What is your favorite book?
I don’t know. Do you know? (No, but do you like certain types of books?) Graphic novels.
5. What is your favorite TV show?
The Office.
6. What is your favorite movie?
(Stares at me strangely for many minutes while thinking). I don’t know.
7. What is your favorite song?
Billy Joel. (A song.) Oh. We Didn’t Start The Fire.
8. What is your favorite band or singer?
Billy Joel.
9. What is your favorite holiday?
Hanukkah.
10. What is your favorite season?
Winter.
11. What is your favorite color?
Blue.
12. What is your favorite animal?
Capybara. They’re the best.
13. What is your favorite shirt?
All of them.
14. What is your favorite vegetable?
Potato.
15. What is your favorite fruit?
(Remember when you ate a whole lemon?) Strawberry. Lemons are good though.
16. What is your favorite snack?
Gushers.
17. What is your favorite treat?
Ice cream.
18. What is your favorite drink?
Ice. (The sparkling water drink).
19. What is your favorite thing to eat for dinner?
Mac and cheese.
20. What is your favorite restaurant?
Sammy’s.
21. Who is your best friend?
B.
22. What makes you feel happy?
Biking.
23. What makes you feel sad?
Nothing, I’m always happy.
24. What are you afraid of?
Nothing.
25. What are you thankful for?
Everyone.
26. What are you really good at?
Biking.
27. What is your best memory?
Being born. (oh, come on.) I don’t know.
28. What do you want to be when you grow up?
I don’t know. I’m only 2. 12. 13.
29. If you could have one wish, what would it be?
To be a millionaire.
And now, a look back at Simon’s year. Last August, he turned 12.
He went back to school as a 7th grader. It was a somewhat difficult year for him. He struggled somewhat academically and we finally had him evaluated at the end of this school year. He does have a diagnosis now and hopefully with some extra support, this coming year will be somewhat easier for him.
We apparently went to a Royals game in September. I don’t even remember this!
Fall was all about Gabbie’s senior year and Simon was always there to support her at football games, etc! Simon and Gabbie got even closer this year and I’m not sure how he’s going to feel when she leaves for college.
In November, we went to NJ for Thanksgiving and Simon bonded with his younger cousins. He can’t wait to see them again for his bar mitzvah! (some of them – one in this picture wont’ be there!)
While on that trip, we visited the Transit Museum and Central Park in NY and the Franklin Institute and Jewish Museum in PA.
In December, we were off to Florida for our winter break trip!
Simon enjoyed the Keys and seeing our family in Florida.
The winter months brought football season and Simon enjoyed watching the Super Bowl with friends and attending the Chiefs parade.
Dance competition season gave Simon a chance to cheer for Gabbie and hang out with his friend whose sister dances with Gabbie as well.
This year solidified Simon’s friend group outside of school and his love for biking. Over spring break, he and Zachary did some mountain biking.
In May the school year ended and we celebrated Gabbie’s graduation. In June, we headed off to our family trip to Oregon and California. Simon continued to amuse us with his photo poses and fun personality!
In July, Simon got new glasses and started putting on tefillin. He has gone to synagogue every morning since then for prayers!
And now it’s August, Simon is 13, he starts 8th grade in a week, and his bar mitzvah is very soon! Lots more about Simon will be shared later this month!
Happy birthday Simon!