Bryce Turns 12

Unfortunately, Bryce's 12th birthday fell when we were still in full lock-down mode. He handled the limitations with incredible grace and understanding (and six months later we still owe him doughnuts and dinner out with the family).

Since Mark was working from home, he did have the benefit of getting to open his gifts in the morning instead of having to wait until Mark got home from work.

Bryce got a new soccer ball, a weighted blanket, a Tesla shirt, Legos from Thane, a model Tesla, and his yearly personalized CD.

Mark also took Bryce and Thane on a bike ride, then Bryce got to be the boss at home for the day. He and Aubree decided how he wanted his cake decorated.

It ended up being a HUGE cake; way too much for our family and no one with whom to share it. Stinkin' Covid. We definitely missed celebrating with friends and/or family.

Actually, Tallie and Venna did stop by bringing birthday wishes and a thoughtful gift. It was definitely a bright spot in the day!

Bryce ended his day with choosing the movie for family movie night.

Bryce had a hard 11th year (anxiety is a beast), but he is one of the most tender-hearted, loyal, thoughtful, genuine kids you'll ever meet. Everyone loves Bryce, and he gets along with everybody.

He's obsessed with Teslas, loves all things technology-related, and enjoys ballroom dance, bike riding, and soccer. Currently he thinks he'd like to work for Tesla or Boston Dynamics when he's an adult.

Pretty much, he's a star!

Interview with Bryce:

Favorite Color?: "Green."

Favorite Candy?:  "Milky Ways, Gummy Bears, Hershey's, M&M's, and Dots. I think that's all."

What do you want to be when you grow up?: "I want to either work at Tesla or Boston Dynamics.”

Where do you want to go on your mission?: "I would like to go to Texas because it's awesome there. Maybe Florida. Somewhere hot and awesome. Even though I hate the heat."

Favorite Church Song?: "'Armies of Helaman'."

Favorite Animal?: "Wombat."

Favorite Movie?: "'Peter Rabbit.'"

Favorite Thing to Do?: "Ride in Teslas."

Favorite Food?: "Homemade Hamburger Helper."

Best Friends?: "Jordan and Evan."

Favorite Book?: "'The War That Saved My Life.'"

Favorite Toy?: "Soccer ball and putty."

What makes you happy?: "Teslas."

Favorite thing to do with Mom?: "Go out to eat."

Favorite thing to do with Dad?: "Go on bike rides."

What do you do really well?: "Build and design things."

What makes you laugh?: "Watching old videos of Nellie." 

Favorite Holiday?: "Christmas."

Favorite Sport?: "Orienteering and soccer and ballroom dance."

What’s the best time of day?: "3 pm, because it's snack time and most of our work is usually done by then."
What's your favorite day of the week?: "Friday and Saturday, because I don't have to do very much school work and we can go outside."

What are you afraid of?: "Large snakes. And small ones too! And tornadoes."

What do you like to do with your family?: "Play family board games."

What do you love to learn about?: "Teslas. I really like learning new dances at ballroom."

What is your favorite class/subject?: “Art.”

Where do you like to go?: "To friend's houses.”

If you had one wish, what would it be?: "To live next door to the Dance's and have 10-15 models of each Tesla."

What would you do if you had $1,000?: "Buy a Go-Pro and some smart-home products."

What is your favorite song?: "'Never Too Late', by Elton John."

What's your favorite Super Hero?: "Flash or Green Arrow."

What do you hope you can do before your next birthday?: "Earn $1000."  

What are you looking forward to in the next year?: "I'm looking forward to Christmas and getting to play with friends more."