What to get a 12 year old for his birthday

What DO you get a 12 year old for his birthday?  Well, in our family, it's not always fancy, but it makes them both smile!

For instance, we start the day off with some good old fashioned room decorating.  What 12 year old boy doesn't like decorating his room?  Well, probably most unless decorating requires making a mess!

completed with more room wreckage decorating and some silliness

Then, we move on with some presents, stuck between the rush, rush, rush of getting ready for school

and of course making them stop to smile for the camera is a must for the birthday boys (more like the mom)

Shoes always make these 12 year olds smile...that and some good new books!

 The Cosby Show makes em' happy too!

Another gift to bestow upon 12 year olds?  Drop off 2 large pizzas at lunch time...watch the kids flock to them, but realize taking a picture for proof is absolutely forbidden.  Don't even bother trying!  Surprising 12 year olds with a stop after school to get birthday slushies is always good-

and rather than try to figure out a place to take them out to eat for birthday dinner (especially when they have differing tastes), try making their favorite home cooked meal with an added extra.......Taco turkey burgers with cheese and some home made onion rings!  That was a first attempt and it was well received!

Now, dessert for a 12 year olds birthday is very important.  The next best thing to having cake?  Frozen yogurt at The Chill Zone.....and permission to put whatever weird, odd toppings on their selection as they want.  Really, would you eat yogurt covered in Fruity Pebbles?  I don't think I would either.....

The best way to end a 12 year olds birthday?  A family photo in the parking lot......some kids are so lucky!

What a birthday!!!  I hope you boys enjoyed it-I know we sure did!  May all your birthday wishes come true and may it take way longer than 365 days until we have to celebrate you both becoming TEENAGERS!!