Fourteen arrived fast. Suddenly he’s in high school, certain he knows everything—like most teenagers—and just as quickly learning that the world has a way of humbling you. This year felt bigger, more complex, and more real.

Travel centered around soccer and experiences that matched his growing interests. We went to Charlotte and Orlando to see Club World Cup games, where he watched teams he’s followed for years—Real Madrid, Manchester City, Juventus, and Bayern Munich—play in person. One of the highlights was coming home with a souvenir goalie glove from a player.

Soccer, however, brought its share of challenges this year. Injuries made it a tough season, including a broken collarbone that sidelined him at the worst possible time—one week before high school tryouts. It was a huge disappointment, and watching him process that setback was hard.

High school itself has been more demanding. He has one especially tough teacher, and the expectations are clearly higher. Still, through two quarters, he’s pulled out all A’s and B’s.

Outside of school and sports, his interests are expanding. Music has become a bigger part of his world, and this year he went to his first concert—a milestone that felt very “14.” He also had a moment of pure confidence in Las Vegas, where he made ten free throws in a row at a store challenge and walked away with a very expensive pair of shoes. Another quiet milestone came in December when he finally got his braces off.

What stands out most this year is his entrepreneurial streak. Sawyer has started reselling thrifted clothes online, learning how to spot value, price items, and make his own money.

Thirteen felt like a pivot year. Sawyer is 13 going on 21—noticeably more mature, and suddenly sounding older too. His voice is changing, his confidence is growing, and he’s starting to carry himself with a quiet self-assurance that’s new this year.

We traveled to Costa Rica in 2024. One of my favorite moments was watching him get his picture taken with a seal—pure joy, no phone, no distractions. Just him, fully present.

Soccer continues to be a big part of his life, and this year came with a milestone: Sawyer was named captain of his team. Watching him grow into that responsibility has been a real privilege.

Outside of soccer, he’s a huge Phoenix Suns fan and had a few surreal moments meeting players he admires. Seeing his excitement—and then how calmly he handled those moments—was another reminder of how much he’s growing.

Sawyer remains a straight-A student. School comes easily to him, and while procrastination is still part of the equation, he always finds a way to get it done.

As he finishes 13, we’re looking ahead to high school. I’m excited for what’s next for him—and grateful for this year in between childhood and what’s coming. Thirteen was a good one.