fourteen

Is there anything more lovely than a boy who wants nothing for his birthday but a yoyo and a movie ticket to Harry Potter?

I think not. But Hans has always been a ridiculously beautiful child.

Known for his quick wit and goofy humor, we sometimes forget that Hansel is brilliant. That is, until he starts quoting microbiology facts from the encyclopedia or brings home a report card of straight As.

Just at wee little thing at 6 lbs. 4 oz.

Hansie's defining trait isn't his size, humor or brains, but his sweetness. A few years ago, he quashed my awful habit of disparaging my own mothering skills by saying, "It makes me feel bad when you say you're a bad mother. Does that mean I'm a bad kid?"

I was reformed.

Hans is the one who will stop and smile for the camera in a rainstorm or shout the chorus in Do-Re Mi at a bus stop in Salzburg.

12 cakes mixes + whoppers + milk duds + ice cream cones + castle cake mold= our delicious version of Hogwarts

And with all the celebrations let's be honest about one thing: thirteen is a hard age for everyone. We're pretty happy to kick it to the curb.

Happy Birthday Hans! We love you!