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12:01 AM, Thursay, December 25th, 2025:   Cam begins his 13th year....   ...but first, let's talk about the year that was with "The 12 Talk"     Man we gotta figure out our topics earlier because that boy ONLY lights up for one damn thing. And why the hell can't I show his freaking Christmas concert? So yeah, these are the hard times as a dad where ya gotta let go... it ain't their journey. I mentioned this with Vienna in her last birthday video that it just feels wrong to film her parties and post them here... it's just no longer my place. They are so clearly their own people and I will always document stuff - but I need to start that transition as they're both now in Act 3 of their childhood and, well, that's gonna morph The Journey to be a bit more self-centered. Not like I don't have plenty to cover, but there is indeed sadness. But they also may change their tune? Vienna was always cool with me sharing stuff, Cam however is definitely in the embarrassed by everything (including himself) and just wants to hide. If I remember that goes until 14-15? Then you're off-the-wall again. Maybe? Who knows. I know that talk was like pullin' teeth and I cut a bunch out of it and then of course at the end he wanted to talk more. <throws hand up>. Anyway - onto the letter...   Cam,   So this was the big switch to middle school and you'd never know. Doesn't seem to phase you, you have far more complaints about random shit in life than you do about school. My biggest concern as of today is helping you figure out social norms (considering others, seeing it through their eyes first, etc.) This is honestly because you're so gregarious you don't even think about it. Vienna (and me to be honest) ... we were so shy and nervous we couldn't think of OURSELVES. So it's the ol' pushing her forward and pulling you back dichotomy that has followed your whole childhoods. So no surprise there. But you[re so smart, you get it and I'm hoping the "let's be the most annoying brother in the world" game you like to play FUCKING DAILY starts to subside. If memory serves, this upcoming year is the moment where, well, parts of you start working that kind of shifts your focus COMPLETELY. That will start to change your energy and I look forward to that. It's obviously happened with Vienna (she's damn near eye-to-eye with me already) and although the height thing is probably 2 years off for you, the, uhm, other stuff will happen and be interesting. It was 2 months before my 13th birthday that my entire worldview was shifted UPSIDE down thanks to an perfectly lined-up hot tub spray... August 1988. Whew. I cannot believe you're like 10 months from that being possible.   Goodness.   Alright I'm excited for you to open your STEAM DECK tomorrow (worst kept secret ever) and just happy that all of us still love hanging out. Going to the Hungry Fox was fun yesterday, wasn't it? The 4 of us are really a pretty cool group. Mom and I feel very fortunate that's true even with middle-schoolers.   Here's to your future! Happy Birthday!   Adam