Ben on Ben: Fourteen

At fourteen (!!!!), Ben continues to grow into a young man whom we admire in so many different aspects of his character.  Ben is a kind friend who reaches out to help those who don't have a lot of people reaching out to help them.  He is intelligent and eager to work hard to achieve his goals; we really believe he is going to do great things with his great mind in his life.  Ben is caring and loving of his younger brothers and family members: he especially loves the little cousins!  He is a prankster and loves a good, deep belly laugh.  Ben is faithful and always trying to do the right thing and set a good example for those around him.  He never hesitates to offer help when he sees a need, even when it means putting off something he would rather do.  He loves being outdoors, having the best possible go-bag on the planet and spending quiet time in his hammock with a good book.  Speaking of which, I'm pretty sure he's on target to read every decent book in existence before he turns 50.  We constantly have adults approach us to tell us how highly they think of Ben.  He's just that kind of kid: conscientious, insightful, mature.  We sometimes worry that he takes too much weight on his young shoulders, that he doesn't let himself just let go often enough, but that is why we encourage his love for the outdoors, running and reading, great anxiety and worry releasing activities.  We are beyond proud of you, dear one!  Go make those great things you dream about happen!    

And now, from Ben:
How old are you?  "Fourteen."
What makes you happy?  "Being with my family, running."
What are your favorite things to eat?  "Lemon chicken orzo, fettuccine Alfredo, eggs, Rice Krispies."
What is your least favorite thing to eat?  "I like everything, maybe things that are too spicy."
What are your favorite things to do?  "Run, rock climb, read, camp, hike."
What is your favorite TV show?  "Studio C."
What are you really good at?   "Running, math."
What is your favorite movie?  "Ooh, that's a hard one. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug."
What is your favorite animal?  "Wolves."
What is your favorite color?  "Green."
What is your favorite song?  "Superman Song."
Who are your best friends?  "Micah Simonds, Thomas Boyle and Will Parsons."
What do you and Mom do together that you love?  "Hang out."
What do you and Dad do together that you love?  "Yard work."
What is your favorite sport?  "Running cross-country."
What is your favorite book?  "All of them.  I don't think I can pick just one.  I really liked Holes."
Where is your favorite place to go?  "Camping...to the woods."
What makes you feel scared?  "Being startled, homework."
What do you want to be when you grow up?  "An aerospace engineer: a rocket scientist."
What words would you use to describe yourself? "Fast, funny, hopefully cool, intelligent, smart aleck, nice, caring."
What is the most exciting thing you got to do this year? "Went to Washington, which was pretty awesome"
What do you want to tell the future you? "When life gives you lemons, make orange juice."