Celebrate Good Times

 

The birthday was so much fun, even Layla was smiling

This appears much sweeter than it was. I asked my dad to step into a picture with Makenna. This is what he chose to do. Smart Allec.

We spent the weekend with my parents celebrating Kate's birthday, Ty's graduation and Mother's Day. We ate well and laughed a lot. It was good. 

"Look Mom! Now I have proof I am taller than you!"

Her best friend decorated the yard on the eve of her birthday and then joined us for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. That dessert menu made sixteen pretty sweet.

But before we headed out, there was an outfit debate and sister wasn't thrilled with her mother. If this isn't the face of a disgruntled teen, I don't know what is.

We are in the final days of school, Makenna, Kate and I and none of us are sad to see this year end. Ty's last day was Thursday and for the first time ever, said he will miss his teacher and her assistants. 

In his final week, his class made solar ovens and he used his to roast a marshmallow. He has signed up for summer school because it is heavily focused on science. Disgusting science, robotics and engineering weeks were a huge selling point. I'm excited to see what four weeks of stem lab experiences do for his creative mind this summer.

He started the year declaring he would be dropping out if he was seated next to girls and lamenting girls has been an ongoing theme this year. There was an "inappropriate love note" incident and shockingly also a trip to the principal's office as well. He is delighted these girls will have new boys from the other elementary school to love next year. We are down playing the role of new girls from the other school perhaps noticing him in hope of also minimizing his dramatic reaction. Lord help us.

We took in another five year old soccer game because a gorgeous evening presented itself. We laughed and cheered for both teams because they were all so fun to watch. It's nice to enjoy kids I'm not responsible for on occasion. 

Greg's friend, Liz lost her only child to brain cancer this morning. We are grieving for David Jr's family; the loss of a nine year old boy is simply too intense to express. I keep processing how it is she will rise tomorrow. She is a mother who no longer gets to mother. But David Jr. lived each and every day of his 37 month illness with the motto; make every day the best day ever. I aspire to be as optimistic as David Jr. although he left some pretty large shoes to fill. I pray he is able to rest in the arms of Jesus and his momma can feel his hugs forever.