16 years old!!!!

Sam is an amazing young man.  He has huge heart. He looks out for his siblings just as much as he tortures them, if not more.  He is a hard worker and a great student.  He a fabulous son.  He loves the Lord and  tries to always live as Christ would have him live.  We couldn't ask for a more wonderful 1st child.

A brief summary of the birthday events:  Peppermint and chocolate ice cream cake with the family.  YUM!

I got to be his official first date!  We went out for Indian food and  saw Sherlock Holmes.  

Mmmmmm... Naan!

Then we had his big birthday bash, 16 girls, 5 guys.  They are all great kids.  I think everyone had a blast.

Lots of Just Dance going on.

Cupcakes galore!  Lemon ginger with lemon frosting, chocolate with mint chocolate frosting and vanilla with chocolate frosting.

Nachos

Lots of pretty girls!

Bumper pool and ping pong.

Fire pit and marshmallows.

Some beautiful serenading!

Fun gifts.

Lots of silliness.

Best friends.  Great memories.

#39, can it really be true?????

39 seems so much younger than it use to!  Richard and I went out for a lunch date and shopping to celebrate his birthday.  We had a wonderful time just spending the day together.  I love him bunches and bunches!  When we got home we saw that the kids had decorated the house for him.  They did a great job and he loved it.

I couldn't get everyone to gather for a photo, but these guys were the ones who spent the most time on the decorations and the banner.  What sweeties!  And boy do we all love Daddy, he is definitely a keeper!

"Gingerbread" houses at Gram and Papa's

We love making graham cracker "gingerbread" houses every year.  The kids have it down to an art now.  It is all about how much candy you can fit onto your house.  If you can make it pretty along the way that is great.  The kids are really creative too.  We pair our kids up so that we don't have 9 trays to transport and display.  

It is a lot of fun to watch them build and play with cousins.

My dad's cousin Sandy joined us this year.  She came down from Superior, Wisconsin, to defrost and have some fun with all the kiddos.  She is one of the most warm and loving people on earth.  LOVE HER!!!

I love this one!  Richard has such a tender spot in his heart for my sisters.

Here are the finished products.  Josh and Laney were partners.  

Tim and Sara worked created this work of art.

Daniel and Susanna made a hotel.  They were so proud!

Nate and Drew made a fort, complete with cannons.  

Thanks Gram for millions of graham crackers, tons of pounds of frosting and candy and lots of love!