Christopher's 16th birthday

christopher got permission from a teacher at school to use his classroom at lunch
and i brought pizza for him and his friends - here are some of them.
i was glad i could do something special for him even with a toddler and baby in tow.

i had a last minute family dinner for him with both of our sides over.
not easy to do on a school night and with little ones, but it worked out.
i like my kids to feel how special they are on their birthdays,
and that requires a lot of work with a large family but it is worth it and so important.

i couldn't be more proud of my oldest and the young man he has become.
he excels in school, has friends in all circles at school, has taken his rehab and injury in stride,
and is a wonderful example and older brother to all of his siblings.

this is the card andrew made him.
i always had the kids make cards for family on their birthdays and so they now do it for each other too, they have gotten very creative over the years.
i think it is so special that they do this for each other and the family.
christopher went to one of his good friend's surprise birthday parties this year
and i got out two cards for him to choose from to give to her.
he chose the bigger one and said he needed room to write.
he really thought and took his time writing the card and i thought that was so sweet and thoughtful.
i guess my hard work in parenting them is paying off!
it made me feel so proud of him.

we had a backyard bonfire birthday party for him with his friends, they had a great time.
i was so impressed with all his friends and how polite they were.
it's amazing how much they have grown (as i am writing this a year later).
i'm annoyed realizing that i don't think i took any pics this year of his bonfire party!

it was a wonderful celebration of christopher's 16th birthday!