Silly kids...

Already out running errands together being silly!

Nathan's new car!

Well, we finally found something affordable AND still available...a 2020 Hyundai Elantra Sport!  It's really nice and has every safety feature you can think of, which will be nice for him.  It did have more miles than we wanted, but we couldn't be too picky.  He's super happy!

He just found out he got the job at Chick-fil-A and will be making these payments on his own.  So proud of my grown-up boy!

Dinner and a new friend!

Madison met a new friend at work (Gabby), and they went to dinner tonight.  And of course, they take lots of pictures because that is Madison's favorite thing to do!

Youth...

Nathan helped out with VBS last night, and just seeing him have so much fun makes my heart happy!  He hung out with the youth for a game day, then went to dinner, and then came back for VBS.  When we thought about coming back to Waterview, we figured it would take a while for him to make friends and find his place.  Nope, he loves it and has repeatedly said that he's so glad we're back!

Today, the youth group went to see Haunted Mansion, but the boys couldn't resist taking a silly picture in the Barbie box!

Chance...

 Last day to see Chance, until Christmas (hopefully)!

Broken Bow, Oklahoma...

Madison and some friends went to Broken Bow, Oklahoma and stayed in a really nice cabin!  She had a blast, but spent the whole evening/night scared because the entire living room was glass with no curtains!  She had such a good time though.  They cooked, took pics (of course), and just talked all night!

They even had complimentary robes, which they thought was pretty cool!

My girl is too grown up now, taking her own trips!  Sniff, sniff.  I'm happy she made it home safely and had a good time!

Main Event...

The youth group went to Main Event today, and Nathan drove himself up to church (his longest solo drive yet) in Madison's car since she is out of town!

He had so much fun.  Lots of bowling, laser tag, arcade games and then Whataburger for dinner!

Barbie...

Madison didn't really want to see Barbie, but some friends were going, and she can't pass up a social event!  At the end, they all said, "Well that was a strange movie!"

First solo drive...

Waahhhhh, this can't be happening!  Nathan drove himself to the track tonight, and was wondering why I made him smile for a picture!  You can't really see him all that great, but his windows were rolled up, and well, this is what I got!  Still can't believe he's driving.

Beach fun!

The youth group went to Little Elm Beach today, and Nathan had a great time!  He's hidden in one picture, and is facing away in another, but ohwell.  They played sand volleyball, swam, and just had a good time!

He did it!

I can NOT believe that my baby has his license.  This can't be happening!

Off to pray REALLY hard....non-stop.  It's hard to believe that both of my kids are licensed drivers now.  They are growing up so fast!

A card from Madison...

So, one thing our family got out of going to the other church for 6 months was the word "brethren".  They used that word a million times each worship service, and we actually started counting!  It became a joke, and now we use it for each other, just to be silly.  But Madison gave Nathan a card for his birthday and wrote the sweetest note for him.

Happy day of celebration brethren!

I cannot believe how old you are getting.  It feels like just yesterday you were stealing my DS after I was asleep.  Even though you irritated the living daylight out of me when we were younger, you have been the best little brother anyone could have asked for.  I am so proud of the young brethren you are today, and I have loved watching you grow in your relationship with God over the years!  I am and will ALWAYS be here for you no matter what.  I love you so much and don't ever forget:

1)  God loves you

2)  I was the 1st person to wish you a happy birthday so basically I'm the most beloved brethren

Happy Birthday!

Love, Madison

I just love these two and their relationship.  They are the best of friends and really love being together!  SO thankful and I pray they stay this way forever.

Nathan's day!

Birthday boy woke up to balloons and our traditional birthday rap song played on the Bose speaker!  No pictures of the balloons though because they wanted to "do it later" and then we never did.  But it's our tradition to put balloons in their room (since Nathan was in a crib)!

The morning started off with donuts, and two tired boys who stayed up super late and said that "smiling was way too hard this early."  Haha!

We headed to Top Golf again because Nathan loved it so much.  Only problem was that today was HOT, and we were profusely sweating!  It was still fun though.

What's more fun than putt-putting?  Running around and sliding on the course!

Then, we went to Panda for lunch...of course!

After lunch, we went to Nickelrama and played some arcade games...

And with ALL THE TICKETS, they got some blow-up swords!

We headed home, changed into swimsuits and went swimming!  We tried with Chance on Nathan's shoulders and it just wasn't working out.  They were laughing so hard trying to get this picture!

Sword fighting fun....these were totally worth all the money we spent!  Who knew such cheap toys could provide so much fun?

We had Gaga over for dinner, and Nathan's choice of meal for his birthday was salmon, pasta and kale!  My boy has changed a lot and is eating more and more healthy these days!  His dessert of choice was fruit with a little whipped cream.

The signs of a good birthday!  They were being silly and "collapsing" from all the fun!  Madison worked most of the day, but she was able to be with us for dinner!

I'm glad Chance was here to celebrate with Nathan.  I think he had a pretty great day...lots of fun!  Mom and Dad are whooped though...oh to be young again!  I can't believe Nathan is 16.  Tomorrow will be a busy day filled with a driving test and a DPS appointment!  Happy birthday, Nathan!

16 years...

I say this every year, but it's hard to believe that time goes by so fast and Nathan was once this teeny tiny.  It's feels like another world, thinking back to when the kids were babies.

He has grown up so much from this tiny baby, and has his own personality and way of seeing life.  Some things will never ever change though...he is still very obsessed and in love with technology!  His hobby is playing on his computer with friends.  He loves every part of it, and can tell you anything you want to know about graphics and specifications of a computer!  I see his career being in this field one day.

Nathan loves eating at Panda, but has really made a complete change in his diet since starting track.  He likes eating healthy, and really tries hard to stay away from junk!  He also still has a strong passion for running.  He is very good at it, and doesn't let anything get in the way of his running time.  He's taking a running class again this summer, and has been running in 114 degree heat indexes!  Nathan loves thrill rides, finding good deals, researching anything, and is a go-getter when he wants something.

He loves his sister so much!  He's always looked up to her, and they have the best relationship.  I just love it, and it melts my mama heart.  These two would do anything for each other, and they also have a lot of fun together!  And I can't forget his brother, Max!  He loves him a ton.  When he got back from his mission trip, Max was the first hug!

This past year hasn't been the easiest with Nathan.  He has been going through the teenage moods, distance, lack of communication....but I have seen him grow SO much through it all!  I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, and he's come so far.  Nathan came back from the mission trip a different kid.  It was eye-opening for him to see what others don't have, and just how much he does have!  It touched his heart and really changed his relationship with God.  He realized just how much he wanted to live for God, and was baptized when he got back!  He seems happier, more at peace, and just back to our old Nathan.

Nathan, I'm so proud of you.  You are growing into such a great young man!  You are compassionate, caring, affectionate (not as much as you used to be, but it's still in you!) and kind.  You are so appreciative of what we do for you, and you always let us know.  I'm beyond proud of your decision to be baptized, and I can't tell you how happy it made me.  It's my ONE desire in parenting...knowing that my kids love God, have a relationship with Him, and show His love to others.  You are the best son, and I'm blessed to be your mom.  You would be even more loved if you would occasionally send me pictures of you and your friends, now that I won't be with you all the time.  Haha, I know you won't....it's ok, I still love you to pieces!  Happy birthday, buddy.  Can't believe you're 16.  I know God has great things planned for your life!