Scenes From A Birthday And Mother's Day

Billy turned 15 (Yes, 15!!!) on May 9th. 

And the tradition continues...Morning doughnuts:

(Mary is away at her annual band and orchestra trip)

After breakfast Big Bill and "Little" Bill went to the driving range and hit some golf balls.  In the afternoon, Billy had a baseball game.  This makes him happy, especially when he plays well and his team wins!

We went out to dinner because he wanted Ruby Tuesday ribs. (and I wanted to start Mother's Day early :) )

We went home for dessert.  Billy had asked for an Xbox One, but since a $400 birthday present isn't possible, I made him an XBox. 

I thought my clever joke was going to be met with roars of laughter, but instead there was complete silence around the table.  Then one of the kids said, "Wow, that was mean."

Sorry Billy.  My bad.

Nothing that a little cake can't fix.

I think my favorite part of the day was when we realized at 11:03a.m. that it was your birth "moment".  We gathered in the family room for a group hug and celebrated the minute you were born.....laughing together as Dad did his best "Hear Ye, Hear Ye" voice.

I am very proud of you, from being a teenager that gets up out of bed without complaint to letting your six year old brother play soccer with you and your friends.  And although we have to light a fire under you for many other things, we know you are a good-hearted kid who will make it far in this world.

Happy Birthday, Billy.  We love you.

  

The next day was Mother's Day.  I really wanted to go on a little hike and have a picnic lunch.  And that's what we did.  We took a car ride up to the Delaware Water Gap.

  Beautiful weather, scenery, and family. (and no cooking!)  Life is good, I tell you.