16 and Feeling Good!

 I got a little behind in my blog writing. There's just been way too much going on, so I'll try to keep it in order. 

Starting with Austin's 16th birthday! It was squished between banquets, prom, and a piano recital, but we celebrated it just the same.

He had his party with his friends a few days before. We bbq'd hamburgers, but the grill caught on fire, so we had to finish on the stove inside. Jason's a master at grilling burgers either way. They played games, chatted, and watched a movie. They all had fun, and I always enjoy hosting events for my kids. 

After the fire died down a bit, I thought to take a pic.

The gang!

Movie time!

The next day was Austin's piano recital, and he wowed us with his beautiful music. Two days later, on a Monday, was his actual birthday. He had passed his driving test 10 days earlier, but we weren't sure if he could drive the car yet because we thought he needed a confirmation email or letter. (In Michigan, they're issued their license when they receive their permit, but it gets upgraded as they go along the whole process.) We couldn't remember what Victoria and Kade did, but I don't think they took their tests until after their birthdays. The only reason Austin had an option of driving to school was that the seniors were done with school, so Kade wasn't going and didn't need the car. Plus, Kade's car already has the parking pass for the high school. So, we drove Austin on his birthday, just to be safe, but he drove to school the rest of the week when we received a confirmation email that his license had been upgraded.  

Beautiful grand piano!

Piano awards for completion and participation in Federation. 

The Birthday!

His buddies from elementary school who still live in the neighborhood and were at his party, stopped by on his birthday to play Poker!

I had to help with the middle school orchestra banquet set-up on his birthday, but we had homemade sub sandwiches and homemade mac and cheese with salad to make it a quick, but delicious birthday dinner. Kade's gift to Austin was an awesome Star Wars cake he made. Austin loves Star Wars! He got plenty of running clothes and accessories as well. 

"I have the high ground...!"

Candy from Erik.

Kade also got him a General Grievous LEGO mask. 

Cologne. 

All decked out from head to toe in new running gear!

The very next day was Austin's track ice cream social, where he was awarded the Rockstar t-shirts for the 1600 (1 mile) and 3200 (2 miles) for sophomores, as well as the Outstanding Long Distance Runner of the entire team. He's the 2nd fastest sophomore in Salem school history in both of those events and the 5th fastest overall in the 1600.

Rock star shirt awards.

I just missed Coach talking to him in this pic, but it was sweet. 

Salem Track and Plymouth Ward Buddies!

Awesome Sophomores!

Crazy Sophomores!

Rockstar t-shirt buddies (some of them).

I'm pretty sure he felt well-celebrated between his actual birthday and honors for his talents. The last "award" that I shouldn't neglect here is the paper plate award he received in Seminary, which was  "Cool, Calm, and Collected". He doesn't get ruffled in life very easily and just moves along in a happy, composed way. It is good for me to have his calming influence in our family. Happy Birthday to Austin!