Another 14 Year Old! Oh My They Just Keep Coming!

Over the weekend we celebrated Caleb's birthday. Nothing fancy-- just a sleepover with six boys. I am not sure what I was thinking when I agreed to it, but everyone had fun. Caleb wanted cinnamon rolls-- and he wanted to help make them too!

For a change of pace, I bought some inexpensive prizes like packs of donuts and bags of candy to hand out to winners of the games John had them play. Here he is explaining the first game to them.

Remember those frozen lasagnas we had delivered to our front porch (thanks Matt and Jenn)-- well they made the perfect birthday dinner along with salad, french bread, and hot wings.

The cinnamon rolls were a big hit-- and this recipe for the dough is definitely the best we have ever made.

Happy birthday Caleb! We can't believe how fast you are growing up!

Caleb got some "fun" presents. A princess card, a potato, and a big green squishy ball from us. Itunes gift cards and cash were much appreciated too!

Alex loved singing "Happy Birthday" to his big brother!

Anastasia and Paul had a great time too!

Jonny wanted the biggest cinnamon roll but I had him settle for the third biggest.

Later in the evening-- the kids went swimming. I was inside getting the little boys ready for bed so I missed this part of the action. Good thing John got some awesome pictures.

Rachel impressed everyone with her backwards dive-- but she bruised up both legs pretty bad. Ouch!

William enjoyed showing off what he could do!

Look at Adam!

Sunday morning was here before we knew it. After making sixty or so pieces of french toast we all went to church. We wanted to make sure to cheer on Adam who was playing electric guitar instead of his usual bass. Have you ever heard five energetic teenage boys clapping to a song?

Caleb has made some really wonderful friends. This picture is particularly special because these two friends are from our last town we lived in. We love both of their families and feel incredibly blessed to have them as friends for life. It gives me hope that no matter how far we move-- good friends will always remain good friends. I have a feeling that the friends he has made here will also become friends for life. I sure hope so!

John and I gave Caleb his purity ring for this birthday. He takes what it represents very seriously. So do we. Caleb-- stay pure!