Happy 15th Birthday, Sam!

I can't believe my little Sambo, my Sammy, turned 15 years old this summer!  What happened to the baby boy that needed his mommy?

 Now he's taller than me, he's smarter than me (Hey, it's his birthday- Let him believe it!), and he has his whole life ahead of him (Me?  Only time will tell).  We started out his celebration week with a family dinner on his actual birth date with the Greer cousins and 2nd cousins, which included chocolate cake, chocolate ice cream, and video game contests.

 Then on Saturday, a bunch of his friends came over to be transported to Adventure Paintball Park in Longbranch WA (Thank you livingsocial deal!). 

 It was Sam's special day, and there were lots of friends around to witness it.  Sam was lovin' it!

After paintball, the group returned to our house for pizza, hot wings, and cupcakes.  A great celebration!  I can't wait to see what the future holds for my now-not-so-little boy.  Love you Sam!

Summer Camping

KOA-Astoria

We stole away for two nights of camping -- the type of camping I'm willing to do - with showers, pool, free pancake breakfast, water and power hookup, convenience store!

The campground had a big "pillow" for jumping.  The kids loved it!

My favorite part: that time of night when we're all in the tent and there's nothing to do but talk.  Love that.  Goodnight.

A Day at the Beach

A nice day at the beach in Ocean Shores WA with the 2nd cousins!

Gabe, Carly, Carlos, Dandan, Sam

Gabe and DanDan playing frisbee...

Father & Son Campout

It's that time of year when the men of the family leave the nest, if only for one night.  Carly and I love this time by ourselves and enjoy a girl's night!  This year we ate Chinese food in a cozy bed while we watched TV together.

Garrett, Sam

Gabe, Jonathan 

The boys, however, had a great time at Zions Camp -- eating hot dogs, chips, licorice, s'mores and drinking as much soda as they want.  And they got to play with fire.  Sam was finally able to try out the bow he got for Christmas!  After eating an awesome potluck breakfast of egg burritos and pancakes on Saturday morning, they packed up and headed home.  They had a good time.  We had a good time.  Sometimes separating the girls and boys is a good thing.

LDS Mod (Modest) Prom

Gabe's first date!  Gabe's 16 years old, but doesn't date.  Gabe has his Learner's Permit, but doesn't like to drive. Gabe has many friends, but prefers to interact with them online.  I don't get it.

Gabe, Meagan, Raechel, James

He was convinced to go to the LDS Prom, however, and I was so happy for him -- actual interaction with people!  Dancing!  Eating!  Talking!  In person!

Arrival at dinner "Pike's Place Market"

Market wares and Fish Throwers

Gabe, Meagan, James and Raechel had a great time on their date.  It was a Seattle theme, and the decor, food and amazing time and efforts put into this 5-stake event still amazes me!

Dining Room at the "Space Needle"

Arrival at the dance (the "cruise")

Dancin'

I hear that my son was a total gentleman.  Sigh.