Brendan's Sweet 16

We had a good weekend.  Keeping it real, the whole house looks like a bomb went off, but it was worth it.

Not only was one of my dearest friends in all the world here (and we went to an awesome flea market that I will post about later this week), but we had a birthday party for my oldest son, Brendan.  We had about 20 of his friends over for a barbecue, fun and a movie on Saturday night.  I tried to shove aside my insecurities that we are still not completely organized/unpacked/decorated and make it a fun night for him (with lots of help from the rest of my family and my friend Brynn).

I can't believe he is 16 years old!  How is that possible when I'm still only 22 ;)?

Here are some pictures from his party.  

Big mouth Brendan.

Hanging out and enjoying the food with his friends.

Sophie acting like the big kids (don't worry--it's Root Beer)

Johnny getting pensive.

Some of his friends-who-are-girls' cute shoes.

Alarming feats of strength using our deck as a climbing frame.

Having fun on the tramp.

The food table after the hungry hoards came through.  I forgot to take a "before" picture--doh!

We served Brendan's favorite Root Beer.

Also water--but really I just wanted to show off the cute cafe table that I picked up at the flea market :).

Me and Lucy enjoying the evening.

Brendan opening his gifts.  Damon can't help himself and is firmly a part of the action. Brendan is kind enough to put up with Damon wanting to hang around, which is one of the reasons I think he is such an overwhelmingly fine person.

Blowing out the candles.

We had an impromptu concert with a few of Brendan's friends and and Brendan playing the guitar and singing.  Here is David singing "Collide."

 

Here's Brendan singing an original he wrote (in 7th grade no less) entitled "Rapunzel."    He loves to write and record music.   

Brendan is an amazing person.  I am both thrilled and sad that he is growing up.  He is very fun, intelligent, creative, and most of all, kind.  I'm so glad he is a part of our family and that we could have a fun evening to honor him.