The Countdown Begins: 28 Days Until that Driver's License!

       Each year we try to pick one day for celebrating birthdays, but it never happens like that as none of the key players can ever seem to gather on the same day.  Actually, it makes it sort of fun as it tends to make the celebrations go on a bit longer, and I am always all for that part. 

      And, so it was that Grandma and Grandpa Gerth celebrated with us on Wednesday at Lutz's Steakhouse (photo at left Grandpa, Alex, Grandma, and Matt), and then on Thursday, the actual day of the birthday, Matt and I headed out to Brunchies for breakfast (his choice) and then shopping (again his choice, but you probably figured that one out already). 

      I actually went to four different shopping venues...boys, it turns out, are just as keen on getting new clothing for parties as are girls of this age.  I actually like shopping at A.E. as I like that little eagle they put on their togs, the piped music is nice, and they have a comfortable seating area where one can wait and observe the fashions being paraded about.  After numerous try-ons, he found just the thing to wear to the combined 16th birthday party next week of The Lovely Tess and the Heroic and Inspirational Hannah.  The Lovely Tess is so called because I think she is a sweet, nice, and absolutely lovely girl.  The Heroic and Inspirational Hannah is so called because Hannah spent the entire year last year battling cancer and a more heroic and inspirational girl, I can't imagine.  The rest of the day was spent at swim practice, etc. 

      Friday the boys gathered to celebrate Adam's 16th birthday at his home...Adam's birthday being three days before Matt's.    

      Since the first grade, Matt, Adam, Alex, Colin, and Jacob (pictured here advancing around the table) have spent celebrating Matt and Adam's birthdays together, usually a day apart...one day at Adam's, the next at Matt's.  And, so it was this year, Adam's party last night and today, Matt's.  Eating, checking out Seton Fest, swimming, and fireworks all being part of the celebrating tonight.  We are marveling at how much easier it is at this age than many of the previous years when just keeping them under watchful eyes was a good deal of the night's activity.  It is fun to see the photos over the years as they all have grown up together, each year sitting at this table, each year growing a little taller, the table getting a little less fresh in paint and luster, but when talk runs to replacing it, I can't bear to think about it as it has served us well for so many years, so many good times, so many people who have gathered around it.  I don't part with things easily...this table and these boys will be together a few more years yet...I am in no hurry to relinquish either the table or the boys. 

      28 more days until the Driver's License makes it's appearance.  Normally most parents might be a little weepy at such an event, a little nostalgic at the thought of the child growing up so quickly, and I do admit there is a certain amount of that going on inside me, too.  However, the other side of me says, "NO MORE 5:00 a.m. SWIM PRACTICES FOR ME!  YAHOO!"  I am ready.  I am definitely ready.