Christopher turns 16

On a hectic Friday, with a typically tightly packed schedule, we squeezed in time to celebrate Christopher turning sweet 16. The morning of October 4 began with seminary at 5:40 am, and I sent in treats for breakfast for his classmates, some savory quiche Lorraine tartlets, and mini banana chocolate chip muffins, and individual bottles of Simply Orange brand orange juice. Seminary ended at 6:30 am, then the band rehearsal arrival time started at 6:45 am.

Friday band practice ended at 8:30 am, and school started at 9:05 am. School continued until 4:10 pm, with band call time starting again at 4:30 pm, where the band kids get a pre-ordered catered meal before boarding the buses for the football game. It was a home game, which kept them either practicing, on their feet marching, or playing in the stands for several hours to keep the crowd enthused. They arrived back at the high school by 11 pm, and were at our house around 11:15 pm, almost everyone in the trombone section, except for Christopher and Adam, that is. For some reason, Adam thought that he needed to stall before getting Christopher to our house for his surprise birthday party that was to end around midnight, and dilly dallied around the aisles of HEB while everyone else was waiting on him at our house for at least a half hour. (Oops! I'll be more specific if I ever plan another surprise party, for when the guest of honor should arrive.)

It was a long, tiring day, for my teenager, but he was actually surprised and really enjoyed and appreciated the party, even though I had to kick everyone out not too much after when he eventually showed up. The exhausted kids had fun snacking on pulled pork sandwiches with homemade dinner rolls, and soaked their sore feet in the hot tub while they socialized. Many suggested that our home should be next year's designated trombone section hangout, which made me feel good that they felt comfortable here.

This was the first group of band kids to show up after the game for the big surprise.

They are such nice teenagers! I like the trombone section.

Most of the trombone section was able to make it to Christopher's surprise party.

He was actually surprised too!

Kelly's parents came out to visit for a few days and planned their trip around Christopher's birthday.

This is the most feet and legs we have ever had in our hot tub at one time.

I baked chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter chocolate frosting.

Hannah likes scoping out the possibilities of what she wants to be in when she's in high school. Right now, she is leaning toward auditioning for the drill team. She has about four years to think about it!