That’s what Kory kept saying on his 15th birthday (it was the 29th), which is funny, because we’ve always said he was really going on 60. This is the kid who always holds down one or more jobs, completes all schoolwork independently, plays sports diligently, reads WW2 books, and the classifieds and police reports faithfully. He’s our “old man” in a teenager’s body.

He started his special day with a breakfast composed of his favorites – gluten free doughnuts, bacon, and scrambled eggs. His special gift was the Band of Brothers series on the “Easy Company” during WW2. Kory really enjoys war history – especially World War II. He was VERY excited about this gift!

Soon after breakfast, we loaded up the van with all sorts of flotation devices, beach towels, goggles, swimsuits, a picnic lunch, and a huge birthday cake. We headed to North Branford, CT (1.5 hours from home!) for a lake swim party in the neighborhood of our Classical Conversations Director, Debbie. It was really fun to have a little reunion with our friends from our homeschool program this year. The kids hardly ever left the water for the 4 hours we spent there. I took my bathing suit, but never really plan to swim at these things, since the water is always about 45 degrees or so it seems here in New England. (I miss Texas rivers and lakes!) But, the kids said the water was unusually warm, and so was the weather that day. If I hadn’t spent the whole 4 hours chatting with other moms, and feeding kiddos, I would have been in it in a minute! It was so beautiful and inviting.

We sang to Kory and Emma who also had a birthday on the 29th, ate Kory’s gluten free football cake, and then the kids enjoyed more swimming.

Then we loaded everything back up – along with a DELICIOUS glass of homemade iced coffee that my friend Debbie (who doesn’t even like coffee, but knows I stop at Starbucks every Tuesday on my way back to Massachusetts) made for me. I think it may have been the BEST glass of iced coffee I’ve ever had. And she toted it all the way to the lake from her house in a cooler complete with ice, cream, and sugar! Last time I was at her house, she completely spoiled me with homemade flan (she’s allergic to eggs and milk, too!) AND a blended iced coffee drink. Such a treat from a godly lady and sweet friend.

Once back in MA, we had about an hour before our house started filling up with more friends to help us celebrate Kory’s birthday with a backyard burger bash. I think these boys did more fighting and boxing on the trampoline than actual jumping, but somehow they manage to avoid getting seriously injured and have a great time.

And here’s the birthday boy that we love so much along with the dessert for the evening – S’mores!
(and leftover football cake!)

Happy 15th Kory!
We love you and are so proud to be parents to such a special young man!