It has begun...

The never ending question of "Mom, can I borrow the car?" has finally begun at our house. I can't believe the day has finally arrived! On the very day he turned 16, Justin was at the DMV collecting his license. He finished his driver's ed this summer and even passed all his tests over a month ago. It was a long month just waiting for the birthday to arrive so he could become official--without an adult! So, if you ever see the kids and I walking somewhere, it's probably because I caved in and let him take the car. Stopping to pick me up would be appreciated..... =)

Getting his license was only part of his fun day. He got the day off work just so he could go do that. That, in and of itself, was a good birthday present. We had tried to gather up a bunch of his friends to have a little surprise party for him that afternoon, but I guess Monday afternoons are hard with teenagers' schedules. We didn't think anyone was going to make it. However, a couple of his friends were able to come over while we were on our way back from the DMV for a little surprise. They scared the pants off him when he came downstairs! It was awesome! I only wish I had been downstairs in front of him to take a picture! Since I just got home with him, I was unfortunately behind him. It was hilarious, though! The kids stayed for dinner and ice cream cake. Another funny moment was while we were singing happy birthday to him, his friend Brett blew out the candles right before the song ended, just as Justin was getting ready to do it himself. I thought the girls would die laughing! Justin was totally put out. It was pretty funny.

Don't you love the "1,2,3" candles? I am the worst mom ever! I OFTEN forget to buy candles, so we had to make do with what we had. We decided the 1 was for the 1 in 16, and then 2x3 makes six, so it works, right?...

The night ended with a quick family home evening lesson and watching "Prince of Persia." He even talked me into letting him go chalk a friend's driveway whose birthday was the next day. He said it was one of the best birthdays ever. I'm so glad he had a fun day. He deserves it! We love you buddy!