First Prom

With 16 come DATING! McCall and Cameron both went to prom this year. Usually prom would be for upper classmen and these two are only sophmors, but Freeman is pretty small and everyone is invited to prom. McCall actually went to the areas first LDS sponsored prom which was for 16 years and older and had modest dress standards. The two proms actually ended up being held in the same venue in different halls. So they got to go back and forth a little in the night. They both had a good time. 

McCall went with a boy in our ward, Riley. He's usually pretty shy and doesn't come across as one who dates or cares too, so it was really nice of him to ask her. Don had him come over and borrow some of his tux stuff, as did a few other boys in our ward. They know where to go for that kind of stuff! 

Cameron went with his long time NOT girlfriend and McCalls best friend Maridi. She's a darling girl. They've been good friends since we moved out to Freeman and I think were both anxious to be able to date. :) So this was their first real date. 

So McCall borrowed this beautiful blue dress from her cousin Kaylynn. You really can't see but it has lot's of sparkle on the top. 

McCall and her date met up with a large group and went to a mongolian bbq for dinner and took some pictures there before heading to the dance. 

Cameron and his date Maridi.
Cameron and two of his friends planned their whole night. They picked up the girls and went to this barn they had asked permission from the owners to have pictures done at. They even hired one of the boys parents friend to come take photos. Then one of the other moms made dinner for everyone at their house before the dance. 

This photo made me tear up. I am just so proud of this boy! I LOVE these two photos! And really appreciated the photographer suggesting it. I hope it really captures how we feel about each other. 

We have 16 year olds!

I can hardly believe that my first born is now 16! And not only do we now have one 16 year old, but 2! McCall turned 16 in February and Cameron in April. We have drivers and children who can date! I know we have had both Parker and Landon turn 16 , but this is different. McCall was the youngest of Don's three kids when we met and I just can't believe we are already to where she can date and drive! And Cameron is my baby! My first born, and it just makes me feel so old! I was only 2 1/2 years older than he is now when I had him. That is really strange to think about!
We had a surprise party for McCall which was a lot of fun to put together and I was so thankful for her friends keeping it hush hush. They had a fun night together.

Here are the girls hiding, waiting for McCall to get there.

 We had a fun little photo booth set up with props for the girls... other than this they mostly talked "girl talk" (all at once) and played just dance on the Wii. 

Singing Happy Birthday to our Sweet 16 McCall

 For Cameron it wasn't such a big deal... he isn't really one for parties and attention. He spent the morning with McCall and a friend going on a hike. Then we all went to lunch together as a family and had turtle cheescake at his request. Then we went shopping and met up with some family for bowling. I think he had a really good day. 

 No singing or candles for this boy, and no serving knife or plates for this family. Just give them a fork!

 Later that night we did sing at the bowling alley and this is the cake I made... Cameron's favorite word is "fire"... as in cool or awesome or rad. He's funny like that. 

I can hardly believe this little boy playing in a mud puddle is now 16. What has happened to the years! I love this picture of him and love the sweet reminder of his sweet little spirit. He's still sweet today. All through his schooling his teachers have always talked about his caring and sweet demeanor. I am so proud of how he's grown and matured. I love our relationship and our time together. I love the special feeling I get because he is my first born. He is such a good young man and I am so proud to be his mom and sure hope I have taught him something good in these 16 years!
Cameron went a week after his birthday and got his license. He's a great driver and it's been so awesome to have someone who can run to the store or kids to activites or whatever. But it's also very un-nerving and I panic when he's home a little late or driving at night! I just prayer a little more now.:)
McCall isn't in a hurry to get hers and will probably have it soon. But for now she's just enjoying the benefits of Cameron having his.

Parkers Visit and a few Birthdays

Well, Parker was just here visiting for ten days from Nebraska. He's stationed there, working on an Air Force Base, for the Navy. He's there for probably two years. It was so good to have him home. The boys absolutely love him and love to be around him when he's here. They all look up to him.
It's amazing how he's changed and grown up. It's so weird to say "we have a 20 year old!" Time sure flies. He was barely 15 when we met, Cameron's age. He's finally coming into his own. Growing up and maturing for sure, and realizing how important the Gospel of Jesus Christ is to him. He has such a desire to repent and live the gospel fully. He went to several single adult activities while he was here and attends a ward there in Nebraska. I'm proud of him.
We got to celebrate Jaxon's 13th birthday while he was here too... and he just missed Don's by a day. Jaxon couldn't have been more excited to have Parker here! We went to Stoneridge Resort in Blanchard ID for the weekend, went skiing one night and one full day. The kids had a great time. I of course, do not play in the snow! But I was there to support and watch! At the resort the kids played raquet ball, swam and played games together. It was a great weekend.

       Cortney the ever talented, made this awesome shirt cake for Don. It even has a Robert Graham tag!

 The crew getting ready to snow board up at Mt Spokane. Easton absolutely loves it!! Next time he wants to try skiing. Jaxon isn't really into either one, so we mostly hung out in the lodge together. 

 Fun at the pool and the raquet ball courts. 

 Jaxon... the big 13! He's a teenager now! It was fun to celebrate at the Resort. 

 We had just a few minutes before Parker needed to be dropped off to get some family pics... Don and I were trying to figure out the timers on our phones and he shot this while we were all doing our "own thing".

Family is great.