Eric's 16th Birthday

Eric's birthday was fun this year.

He kind of indicated he would like to be surprised, so we figured

out a sneaky way to throw him a party. First, I had to enlist the help

of his best friend Andre to contact the other kids for me.  He's a wiz

at texting, and I knew he could get the word out and keep it on the

down low so Eric wouldn't be the wiser.  He did great!  The kids

all met at the movie theater.  Our only job was to get Eric there.

We had planned to go to dinner with two other families to plan

 the three boys' Court of Honor.  So on the way, we just made a

quick stop to see what movies were playing, in case we wanted to

go to a show later.  Of course, the movie times are only listed

all the way inside, at the ticket counter.  Keith went on in to

"check the movie times."  When he found the kids all there and

waiting he called my cell phone and told me that Eric and I better

come in, there was something we needed to see.  Now Eric

was thoroughly confused by this time, because not only were we

late for our dinner appointment, but Dad was acting pretty weird.

It worked great though.  When we walked into the theater Eric's

friends were standing near the entrance and all shouted SURPRISE!

at the appropriate moment.  It's a good idea to make sure you

have girls invited when you want something shouted out, especially

in public.  They did a great job. 

So after the show, they came back to our house for cake

and games.  I had been frosting this cake while Eric was home

but I sort of hid it once it was done, and luckily he never

asked me what it was for.

Everyone gets into licking the frosting off of birthday candles.

I must say, these kids can sing a pretty good sounding

 birthday song.  A musical group.

And generous!  Lots of fun cards and gifts!

The kids played Curses.  It was fun to hear so much laughter in the

house! Eric had a great evening, it turned out to be really fun,

hanging out with his friends on a Friday evening, just before he

 turned sweet sixteen on Sunday!

In keeping with tradition, we also had a family celebration on his

birthday. Eric requested a rhubarb cake for the first time. 

So once Eric FINALLY turned 16, the first order of business for

this dynamic duo was to plan a date!  Andre is glad to have a friend

who's up for double dating.  His birthday is in February, and he

said it's taken FOREVER for Eric to be old enough to date! 

He had to wait two whole months!