Cody is Sweet 16

It's hard to believe 16 years have past since our Cody made his memorable appearance on Memorial Day in May of 1996. What a fun 16 years it has been. Kaitlyn was so excited to have a younger sibling. She had to be continually reassured that we could keep him.

16 reasons we love our Cody

1. Your sense of humor - Even at a very young age you would come up with funny one liners that made us all laugh.

2. I appreciate your sensitivity - If I'm having a hard day, I can count on you to help me out. You see beyond the surface and try to help make things easier.

3. Your cooking abilities - If I need you to cook dinner, you can and will.

4. Your smarts - You are very self-motivated in your school work. You do very well in school(especially math & science). We are continually amazed by your abilities and talents.

5. You are a great friend.

6. Your dedication in all you do - Dad

7. Your camaraderie - same sense of humor - Kaitlyn

8. I love Cody because he plays video games with me - Ryan

9. Your quiet confidence

10. I love his sense of humor, he is not only my brother but my best friend and I can talk to him about anything and he doesn't judge. He is a great listener, A good example and a good sport, even when I dominate him at all sports. He never gives up!- Andy

11. Your humility

12. Your Sensibility

13. Hard worker

14. Your ability to save money

15. Your sweet smile

16. We are blessed to have your strong, sensitive, spirit in our home. We love you Cute Cody!!

Happy, Happy 16th Birthday!!

Cake Class

A friend told me about a cake decorating class at a local craft store. She and her sister were taking it and thought it might be fun if Kaitlyn and I joined in. It was every Monday night for 4 weeks. It was fun. We learned several decorating techniques and how to make frosting, LOTS of frosting. At the last class we had to bring a cake already frosted and apply the techniques we had learned in the previous weeks. It was fun, but I was not very good.

Kaitlyn causing a scene

Crazy girl

Cristin and her sister working hard on their cakes

Getting serious

Cristin and her cake - she did the cake I was wanting to do but chickened out. It turned out so cute. Great job Cristin!

Certificate - Proof we passed. It is really not my thing, but it was fun.

School's out for summer

And Ry and I could not be happier. No more homework, no more early morning alarm clocks, no more schedules. Yay for summer!

The last day of school was a party day. The 3rd grade had a cook out with time to play outside. I had taken the day off to enjoy the time with Ryan, but came down with a horrible cold and was not feeling well. I took a cold pill, hoping it would kick in while I was at the party but it didn't do the trick. I found myself wanting to lay down on the benches using my purse as a pillow. I arrived 30 minutes late, and after about 30 minutes into it Ryan asked if I wanted to leave. I think he could tell I was not doing well.

After coming home and resting for a bit, I managed to gather everyone up and we headed to Menchies for some frozen yogurt to celebrate.

And then I came home and crashed for the next two days.

Moving

Ryan's friends are gone. They have moved on to another temporary home.

Ryan is sad.

He wants to go to work with Casey, so he can be close to his friends.

Only 2 more weeks of school Ry, and then you can see your baby chicks again.

Until then, dad will take good care of them.