Dallin's 16th birthday!

Well as is fast coming tradition (or just scheduling necessity), Dallin didn't just have a birth-"day", but rather a birth-"week". It is often hard to find time to celebrate with family when there is so much going on during the week, so the Sunday before Dallin's actual birthday (May 6) we invited everyone over for dinner, gifts, and dessert. Dallin picked roast, potatoes, and rolls for his birthday dinner (I made sure to include a nice salad...since he conveniently "forgot" to include vegetables) and Texas sheetcake for his birthday dessert. I had to do something a little more special since he's turning 16 so I turned the cake into a stoplight with red, yellow, and green M&Ms.

Blowing candles is always an adventure in the Southwick home!

Thursday (May 11) was Dallin's actual birthday. This is the birthday he has been anticipating since his last birthday! He finally gets to drive...and date!! After breakfast, Jeff took Dallin to the DMV to get his license then to an auto parts store to make sure he was outfitted for emergencies in his truck. Jonas and I then met up with Dallin and Jeff for lunch. This is a tradition I started with the boys after Jeff and I got married. Growing up, my dad would check us out of school for lunch on our birthdays. My dad often worked out of town so this was always a special treat with Daddy. It is something that I always wanted to do with my kids...at least while they'll let me. Luckily, Dallin hasn't gotten too good for his parents...yet. In any case, Dallin chose to have lunch at Magelbys before he returned to school for the rest of the day. I had a mixture of emotions as I saw Dallin drive off without us. I was so excited for him and this new chapter of his life; yet I was immediately gripped with worry and concern about his safety and the choices he'll make. Then I was sad as I realized that this is the first major step in his independence. My heart ached as I realized that there is no going back. He is growing up and moving on; yet, I couldn't be more proud of the man I see him becoming. Happy birthday Dallin! (As a side note, he drove the day he turned 16 then went on his first date the day after! He didn't waste any time!)