Brandon is 16

Today was a celebration for Grandson Brandon's 16th birthday. I fixed a marinated veggie platter. Everyone brought a dish to pass and the food was so good. Fried chicken, potato salad, broccoli salad, coleslaw, baked beans, fruit salad plus...two birthday cakes, big chocolate chip and M and M cookies, and a big pan of brownies. Everyone could find something that they liked. We were entertained by the babies. Drake and Brody sat on the floor and played with toys. They had a captive audience. When Drake was in the kitchen...he had a crowd around him...watching his every move and clapping every time he did something cute. While this was going on, Brody had his cheering section in the family room. Why do we all watch babies? They are like a magnet for everyone. You can't help looking at them and reacting when they accomplish something.

Here is Drake with Mama, Ashley. The two never got tired...no naps and no crabby babies. We adults were worn out, by the time the party was over.

Brody has a phone up to his ear. Don't they learn early about telephones and electronic gadgets?

It was time for cake and the birthday song. Brandon is 16 now, and he has his learner's permit and will soon join the adult world of driving. I always shudder, when kids reach this age. They are so excited about driving...and think that nothing can happen to them. His birthday gifts all came in envelopes this year. He is saving for a salt water aquarium.

Here's another closeup picture of the birthday boy. He's a great kid and fun to be with. He always used to play games with me...especially checkers. Once he said, "You think too much." He was just a little kid of 7, when he said that.

Here is most of the gang who were there celebrating. I think that there were 19 people there, so a few are missing from the picture. It was a fun party.

It was time to go home....and we were tired. We left the house pretty clean, but there is always a lot to do after everyone leaves. We have so many birthdays coming up in August. These kids grow up so fast. It won't be long before the babies are celebrating their 16th birthdays.

Balisha