David's Birthday

David is fast approaching 16 years of age...his birthday is on Friday. Here is a little slideshow of some of his birthdays. Not all of our photos are organized, let alone on digital media, but hey!

He wanted a wool overcoat as his gift from us, so after shopping in a number of stores (Nordstrom, Banana Republic, J. Crew, Gap, Old Navy) and finding that they don't have much selection in his size, we made 3 trips to the "Men's Wearhouse." Three trips were necessary in order to have some sent from other stores, have David try them all on (multiple times), and settle on just the thing...a black, wool-cashmere blend, calf-length coat made by Calvin Klein. The kid has taste, and he loves the coat. We were fortunate to have a $50.00 gift certificate (from something-or-other in the past) to apply to it. Happy Birthday, big guy!

He is chomping at the bit to get his driver's license...and the only thing in his way is taking the actual driving exam...He already passed the written test and Driver's Ed. Though he's a great driver, I have the jitters.

We have been shopping for skis for David. He has rented his skiis in the past, so uncle Jim and aunt Caroline, who like to take him skiing, have offered to help pay for some new skiis for his birthday. We found just the pair, on sale, including bindings, and they were purchased today. Next is boots and poles.

More David news: he applied for a place on the Model United Nations team at his high school, and he was accepted. This means that he is going to be studying the U.N. for the next few months, in anticipation of the Model U.N. meetings in Washington D.C. This trip will involve traveling with his AP History teacher (the team leader) and a group of other kids, to stay in D.C. in February...just after the inauguration. What a blessing, and what a great time to go! They will also tour historic sites in the area while they are there. Talk about hands-on learning...and that overcoat will come in handy! Grandma and Kappa are paying for this trip; we appreciate that very, very much.

But wait, there's more...David also applied to take a trip to France with his French teacher and a group of students over spring break, and yes, he was accepted for that, as well. (My head is spinning a little bit.) He will go to Paris for a few days, and then head to the south of France. In the south, the students will attend a French school, each one will stay with a French family and travel with them for a weekend. I am so excited for him. I went to Europe with People to People International during the summer between my junior and senior years of high school, and it was a wonderful, formative, delightful experience.

You have to understand that this is our one kiddo at home. He's going to get a lot of focus, as well as be a little bit spoiled, as we are all so thankful to have him in our life! David has always been a wonderful guy, with a sterling character and a good sense of humor; he's a natural student, loves music, sports and has varied interests. Keeping up with this guy takes energy. He sleeps late on the weekends, but he packs a lot into his days.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAVID! WE LOVE YOU!