I really do not know how fans were sitting in the stands in the blazing sun but the heat was excessive! We were so happy to be in the box and appreciative of the AC – and the food!

Bama pulled out an easy win over Eastern Carolina.

Thanks Uncle Ronnie! Roll Tide!

I guess summer if officially over…even though it’s still temps in the 90s that feel like 100 with a heat advisory! Bring on fall!!

Love this crew and proud of them too!! Happy Friday!

Know who else went to Bottega? The lady that was sitting behind us at the concert. Yep. And she came up to me and apologized. You just never know!!

These girls were pumped to see the show at Legacy Arena!

and pumped to see so many of their friends there!

Lots of screams and squeals when he took the stage!

We had great seats too!

Unfortunately the woman in the row behind us decided to spoil it for everyone by getting so drunk that she got sick all over the floor. Truly disgusting and horrific – especially for Samantha who is legitimately terrified of vomit. We had to vacate our seats and this sweet woman from the BJCC helped us find a good place to stand and watch the rest of the show – because even after those seats got cleaned there was NO way Samantha was going back to them.

Despite the incident, it was such a happy and fun show! We made some memories for sure!

Love nights out with my best girl!

love them so!

Maxwell woke up and logged into the AL DMV, punched his golden ticket, and printed out his license! He was ready to go! But, first, the traditional birthday breakfast…

Then I made him take a bunch of pictures with his truck…

and then it was time for him to take his first solo drive – to pick up Spencer from his campout!! Anxiously awaiting his return…

He made it!

We then did presents – Maxwell had 16 from us to open plus ones from other family! Lucky guy!

In addition to a dumpling squishie from Samantha…

he got lots of gas money and car accessories!

We then went out to lunch and Maxwell took Spencer and Samantha with him. My whole heart in one car!!

That night Maxwell had dinner with his friends at Tecate…

and cake at home!

This kid is so easy to celebrate. Excited for him and the adventures ahead!! Happy Birthday Maxwell!!

Just born…

One year old…

Two years old…

Three years old…

Four years old…

Five years old…

Six years old…

Seven years old…

Eight years old…

Nine years old…

Ten years old…

11 years old…

12 years old…

13 years old….

14 years old…

Fifteen years old…

and now SIXTEEN!!!

What a handsome, amazing kid.

I could not be more proud of Maxwell. He’s responsible, considerate, respectful, smart, and just a fun person to be around. He’s a natural leader and uses those skills at school, sports, and scouts. He’s helpful and I can always count on him to do what is right and make the best decision he can. He’s always using his best judgment and I know that would make Daddo proud! As I have said before, he just figures things out and figures them out well.

This year brought lots of adventures and accomplishments for this kid – exploring the world with Moondance, pushing his limits with Philmont, killing a deer (!), going to his first Widespread show, learning to drive, and completing his Eagle Scout project. He got the Spartan Award at school and has excelled academically. He pushed himself with early morning football practices and never complained. He’s grown so much more independent and responsible with each day.

Favorite book? Count of Monte Cristo
Favorite TV show? Outer Banks
Favorite movie? Oceans 11
Favorite color? Red
Favorite song? TBD
Favorite number? 29 or 19
Favorite restaurant? Tecate
Favorite thing to eat? steak
Favorite friend? Jack
Favorite toy? car
Favorite dessert? GJ’s cookies
Favorite sport? Football
What do you want to be when you grow up? Orthopedic surgeon

Maxwell is the ultimate first born. He wants his way and will push and argue until he gets it. It can drive his siblings – and his parents! – crazy but it will serve him well in life. I will also say that his teenage sarcasm is in full force and he loves little jabs at me in particular…but I must admit that he’s pretty darn funny and I love his sarcastic wit and humor. Spencer and Samantha get very annoyed with him – and he with them – but I love their relationship and am incredibly thankful that they both have Maxwell leading the way. There is nothing better than when they are all at home getting along and laughing together. That is simply as good as it gets.

Maxwell has formed a solid group of friends that all seem to be making pretty good decisions. I’m really proud of who he has chosen to hang out with. He is well liked at school and has the ability to move between groups and be a friend to all. That is a good skill to have!

Maxwell is the kind of kid that that people compliment. Other parents respect him and trust him. He’s hard working, studious, and determined. I love to cheer this kid on in every thing he does. I cannot wait to see where he goes – in life and in his new truck!!! I could not be more proud of him and love him more than he will ever know.

Happy sixteen Maxwell! We love you.

Now go hit the road!!

While it might not have been the big surprise on his actual birthday, I’m really glad we got it a few months early so he’s had time to practice driving it – and parking it! It’s big!

The first weekend they drove it they got a nail in the tire which ended up with us getting him four new tires. Better to start off with brand new shoes, right?!

Off he goes this weekend! My pickup man!