Jack and Anna are 16!

On October 3, Jack and Anna turned 16! It was a Tuesday, so not the most exciting day for a birthday. Their big gift was the trip to DC, which we took over the summer. However, they still got to choose a few things, like their birthday meal and cake.

We started celebrating (sort of) on the Friday before their birthday. We had to go to Target to return a candle. Which, we forgot at home for the second time. Target is in a nice shopping center, so while we were there, we stopped in at Bath and Body Works for seasonal soaps. I had a coupon for a free item, which I gave to Anna. She got some birthday lotion. Then, we went to Crumbl and she picked out cookies for her and Jack, who was at a football game.

Saturday I took Anna to Lakeland to skate and we met Marta for breakfast. Jack had Saturday band camp and Luke had a baseball game. It was a busy day and we forgot to pick up Jack! All afternoon, we periodically remarked about how we had to get him at 3pm. Then, Beya came over and I was sitting outside while Luke and Beya swam, when suddenly Thomas ran outside to remind me that it was 3pm. Camp ended at 3 and traffic was awful so Thomas was pretty late picking him up. Jack was forgiving, but we felt bad. 

On Sunday, Jack had his birthday dinner. Initially he wanted to go to KFC. Then, he changed it to Cracker Barrel. Our plan was to go to Leu Gardens, Cracker Barrel and the library. But, it was a windy, rainy day. So, we skipped the gardens. Jack enjoyed his meal and even got some coke cake. He had one piece to himself. Luke, the girls and I shared another piece (Thomas is still sugar free). We also went to Kohls and both Jack and Anna got something. Jack was pretty annoyed at having to go shopping, but he ended up with a nice jacket so alls well that ends well. Anna picked out a candle.

Their actual birthday was a testing day at school. Neither of the girls had tests and we decided to let them skip. They assured us that all they would be doing was sitting in extra long periods without any substantive work. Anna wanted to make her and Jack's cake herself and she chose to recreate the haunted pumpkin patch cake. Versions of that cake were served on their 8th and 13th birthday. I think Anna's version was the best. She had a good time making it and it turned out both delicious and adorable. 

The original, served on their 8th birthday.

Version 2, made for their 13th.

The latest and greatest. The cake ball monsters are always the best part!

She had some help with the monsters

Jack left band practice an hour early and we went to Anna's chosen restaurant--Chick-Fil-A. Then, we headed home for cake and presents. It was a nice night. Anna got a loungefly from Jack and Luke. Kara got her a bluray of Little Women, which Anna has been wanting to watch for a while. Luke got Jack legos. Kara and Luke got him a Greendale Community College sweatshirt, which is from one of his favorite shows--Community.

Anna had her eye on this Black Widow Loungefly for a while.

So, our first-borns are 16. It is hard to believe. Everyone asks if they got their driver's licenses and the answer is no. They both have learner's permits, but we aren't in a hurry on the license. Once they have those, our insurance will increase by $300/month. Each. We are waiting until they can drive to school, so they will probably get them sometime this summer. 

It was fun celebrating Jack and Anna. They are great kids and we are so lucky they are a part of our family. I think back to how much I wanted children and how excited I was to be having twins. They have not disappointed! They were super fun little toddlers and they are super amazing teenagers. Every age has been full of much more joy than frustration. I hate to think that they are only a couple of years away from adulthood, but I am so happy to be their mom and to get to witness what life has in store for them. Happy birthday to Jack and Anna!