Jesse is SIXTEEN!

It finally happened. Our baby went and got all "grown up" on us.

16!

Monumental as far as Birthday's go. New freedoms include the dreaded double d's: driving and dating. Also an advancement in the Priesthood.

As the firstborn, Jess has experienced a lot of firsts with us as parents, as well as firsts for him. We sure love the joy and happiness that he brings into our home. Just a few of our favorite things about the J-Dawg that make him unique:

-Works on autopilot for about the first twenty minutes of everyday. Not even sure that he has his eyes open until about 6:15. A real creature of habit.

-Demands complete and total privacy in the bathroom, even to comb his hair or brush his teeth.

-Tells "Yo Mama" and "Chuck Norris" jokes at the request of Mom.

-Hates tomatoes...we are secretly praying for a mission call to Italy someday.

-Ate the 6 x 6 at In-n-Out Burger to avoid having to pay for gas money in his friends truck. (that is six patties covered with 6 slices of cheese)

-Requires total darkness and quiet in order to fall asleep at night yet can sleep until noon with everyone else in the house awake and noisily engaged in work.

-Is addicted to Burt's Bees Lip Balm

-Loves the dog and calls her by 10 different names. Does not like cleaning up her backyard deposits.

-Is lucky enought to have his waist still be smaller than the inseam of his pants.

In all ways we love Jesse. He is a good young man who has made his parents truly proud!

The Birthday Board. Jesse's friends were getting all gushy saying his full name and repeating the embarassing sentiments of his mother.

No more braces and a $$$ smile. Dad even talked him into a haircut to celebrate the big day. Mom made some decadent, ultra rich, fudge covered bundt cakes in an effort to satisfy J-Birds unending passion for all things chocolate.

Did someone say "Cheese?" The 3 amigos looking slightly goofy.

Most, if not all, free time is spent on the skateboard. Various items have been borrowed from our local neighborhood grocery store to provide venues to perform tricks.

Funny to see him wearing the same checkerboard Vans that we wore as kids.