Well, I guess we have entered the holiday season. What starts things off in our house is our son's birthday. Yesterday he turned seventeen. SEVENTEEN! He keeps reminding me that in just one year he'll be a legal adult and I struggle with accepting the fact that time moves so fast. He's my oldest. The one who made me a mother, which is something I always dreamed about. I'm sure I keep screwing it up but I am so, so proud of the young man he's becoming.
And since he has such a big interest in politics and history it was no surprise that he requested a trip to Valley Forge for his birthday. Valley Forge was where George Washington and the Continental Army set up encampment from December 1777 to June 1778 during the Revolutionary War. My husband and I had both visited Valley Forge back in our teenage years but it was a first for our children and they seemed to enjoy it.
We took a lot of pictures during our exploration. Oh, look, it's me!
General George Washington's headquarters.
Our trip to Valley Forge was on Saturday and since we were close we decided to walk around King of Prussia mall where we circled around and got lost. It's a big mall. The biggest I've been to with several stores I could never afford. Then we ate at The Shake Shack before heading home.
Sunday was the official birthday. After church we hung out at home, ate the chicken wings Rob prepared and ate birthday cake. I really wanted a nice picture of Matthew by the cake but he insisted on being silly. Typical teenager!
These seventeen years have been quite a journey and we've had our ups and downs but I would not want it any other way. I miss the little baby who cried every time I put him down, the toddler who gave me constant hugs and kisses and the little boy who always smiled contently at everything. The teen years have been difficult, I'm not going to lie, but despite all those obstacles he works hard and has goals set for the future. He's funny and loving. He gives so many reasons to be proud!
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What a beautiful post celebrating your son, Dawn. Happy Birthday to him! And hugs for your heart. Everyone tells us how quickly the years pass, but until we wake up with a teenager who seemed to be a toddler yesterday, we don't understand. Love the picture of you! Have a great week. Flynn turned 15 last week. Madison is 28!!!!! tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteAww happy birthday to your son! And your first born at that! Yes the teen years can be interesting for sure, but he looks like a wonderful young man, destined for greater things. Congratulations Mom, you’ve done well.
ReplyDeleteWow I’d love to visit Valley Forge. I have visited Morristown, New Jersey the location where General George Washington established two winter encampments during the Revolutionary War. I’m a history geek - The museum was amazing.
Have a wonderful week and holiday.
Happy birthday to Matthew - looks like you guys had a nice day celebrating!! Where do those years go after our first born?? I hope all of you have a nice day tomorrow. Happy Thanksgiving!!
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