This year was no different. Sue came over and we have Orange Chicken for Jimmy's big day and Pasta with Meatballs for Sues. Their favorite foods. With Brownies as the celebratory dessert.
This year they both got gear. Jimmy got a new MAGA hat from Grandma and Grandpa and Sue got a Hopkins Football t-shirt. Again, perfect.
Updates on both...
Jimmy - holy cow, 17 has me sort of freaked out. There is a part of me that is worried that we only have another year with him before he's an official adult. I know this is a bit silly since he's going to be a junior and actually has 2 more years before he actually leaves for college but it also means that, at this time next year, he could walk out and get a tattoo. Not ready for that. To be honest, I can't figure out if its my momma bear instinct that I want to keep him home as long as possible to keep him safe or if I'm a deranged control freak. Probably a bit off both. But, he's a good good kid. He's leaning VERY Republican this year and starts nightly debates with me on almost every subject (abortion, immigration, racism, politics, economics, gun control - you name it). On one hand, he does his research, forms his own opinion and isnt swayed by what his friends think (most think he's crazy). He's dead set on starting a Young Republicans club as his VERY liberal school and has joined YAF. He's also on Jennifer Zilinski's campaign team and is trying to figure out how she can beat Ilhan (spoiler alert, she can't and he knows it). But, he's determined to try. He has a girlfriend (Melanie) who's awfully nice. His "type" for sure, sporty (state golfer), nice and smart. She had him all over MPLS this summer seeing the sights - the sculpture garden, top of Foshay, infinity bridge at the Walker, mini golfing, Minnehaha Falls, Lake Minnetonka, Lake Harriet, you name it, she's talked him into going. In return, he's made her watch High School Muscial and Camp Rock - his 2 favorite movies. Pretty wholesome. However, he doesnt talk politics with her (he "respects her too much to get into a full blown argument at this stage of the relationship") On top of it all, football (his 1st love) has started and he's in hog heaven. The only downside is that he has a small stress fracture in his left hand due to a tough block. He can't have contact for 2 weeks and its killing him but .. considering the 1st game is still a week away, he'll probably be cleared to play. All in all, this kid has the world by the tail and is grateful for it.
Sue - she's as busy as ever. She sold her house last year (owned it for 35 years) and moved into a hip new condo on Green Bay that overlooks the lake, is on the boardwalk and even has some Packers as neighbors. She spends 4 months a year in Costa Rica and is becoming a surf competition regular and expert. This is on top of her volunteering at the preschool at her church AND her twice a year trip to Kenya to help at a school. Talk about having life by the tail. She's very easy and chill to have around and the kids adore her. (all her nieces and nephews adore her). Her love of the Badgers and Packers hasn't wained and you can see her a few games each season. Its so awesome that she's living her life to the fullest.
So...all is good here. Blessed by family and friends and birthdays. We love you Jimmy! We love you Sue!!
A BIG shout out and gratitude to Jimmy's birth parents and foster parents. He's kind, talented, thoughtful, smart, funny, engaging, maddening, passionate, dedicated, hard working, stubborn and has big big dreams (Secretary of State). THANK YOU!!
Picture day, his FAVORITE day of the whole year
Last day of being 16
Opening cards.
Crazed
His card from Melanie
He got the cutest smile when he read "she sort of likes him"
He waited to open his present from Melanie until he was with us for the family dinner
Sweet girlfriend gift of a sweatshirt
Billy and Kay's gift
Madden 19
G & G;s gift
The anticipation
A new MAGA hat
God help us
He's excited 
Sigh
They forgot to tell me it was orange day on Sue's birthday
Birthday Besties
Shrimp Boil! No Manners Dinner
Sue's new shirt
