Skip to main content

Sweet 16 on summer solstice...

For the last year, since acquiring her driver's permit, all Savannah has talked about was getting a car when she turned 16. John said he would try, but let's get real, although every parent may want to meet their child's heart's desire, it isn't always possible or in their best interest. Her argument has been that Bailey got a car. My argument, he was 17 not 16, and my dad gave it to him, not me and John. Argument null and void! Lorelei had the idea we could still get her a "car". It is certainly a "car" but maybe just not what Savannah had in mind. She woke to the traditionally decorated table and family room, ready to open her "gift"!





John had the added idea to wrap a set of keys. As funny and clever as we thought we were, Savannah was NOT amused! After the initial disappointment, she did admit to it being a little funny and she would definitely laugh about it later in life, looking back on her Sweet 16.

Savannah was very indecisive about her 16th birthday. At first, she was sure she wanted a big party. Then she decided, maybe just s few close friends over. Finally, she said, "I just want to hang out with you guys and Luke." So that's what we did. A simple day of Starbucks for her free birthday treat, shopping for her real present...a pair of Chacos (an expensive pair of outdoor water shoes that are all the rage with teenage girls!), sushi for lunch and dinner with Luke. They were going to go out on a real date, but they decided on Pei Wei take out and an indoor picnic. Savannah wanted to take a few pictures to capture the moment.


These two are too cute, silly and goofy too!






Savannah shares her birthday with the Summer Solstice and so far our summer has been pretty low key, since Bailey's graduation.  We've celebrated Father's Day and my niece's birthday, but not much else. It's right about now that the kids finally find their summer groove. Our days are filled with pool time, occasional outings, and lots of hanging out at  home.

I'm happy with how well all four of them are getting along this summer.


Big versus little...an yet, just 18 months apart!


Father's day donuts from Lorelei.


Goofing around...


Brieley turned 10!


Savannah has her first  official camp starting Monday morning. She's in Camp Neuro, it's a medical camp for high school students interested in the medical field. Savannah's main interest has always been Neurology. The camp is through the University Health Science Center. Each day will focus on a different neurological disorder. She'll get to see patients, hear lectures, dissect a sheep's brain and practice sutures on a pigs arm! Plus, she'll get her first set of scrubs! 
Dr. Boyen...you are wanted in surgery! 

Lorelei has had diving Monday through Thursday for the past two months. She's made wonderful progress and has her first competition July 6!

The Boyen boys have been up to a whole lot of nothing! Bailey is enjoying his last relaxing summer, before heading off to Texas Tech. Jonas loves his extra time for video games, art and cooking! He loves whipping something up in the kitchen.

July is just around the corner...looking forward to the 4th and the summer fun still ahead for the Boyen Bunch.

Comments

  1. Sweet 16 indeed!
    Summer holds great joys and adventures. Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Feeling a little salty...

  It may not look like I'm feeling a little salty in this picture, but  I was. It's June, and summer vacation had just started. All the chaos of May had me feeling a little tired, and I was experiencing what I thought was mild back pain from sciatica. I had noticed a few spots on my back and leg that looked like bug bites. Savannah was over, and we were about to head out to the pool when she noticed a crazy rash on my leg. She FaceTimed my mom, who said it looks like shingles?!?! John didn't agree and thought there was no way. Savannah insisted I go to urgent care. What do you know...I did have shingles. As soon as I mentioned how busy my month had been, that I was a teacher, had a Senior graduating, etc. The doctor said stress is one of the biggest causes of shingles. I was lucky this sweet girl of mine made me go get checked out. I was able to start meds and caught it early.  I did not have time for shingles! Hence the saltiness. That same week was Lorelei's high scho...

The days are long...

...but the years are short. I've always loved the saying. One of my favorite authors and podcasters, Gretchen Rubin, is credited as the original author of this quote. I always think about it when another year passes. This year was fast and furious, as I have found all the years to be since my kids became teenagers. It seems like every time I turn around, there's another graduation, major milestone, or life achievement by one of my kids. 2024 had a high school graduation, college graduation, three moves from home to college, from college back to town, from across town, back to home. And the dust hasn't completely settled yet. Gretchen Rubin has another saying now that her kids are grown. Instead of an empty nest, she calls it an "Open Door." I love that too. My door will always be open to my kids and their friends, as it seems like there's always an extra somebody at our house too. It's one of my favorite times.  Thanksgiving break brought some new friends ...

Relax...

  January came and went,  (even though it felt like forever.) February is nearly over. I haven't felt like writing, sharing, or posting. Nothing secretive or special going on, I've just been living in my own space and moments. A new year feels precious and extraordinary, even if winter feels hard, I want to savor these cozy moments. The next six months will be challenging, as I face more milestones with my Boyen Bunch. These last two months have been a time for me to brace myself for the excitement ahead.  Once Spring break hits, the rest of the school year flies by, and before we know it...well, you know how that goes. By the end of 2025, my nest will be empty.  I'm not a fan of the "new year, new me" concept, because I am a continuous work in progress. I can't start over every year. But the one thing I know I need to work on is relaxing . That's why this year, my word of the year is to relax. This blog post is a prime example.  I give myself a deadline ...