Ben's 14th Birthday Celebration

On April 16th we celebrated Ben's 14th birthday.  It was a full day from start to finish.  Here is a look at how he celebrated this year.

 

birthday morning decorations 

 

 

Like all special occasions around here, we started the morning with pancakes. 

 

 

blowing out his candles 

 

 

We then took photos. 

 

brothers 

 

He was eager to open his gifts. 

 

He got a t-shirt from the climbing gym, which happens to be his favorite place. 

 

He also got a gaming chair for his bedroom. 

 

David and Ben putting his chair together. 

 

Much to his dislike, he had a normal morning of school.   

 

We went out to eat for lunch.  He chose Pasta Nostra. 

 

He loves penne alfredo! 

 

The restaurant brought him an ice cream birthday dessert. 

 

We came home for cake.  This year he wanted a cheesecake. 

 

Ben's birthday cake 

 

Later that afternoon we drove into San Cristobal for a bowling party with a few of his friends. 

 

The bowling alley served a fruity pebble funnel cake for his birthday.

 

 

His friends singing to him. 

 

opening gifts from friends 

 

 

Overall, it was a very fun day for him.  I still can't believe he is fourteen and will be starting high school in the fall.  The years fly by quickly!   

 

Here is a look at his birthday over the years. 

 

 

Welcome to our world Benjamin Miller White

April 16, 2012 

Guatemala City, Guatemala 

 

 

Ben's birth video 

 

 

birthdays 1- 5 

 

birthdays 6- 10 

birthdays 11- 14

 

Here is our family celebrating Ben over the years-  

birthdays 1- 4 

 

birthdays 5- 8 

 

birthdays 9 - 12 

 

birthdays 13-14

 

Cruz Turns 14!!!

 On May 26 Cruz turned 14!  Here is how we celebrated him this year.

 

dining room decorations

 

the birthday boy

 

"14"

 

breakfast pancakes

 

 

 

family photo

 

Cruz with his dad

 

Cruz with his mom 

 

If you know teens, you know they are not very affectionate.  I tried hard to get a photo kissing him on the cheek.  We laughed hard at him trying to avoid it. 

 

 

Cruz with his brother

 

He chose to eat his birthday lunch at Hector's Bistro. 

It is a current family favorite.

 

Just like his brother, this year he chose to have a birthday pie instead of a birthday cake.

 

Earlier in the month he had a "birthday party" outing with two of his friends.   They went out for lunch at Pappy's BBQ, had ice cream at Glacy, and then spent some time together walking around our beautiful town.  He especially enjoyed that he got to do all of this on his own without his parents. 

 

Enjoying an outing with friends to celebrate his birthday.

 

Here is a look at his birthdays over the years- 

 

years 1-10

 

 

years 11-14

 

Family birthday photos over the years- 

 

years 1-7

 

years 8-14

 

I love this song and I add it to my blog every year for Cruz's birthday.  I truly wish time would slow down.  But, in the meantime, I'm trying to soak in each and every moment I can!