Today our Chad Ryan is THIRTEEN years old!

A teenager.

With the biggest heart I have ever known!

It was such a pleasure to celebrate this young man last night.

And celebrate him we did!

To stick with tradition, we ate the meal of Chad’s choosing.

ALL I can say about that is….he wanted to make sure his Mama could eat every single thing that was served.

I know. My heart.

SO, we had baked barbecue chicken, cubed roasted sweet potatoes, bacon ranch roasted cauliflower, and fruit stew.

I did eat every single thing that was served!

It was super yummy!

We started a new tradition this birthday.

An idea that I borrowed!

Everyone told me their favorite thing about Chad, and I wrote it down.

Chad read them all and had to guess which one of us said which thing!

It was super fun, and a tradition that will carry on!

Chad opened gifts.

Which is also tradition.

Addie Mae made Chad the dessert of his choosing to finish out our party!

Grasshopper pie.

We need to rename grasshopper pie.

It was making two little people very confused!

Let’s call it mint chocolate chip ice cream pie!

We had Chad’s favorite people at his party!

Especially this one!

And these.

Chad Ryan, we are blessed beyond measure to call you our son. We are inspired by how determined you are, constantly laughing at your quick wit, love how big your heart is – especially for your siblings, and nothing could bring us more joy than seeing you walk in truth. We believe the Lord will use you mightily, Chad!! Keep living for Him in ALL that you do!!

Happy, happy birthday, Chad!!!

WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!