Cute Lizzie planned a surprise party for Marty's birthday and invited his best friends.
He knew we were going to have a family BBQ for his birthday, but didn't think anything else was planned all day.
She even organized his buddies to have a boys' night last night so she could go shopping and bring food over to be ready for the party tonight.
He was definitely surprised!
He had requested lemon bundt cake, so that was my contribution!
And I cut up the watermelon -- doesn't cut watermelon make it feel like summer?!
We invited Lizzie's parents and her sister, Erica, over too.
So while the kids played pickle ball, the adults had a chance to visit. We have loved getting to know them, but the last few times we've been together were at the wedding or showers or planning wedding. It was so nice to just get to chat with them as friends rather than making plans.
I just can't believe he's 23!
Marty is kind and a loyal friend. He's a thinker and questioner and rememberer.
He learns quickly -- from academics to sports to games to music. He's our go-to guy when we need someone to read the rules, understand and then explain them well so the rest of us get it.
(Like a new game for instance. Or a political issue.)
He's got a stubborn streak, like his mom. More than likely born out of a need to be understood and appreciated or preferring to stick to an established routine that works. (Like his mom.)
He's got the business acumen and understanding of how things work, like his dad.
I like to remember how when he was 7 and Courtney was 9, Courtney was crying because her feet were freezing skiing. Marty offered his socks to keep her warm and went without the rest of the day.
He's cool under pressure.
When at Lake Powell and the tube rope got caught in the propeller, Dan was frustrated and worried. They were stranded in the middle of the lake with a boat full of little kids.
Marty said, "Dad, we can do this" and patiently worked with Dan to take turns holding their breath, swimming under the boat and loosening the rope until they got it free.
If he sees his brothers stressed or worried, he always has their back and let's them know he understands where they're coming from.
This year he met Lizzie and started accounting and finance classes -- two things he's absolutely loved.
We've loved watching him fall in love with both!
We love hearing his enthusiasm for what he's learning in school.
And we've loved, loved, loved hearing him talk about Lizzie and watching their courtship.
They are a wonderful team!
Happy Birthday, Marty! I love him so much!
No comments:
Post a Comment