Parker's 17th Birthday

 I don't think anyone in the history of ever has ever had a better 17th birthday than Parker Steven Peterson. 

He took my car and spent the night at my parent's house on Friday night where he played video games with Ben and Noah and ate Wendy's for dinner. My mom and dad do such a good job spoiling him for his birthday and there is no where else he'd rather be than with them for his birthday - which tells you a little something about the integrity of Parker's heart. 

Saturday was his actual birthday and we carved out the whole day just for him. And he had a plan! We picked him up and then headed down to San Diego to go shopping. He got new Nike Jordans and some shirts and felt super good about that. I took the girls shopping at Nordies and Ray tried on the most spectacular sparkly dress that we just HAD to buy. She was sooo happy after her hour of shopping and I told her, "That's called retail therapy, princess!" She said, "Mommy, my heart is so happy! I am just filled with so much gratitude for these clothes!" Oh my heart. I'd buy her the moon if it would make her heart happy.

Then, we cruised down to SeaPort Village and walked down to the Gaslamp District to meet up with Emerald who was performing. It was a trip walking around and watching all of the crazy people. Holy cow... there were some interesting characters. But Parker and Emerald were soooo happy to see each other! The girls each made notes and rainbow loom bracelets for Emerald which they put in her tip jar. We spent a few hours with her as she did her contortion tricks and people were in awe of her. 

When she was done and we were walking back to the car, they kissed!!!!!!! By the light of a million twinkle lights, the glistening ocean, and the moon, they each shared their very first kiss! The look on his face was priceless... not to mention, he had all of her make up all over his face! ha ah

Then we went to Parker's favorite restaurant, Islands. It was 9:30 when we got there and the kids were soooooo tired. But they were really well behaved at dinner and I was so glad because it was a nice time to get to know Emerald's parents a little better and celebrate the birthday boy. Emerald got him a couple of presents- clothes! And he loves it all. They were snuggled in close together in the booth and were both dreamy eyed.

They kissed again (7 times all together according to Parker!) and said goodbye. She goes to Tennessee this week for work and who knows when they will be able to see each other again. Parker was absolutely on cloud 9 on the way home. He spent another night at my parents house and went to church with them on Sunday. We didn't get home until around 1am so we had a very lazy day watching the Olympics and laying around. (Besides teaching Ella's class in Primary).

This year is going to be, no doubt, an amazing and transformative year for Parker. Everything in his life is perfectly aligned with potential for happiness. And that is all due to his strong moral compass, kind heart, and determination to be righteous. Parker, I love you so much and I know I've said it so many times, but I AM SO PROUD OF YOU! Keep up the good work and your path will be filled with amazing opportunities and wonderful rewards. Your future is bright!