Nate is TEN!!

Have mercy. Has it really been 10 years!?! Nate's 10th birthday was Sunday, December 20th, 2015. 

Mimi & Paka arrived the day before, so his birthday started off extra special! I made the celebratory pancakes for breakfast and he ate on his special plate.

The TEN YEAR OLD!

And his wild hair. Between the chlorine and the thickness of his hair, it gets a little out of control.

I posted this on Instagram. My how they can change in 10 years.

Nate was so gracious to say it was OK if we went to Old Downtown St. Charles to look around at the Christmas decorations on his birthday. Although I think he had the best time because there were many antique shops. Boy loves him some antiques. He did not get that from me!

Us, with our 10 year old and our 5 year old. That used to seem so far away.

We went to Old Spaghetti Factory for his birthday dinner (Nate's favorite!). I was trying to get a picture of Mimi & her first grandchild but Lila leaned over. I love that I got this of Nate resting his head on her shoulder.

That's better!

Funny thing about Nate is that he doesn't really like birthday cake. So every year we get a cake with characters and it doesn't really get eaten. So this year I asked him if we could just get a cake that he liked. He agreed, so we ordered a red velvet cake and I got some Star Wars decorations to add to it. I think it turned out perfect! And it got eaten!

Opening some birthday gifts...

We were winding down for the night when we heard somebody coming up the stairs. It was a group of carolers from Nate's school and he was so surprised! He was a little embarrassed but loved it too.

Sweet Nate,
It goes without saying that I will never forget that day 10 years ago when you came into our lives. It was a long day, but I was so happy to finally have you with us. I loved you from the first moment I saw you and love you more everyday. You are growing up to be a smart, kind (except maybe to your sister - ha!), thoughtful, creative, and handsome young man.

I know you are going to need us less and less over the next few years, and that makes me a little sad. But I'm so proud of the person you are becoming and know that you'll humor my help for a while. You always do.

Thank you for being an amazing son and brother. Happy 10th Birthday sweet boy, I love you.

Mom