Spencer's 15!

Spencer turned 15 a couple weeks ago. He said it was the perfect birthday. 

As usual, we combined his birthday with Mother's Day. He requested a white cake with raspberry filling.

He had been sick that day, so we put a candle on just one slice. No need to infect the whole cake.

We all got together at my parents' house and ate dinner on their deck. It was lovely.

On his actual birthday, he skipped school and went to Six Flags/Magic Mountain with his cousins! That is pretty much his favorite place ever. This was Dallin and Peter's first time there, and he was so excited to show it to them.

Thank you, Nathan, for taking the group. You made them so happy! 

The lines were very short, and they went on Tatsu (his favorite ride in the world) FIVE TIMES! 

The next day we had Panda Express for dinner and opened presents.

 He was excited to get Ticket to Ride. He played it with his cousins once.

It's currently everyone's favorite Sunday board game. A few days after his birthday, he had friends over for a movie and shave ice party. They watched Monty Python. There were about 20 kids - mostly from church and a few from school. They are such great kids!

Spencer has one year of high school under his belt, and he did great. He woke up every day at 5:40 for early morning seminary at 6:30 (a scripture study class at church) and wouldn't get home from sports until after 5. He actually goes to bed earlier this year because he's so tired! He just finished up his tennis season. 

He had 2 matches a week, and half of them were at home (at a local tennis club). It was really convenient for us to run over and watch. He was on the JV team with 6 other members, and he played singles. They had a great coach, Jan. They ate out at a lot of restaurants while they were away, so that was fun for him.

He had never played tennis before, and he improved a ton over the season. It was more fun than cross country, which he did in the fall (more fun for us to watch, too!).  He and Dave have started playing together for date nights and on Saturdays. 

 

He is getting ready for a 60 mile kayaking trip this summer with the scouts, and they have had several shake-down trips. He loves it SO much. Dave and Tyler have gone a few times too.  

He always comes home with some crazy stories! Luckily they haven't lost anyone. I always appreciate how much detail he provides.  

Spencer is such an awesome big brother! He's great at including all the kids and organizing games and activities. He is able to mobilize the troops like no one I know. If I ever need the kids to do something and can't get them to respond, I tell Spencer, and he gets them to do it. He gets them excited about things, and they really follow his lead.

He is so good with Chloe! There are times when she is sad or throwing a tantrum, and he is the only one who can calm her down. She calls him "Tencer."