Parker's 17th Birthday!

Parker is 17!

1-7!

He gets taller, smarter and more handsome everyday!

(Which is how he calculated the value of his candles so quickly)

We had a great little celebration with Grandma,

and Christian, Siona and Doug and Evi's family.

And his sweet girlfriend

(hiding behind Sterling)

Here's a better shot of them together.

So perfect, right?

Parker's actual birthday started the last day

of the Clark Family Reunion in Park City, UT

We surprised him with presents!

And my family did too!

But since the reunion was done,

we were headed home!

Except for one side trip.

A birthday feast at CHEDDAR'S!

But just let me gush about Parker for a second.

He is just so cool.

He LOVES marching band,

and works so hard.

I get weekly texts from other parents

telling me thanks for Parker being so uplifting.

He helps without being asked,

he encourages and leads the other students.

And he really shines to all the adults around him too.

His love for suits has only grown since his early days,

and every paycheck goes to more fashionable clothes.

(or his girlfriend)

But don't let the suit fool you,

He knows how to get dirty,

and really wet!

Our ward Bishop taught the kids

all how to surf behind his boat,

and like most things,

Parker is just a natural!

He also knows how to be really silly.

He has more friends than a boy could ask for,

and he always is making them happy.

He is also a very devoted big brother.

He looks out for each of his siblings,

and is a great example to them.

Sterling especially gets the special Parker treatment!

But since he was born,

I've always wondered what this little boy would become,

and I have to say though he's only 17,

the future is looking very good for him.