thir(d)TEEN

Say WHAT?!? How can we possibly have three teenagers already? Deny as I might, this is now our beautiful reality for our family.

H a P p Y 13th B i R t H d A y !

Our baby Luca, our little Italian surprise has officially joined the ranks of teenage life. Luca, it has been such a joy to see how the Lord has grown you this past year. One of the huge changes has been the decrease in tears over homework. I remember clearly driving with you in the car after the first week of school and you told me "Mamma this year is going to be different. I'm going to do good in school." And boom! Just like that you flipped your switch and kept to your decision. This is in total line with your character, once you decide to do something there is no stopping you. I am so proud of how you have independently tackled 7th grade. Of course, you don't enjoy the homework and the extra hard work it is for you to study in Italian, but you are getting through it as we stand by and cheer you on. Bravo!

You are not our conversationalist and one can pretty much expect a non-sensical and never straight forward answer from you, leaving us guessing as to what you are really thinking. So when you do come out with a meaningful comment or response my heart goes all a flutter and I cherish those insights into your heart and mind.

Little brother king...always looking to annoy your siblings. In this case when they are taking photos.

But there is no bond greater, and you do love being siblings

This past year you have become my sous chef for Sunday brunch and you have become the master of lava cakes. You were determined to perfect that unique dessert and we have all benefited from your skill. This past fall you also wanted to make a Minecraft cake for no other reason than to cake decorate. You did the whole thing from start to finish!

You have also officially made me the shorty of the family. Looking up to you is still taking some time for me to get used to. You are just hitting your growth spurt and each morning it seems like your legs have stretched more in the night.

March 29, 2019
Verona, Italy

This year your birthday fell on another special weekend which included a trip to Verona and skipping school on your birthday. Therefore, we enjoyed celebrating your birthday a couple of days early. Mimicking your brother's birthday, you chose cheesecake and pizza from Centro.

Saving all your allowance, Christmas and birthday money to finally get this.

We are so thankful for you, Luca and the special young man God is growing you into. We love you, Luca, always and forever, no matter what!!

Mark and Diane treating Luca to a special pastry in Verona on his birthday

And when you have to tag along and follow your dad's choir all day through the streets of Verona, you better believe that at some point you will get a spectacular birthday song.