Independence Eve

Technically, I don't suppose Independence Day is preceded by an Independence Eve. But for the sake of this blog, it does.

We decided to celebrate Carter's birthday a day early so we could have his grandparents, aunt, uncle and cousin from the Austin side of the family over. You know I love to bake, but since Carter didn't care what kind of cake he had, I bought one. I chose the red-white-and-blue design since his 18th birthday is sort of his "independence" day. Not that he's going anywhere. I just had to personalize it a bit and call it good.

The thing about 18th birthdays is there isn't much to the gift opening. A few cards. A few bucks. The card we gave him said we were getting him a tattoo. Like it? It says, "I love my parents."

Time for cake and "Birthday Cake" flavored ice cream!

Make a wish! Unless the wish is for Mom to quit taking so many pictures!

I spread out the candles but he still managed to get them all out with one, big breath. No girlfriends! (Yeah, right.)

A snapshot with cousin Colin, who many people mistake for Carter's older brother. Can't argue that they both have that shaved hair, brown-eyed handsome look going for them!

Colin, remembering way back when he turned 18, gave Carter a scratch-off lottery ticket, which Carter can now buy. Didn't win any money, but it felt cool to do an adult thing. Enjoy in moderation, please.

You're not quite independent YET.