Tee it Up: A Golf Party & HOORAY for Finding the Lost Photos!

Several weeks ago, I spent some serious hours on my computer and scouring my office looking for Will’s birthday party photos. I had all but given up. And cried. Not because the photos were going to take Pinterest by storm, but because the memories would only reside in my brain and nowhere else. It was such a spectacular morning and I feared there would never be documentation of that joy.

It killed me.

And then I decided to say one last prayer to St. Anthony.

I sat at my desk, emptied the drawer I had looked in 1,000 times before in search of the camera card. Alas, after taking everything out, nada. Then, the papers I was holding in my hand slipped. A St. Gianna prayer card landed on top and underneath? Underneath was that elusive camera card.

Why didn’t I do that eight weeks ago?!?

These photos are so precious to me. Please forgive a mama who needs to blog about a party that was nearly two months ago. If only to remember the joy.

Will invited a few buddies out to Top Golf for his fourteenth birthday, a seriously awesome spot here in Austin. I guess the best way to describe it is it’s like bowling for golf. Depending upon where your ball lands, you get varying amounts of points. I was just content to eat the chocolate filled donut holes.

We grabbed the opening slot at 9:30, knowing that later in the day would just mean a longer wait. It was a spectacular day, sunshine, tiny breeze and perfect golfing weather. While Gianna, my mom and I enjoyed the comfy couches, the girls ate pastries and the boys had a grand time.

My dad and Will share a birthday which is pretty much awesome. Just look at those smiles.

We had the world’s kindest server, Mitch. While the boys ate everything in sight, he just kept smiling and bringing them more food.

The party treats were fun golf cupcakes with a fourteen flag I created and stuck in the top. No, I did not make those delicious cupcakes, but I bet you know who did. Favors are tricky with fourteen-year-old boys, so I went with the ‘ol standby: FOOD. It never disappoints.

What I remember most about the day wasn’t the sweets or the golf swings, but the moments. Like these.

Clare begged all morning to hold Gianna. Her stint would only last a couple of minutes, but ten minutes later she was back, begging again. Luke was a trooper. It wasn’t until we got home that we found out he had a 103 fever! #momoftheyear Will was so gracious in that photo. “Sure, Mom. I’ll hold up a cupcake and smile.” He’s learned that the sooner he smiles, the sooner he gets to eat it. HA!

Luke wanted to be a big kid so badly. The kids let him take a few strokes and it made his day. The girls look like twins here. No wonder people ask me that all the time!

John Paul invited a friend and was in heaven. These two get along so well.

I think my dad may have had the best time. He loves golf and he’s pretty dang good at it, too. He quietly stepped up to the box, swung the club and would occasionally say, “That’s how it’s done” before moseying back to his spot on the couch. Scott played referee and caddy to the entire crew while mom and I kept Gianna and the girls happy.

We even managed a family photo before everyone took off for the day. Luke was clearly not having it and Gianna must’ve found something much more interesting than looking at the camera.

But the photo that caused me tear up? This one. Who is that young man? So handsome. So confident. So old.

Will, may you always know just how much I’m enjoying this new season of parenthood. Spending the morning watching you golf with your friends was the perfect way to usher in year #14. Let’s do it.