The day is approaching....

Yesterday we had Luke's nineteenth birthday party. It is a Nelson family tradition to gather everyone together to celebrate birthdays--either in homes or at restaurants. We celebrated at home, with Mark grilling hamburgers and brats, corn on the cob, a couple of salads, chips and Dairy Queen cake.

Luke started off the morning in a rather unusual way. One of his friends turned 18 yesterday, so for his birthday he wanted to visit a Casino. So, at midnight (when he would be legally 18), they entered the casino. Luke, even though he is nineteen, asked permission to go and said he'd only spend $5 or $10. So, we gave him our permission, if not exactly blessing. He got to experience first hand how so many people lose money foolishly, and hopefully will be cured of wanting to visit or gambling again. He's got too many other things he wants to do with his money.

In the morning, he was up and ready to play bass guitar at church. From casino to church in a matter of hours. We were grateful for the quick transformation. ;)

Later that day, Tim stood in line for an hour at Dairy Queen to pick up Luke's birthday cake, which was decorated with a guitar. I told Tim it was worth the wait, but I think he was just glad to be home. I wonder how many more birthday parties like this we will have, since Luke plans to move in a couple of weeks........ I suppose I'll keep up the tradition as long as he lives nearby and remains single.

Till next time,


Suzi