15 Going on 15

As parents, we are always relieved when our kids make good decisions.

But when the teenage years arrive and then press forward with a steady force, we are REALLY relieved when our kids make good decisions.

And one of the biggest decisions is the kind of company they keep.

Kennedy has always been blessed to have a good strong circle of friends. Good kids who make good decisions and live good lives. Kids who build each other up, look after one another, and encourage each other along.

(Oh, and they have a whole lot of fun in the process.)

For her 15th birthday this year, she wanted to have a party with her closest pals. 15 guests showed up and the decibels soared skyward. Between, playing Hit the Deck and the Dice Game, the windows rattled with laughing, teasing, friendly competition and teenage energy. I think the boys were as loud as the girls. As I looked around the room, camera in hand, I took great solace in the fact that these All-American kids believed in and acted with the same high standards.

Thumbs up to all the great parents out there.

Click to enlarge

Allow me to let you in on a little secret. If you want a really creative, unusual, and memorable way to serve ice cream sundaes, try this:

SERVE THEM IN VINYL RAIN GUTTERS!

If someone's hot fudge is encroaching upon someone else's sundae, do as Dallin did...build a marshmallow fluff wall and cover it with gummy bears. It makes a perfect barrier.