The thunderstorm warning ran across the top of the television and it seemed as though the cookout would be ruined. The rain did come pouring down with lightning and thunder and if it were not for Eddy holding an umbrella and a plate the last burgers would not have successfully come off the grill. Luckily the storm also did not keep his mother and two sisters from attending who had to drive from Cleveland. This was the second time this year that rain nearly ruined a cookout.

Dinner was served inside. The rain had since stopped, but it was better not to chance it by setting up chairs and a table outside. Next Eddy opened his gifts. Starting with a card from Michelle. The big gift from his Mother and I was next. Everyone helped him unwrap it a bit when he sat and stared at the present. It was the laptop for his college classes, which he starts August 29th. As usual the pictures can be found on the pictures page.

Eddy had a fantastic birthday cookout and plenty of gifts for his big 17. As usual the cookout included plenty to eat for all the people that showed up. The cookout ran a little late into the evening and so the cake and all the presents had to be brought inside. Eddy blowing out the candles was actually done twice – once outside and once inside. He got plenty of presents this year. He got money in some of the cards. He also got art supplies. There were some gifts from his Mom that were Dragon Ball Z themed, including a comic book. He also got two Zelda video games for his Nintendo 3DS. Only one more year till he is 18 and off to college. The pictures can be found on the pictures page.

Eddy’s 16th birthday was a little cookout and everyone that could make it was there. He had a great time with his family and there were gifts and an ice cream cake that his Mom had to go quite a bit out of the way to get when the Dairy Queen down the street from the house did not have any on account of someone leaving the freezer door open. More pictures can be found on the pictures page.