Well birthday month has started around here! And even though this guy is far away on his birthday, we have a lot of celebrating to do! Happy 20th!!!!

It’s official. Gabe is no longer a teenager. That means we have one full fledged “adult child.” That’s frightening.

But despite time marching on and making us feel rather old, we are also loving every minute of watching this guy grow up. I’d say the past year has been a tremendous year of growth. We couldn’t be prouder of him!

Here are 20 things that we love most about him:

1. His amazing smile that will brighten anyone’s day.

2. His incredible sense of humor. We certainly miss him around here on a daily basis making us all laugh. Especially at the dinner table.

3. His love of good food and how he’s so appreciative of home-cooked meals. Although he’s pretty appreciative of fast food too!

4. The various passions that he has nurtured over the years. Airplanes, technology, cars, finance. He’s a man of diverse interests.

5. His loving and caring heart. Even embracing Reggie (and we know he misses him too!)

6. His ability to work the crowd in a room. He’s really a great networking guy. He’s “business savvy” already – and always been!

7. His ability to strike up conversation with anybody and have a real opinion on what he’s talking about. He loves to debate too!

8. His relationship with his brothers. I certainly miss hearing him and Zach talking and laughing late into the night.

9. His loyalty to his friends and pals. He’s a committed and loyal guy all around.

10. The pranks and jokes that he pulls. He is a fun loving guy all around!

11. His desire to find truth and willingness to search for it.

12. His curiosity. He digs deep and finds out all the details, just like his dad. The random things they both know! Lol

13. His intelligence. He’s one smart cookie.

14. His growing testimony and desire to serve and love others. His generosity of spirit, level of gratitude and appreciation does not go unnoticed.

15. His leadership abilities and his ability to influence and persuade others.

16. His independence. He sure has grown and matured over these last couple of years. Living away at school can be tough for everyone, but it’s such a joy watching him spread his wings and build his own life!

17. His knowledge and love of all things technology related.

18. His commitment to working hard – both for his grades and for a job. He’s really buckled down this past year, and his hard work is really showing. His efforts are commendable.

19. His love for his Dad and the similarities the two of them share!

20. His love for his new found love. His goodness really comes out and he is willing to be lifted by her too – love that humility and desire to be equal partners!

We can’t wait to have Gabe home in a few weeks for a little while! We are super excited to have him join us on a little family vacay at the end of August where we will have all our kiddos together finally for on final trip before others start leaving the nest too! Ahhh!!!

Happy Birthday, Gabe!!!! We love you so much and couldn’t be prouder!

Xo