Today is a very important person’s birthday! My baby brother is turning 21 and I still can’t believe he is that old, and definitely no longer a baby! I still remember him as the 3 year old bleach blonde who refused to wear anything other than jean shorts and a red tee shirt, and had to sleep with a mountain of beanie babies on top of him!

Chris was both a menace and a cutie when he was little. and now he’s a handsome 21 year old taking the world by storm with his incredible talent and charm! Chris is currently in his final year at Berklee College of Music (in Boston), and I can’t believe he’ll be graduating next May!

I know that attending Berklee and living in Boston have been such incredible experiences for Chris. It was there that he met his wonderful girlfriend, Deni, and we could not be more thrilled with the person Chris has chosen as a girlfriend. It was also through his experience at Berklee and meeting Deni that they formed the band “The Western Den”… get it… his last name is West, her first name is Deni! The music they create is beyond beautiful and it just continues to get better and better with each new song they release. And just last Thursday they were able to open for Melissa Etheridge at Symphony Hall with the Boston Pops backing them up. Just AMAZING. Oh and did I mention they got a standing ovation? I am one proud sister!

Chris, you constantly keep our family laughing (almost to the point of tears) and bring such joy whenever you are around. Watching you grow into this incredible man of God has been one of the biggest joys in my life. I love being your older sister, and I know that at times I can be a tad over-protective (or have been in the past) but know that it is because I have always wanted the best in life for you. However, I think you’ve done a superb job of finding that all on your own.
I love you and I hope you have the very best time celebrating your 21st birthday! Randy and I so wish I could be there celebrating with you tonight, but know that we will see you in just under a month, and will celebrate then!!!

(Pretty sure it’s time we update our family photo… so it doesn’t include our Costa Rican tour guide!)