A Milestone Birthday!

19!!! Happy, happy birthday, Lincoln! Hard to believe you are entering the last year of being a teenager! Something tells me that you are more than ready to end this second decade on a very high note.

 

The last 365 days have been an utter whirlwind. From your high school graduation ON your last birthday, to your busy summer schedule working, to many outings and adventures with friends, to embracing opportunities and new friendships at college, you took 18 by storm. I loved watching you experience so many new challenges and am very proud of how well you navigated and balanced your activities.
 

You spent a lot of time last summer with your friends from high school, cementing those friendships with a memorable trip to the Jersey Shore, many runs to Crumbl and Dunkin' and Taco Bell, and hours lounging at the pool. There was epic late night video gameplay, as well as plenty of sleepovers with friends. You all sensed the special nature of the months between high school and college, and created very special memories.

When not hanging with your crew, you worked tirelessly at a local restaurant, golf course, and comedy club, saving your tips to fortify your college costs and support your shopping habit (yes, you discovered the fashion sense that only Hollister, PacSun, and Urban Outfitters can provide!). You also planned and successfully executed your first major concert experience, training down to Madison Square Garden for Tyler the Creator's Chromakopia tour with your friend, Will. While we only got a smattering of details, you finangled transportation, hoteling in Hell's Kitchen, and the general challenges of Times Square. Oh -- I'm not sure if I ever told you that it was only because you are who you are that Will's parent's were OK with that adventure!

Over the summer you also figured out who to live with at AU, and we are so glad that you and Itai matched as roommates. The two of you became fast friends and built a core group who party hard, study harder, and all had an outstanding first year at college. You ran the D.C. Half Marathon and 10K Central Park Holiday Classic with your dad and sister, tried out intramural inner tube water polo, spent many nights in the lounge playing Magic, The Gathering, and much to your Dad's delight, watched your share of televised sports. You also attended many events, concerts, and guest speakers, as well as celebrations (parties) in Glover Park with your friends. You subscribed to Capital Bike Share and explored D.C. on two wheels (the first 45 minutes are free!), and made the very most of your Metro Pass, from marches on the mall, to night monumenting, to riding to the end of every Metro line. I love that you are enjoying D.C. to the fullest!

 

Also, it was nice to have you and Greta in the same city... even if you didn't see much of each other, as your mom, I liked knowing that you could. Plus, it made for a very fun game of "I Spy" on our family text chain throughout the semester.

You continue to be a very sweet boyfriend to Mckenzie, with frequent trains rides and long weekends together in Hoboken, N.J., and D.C. during the school year. You enjoyed a trip to Naples, Florida, this summer with her family, further endearing yourself to all of them. You are both very supportive of each other, and while no one knows that the future with hold, it is nice to see how happy you are together today. 

You had a stellar academic year in your Business, Language, and Culture major, earning a 4.0 and Dean's List credentials that led to a Teaching Assistant position this fall. You love your German studies and have enhanced your vocabulary so much (although I'm not sure how I feel about you reprogramming our Alexa to only speak Deutsch!). You also signed up to be an Orientation Leader this August... something tells me you are a great pick to help them navigate their transition to college. And you've decided to double major in Finance... with eyes on a future job in Luxembourg, perhaps? 

All in all, the last year has been very enjoyable for me as a spectator, although I am sure there are many other memories you made that I know nothing about! Just know we are always happy to hear and share in those adventures.

It's unfortunate you're starting this new year under the weather, and the birthday celebration has to wait. Still, make a wish and know that we love you very much and are so proud of you! We'll ring in 19 when your fever breaks! XOXO.