In 1985, Karin Scholtz took a picture of her triplets, Peter, Mark, and Dennis, on their first birthday. She was so happy that she color-coordinated their clothes, and even made a cute sign for them to hold on. She thought it was going to make a cute memory someday, something that the boys will be looking at in a few decades and feel good about.
She had no idea that this one photograph would lead to 33 years of photos of the boys posing together, illustrating how much their personalities evolved over the course of their lives. You will be shocked to see how much of a difference there is between three decades and three years.
It Started On Their First Birthday
The photo series of the triplets began in 1985, on the occasion of their first birthday. Their mother, Karin, only wanted to take a picture of her boys while their little hands were shoveling cake into their mouths, so she started the tradition by accident. It is now considered a family tradition.
However, Peter, Mark, and Dennis soon made it a tradition to take their picture in front of a birthday sign on an annual basis. Their parents started it as a lighthearted little custom, which their children continued for the rest of their lives after taking it over from them. The celebration of their fifth birthday was a trying one. Continue reading to find out why.
Turning Two Means Soccer Jerseys And Smiles
When it was time for the boys’ second birthday, Karin created another sign for them to hold onto. This time, they were somewhat more aware of what was going on around them, and they were more than happy to line up and pose for the camera when asked to do so. They were very good boys!
The two-year-old triplets were beaming with happiness as they sported blonde hair and matching soccer jerseys. It appears that their smiles are also a great match for one another because everybody has the same toothy grin. When can we expect to see more of this? Let’s find out…
Birthday #3 Is When The Photo Turned Into A Tradition
It wasn’t until her children turned three years old that Karin made the decision to begin the custom of taking an annual birthday picture with her children. In point of fact, they were the impetus for it because they were standing there with their sign in order to have their picture taken with it.
Peter, Mark, and Dennis sat on the couch with their sign while grinning broadly for the camera. They all wore sweaters depicting Snoopy, which coordinated with one another. They are looking behind the camera at something, perhaps something very interesting that caught their attention and prompted them to take this photo…
Age Four: Their Personalities Began To Show
When Peter, Mark, and Dennis finally celebrated their fourth birthday, it was time for the triplets to start their first year of elementary school. However, the tradition continued, and the group continued to dress alike and keep their birthday sign at the ready. There was a match between at least two of them.
This birthday was also the one on which their individual personalities began to emerge; at this point, Mark and Dennis were perched atop a playset, and Peter was lying down. They may share a similar appearance, but their personalities couldn’t be more different! Even so, there is a smile on each of the three boys’ faces.
Their Fifth Birthday Was Tough
The expressions of concern on the boys’ faces suggested that their fifth birthday was a difficult one for them. This is the year that their mother, Karin, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and began treatment. Despite this, she planned on honoring her triplets on their fifth birthday with the same celebrations they had every year.
She baked a cake for her sons, bought them matching sweaters, and took a picture of them with the yearly sign that corresponded to their birth year. This time around, they aren’t as happy-faced as they were in the previous one. It’s possible that they were picking up on the tension. But they remained steadfast in their observance of the birthday custom…
They Were Back To Smiling During Their Sixth Birthday
The boys were able to smile once more after celebrating their sixth birthday. They were all doing well in school, they were making new friends, and even their mother was starting to feel a little bit better. They couldn’t contain their excitement as they prepared to take their yearly birthday photo.
What would a picture of them celebrating their birthday be without the sweaters that matched? They continued the tradition, and this year, on their sixth birthday, they are happier than they were on their fifth birthday. These boys’ faces had regained their youthful radiance. Now let’s see how they progress from this point…
Matching Sweaters Were So Last Year — Birthday #7
The boys were getting older, and when it came time to take the traditional birthday picture that they had taken every year, something was different. On the occasion of Peter, Mark, and Dennis’s seventh birthday, they decided to do something a little bit different – but kind of the same as well!
This was the first year the triplets didn’t wear matching sweaters! Instead, they opted for overalls with different sweaters underneath. But they still have matching jumpers, which they apparently love! However, as we can see, they’ve got a puzzled look in their faces – we wonder why?
Their Eighth Birthday Was The Last In Their House
When it came time for the boys’ eighth birthday, they continued with their new tradition of wearing a different sweater each year. They decided to wear different colors, but the polka dot pattern on their clothes remained the same. However, there is still a sense of unity in the way that they have coordinated their attire.
Unfortunately, their house was destroyed by fire a month after the birthday photo was taken because there was a gas leak in the home. It was a trying time for everyone, and we’ll be able to tell how much their smiles have changed by looking at the next picture we have, which is of them celebrating their ninth birthday…
Birthday #9 Was Somewhere New
Wilma, the family’s next-door neighbor, took in the three young children and their mother for a period of time. She actually assisted Karin in making the sign for the boys’ ninth birthday party so it could be photographed. As soon as possible, the little family relocated to a trailer while waiting for their house to be rebuilt.
Although it took an entire year, the boys and their mother were eventually able to move back into the house. The boys have every reason to beam with happiness now that they have been reunited. They don’t look anything like they did when they were younger. Continue to scroll down.
Peter Took Their Tenth Birthday Picture
The boys had such a rapid rate of maturation. They made a decision to do something different for their tenth birthday, which was approaching quickly. Peter had been frugal with his spending and was now the proud owner of a top-notch camera. One that allowed you to take better pictures by having a timer and a flash!
Therefore, after setting the timer, the boys grabbed their yearly birthday sign, and using Peter’s brand new camera, they took their customary picture. The outcomes are fantastic; at age 10, the boys already have a dashing appearance. Their appearance has not changed at all, but they are getting closer and closer to being themselves every day.
A Girl Came Into The Picture During Their 11th Birthday
Peter may have only recently turned 11, but it seems that he was already quite the ladies’ man! He was the first of his brothers to start a relationship with a woman. After school, he and Eva would get together, and Peter and Dennis would run around being 11-year-olds and getting into mischief. He and Eva would talk.
In spite of this, they took their yearly picture with two of them maintaining neutral expressions and the third appearing to smile sarcastically. This is the expression of a man who is content with the romantic commitment he has made and even more content with the fact that his two friends continue to be single.
Peter Was Diagnosed With Epilepsy During Their 12th Birthday
The triplets struggled a little bit more than usual on their 12th birthday. While Mark and Dennis were getting ready to make the transition from middle school to high school, Peter was dealing with a medical issue that none of them anticipated he would have. He was constantly in and out of doctors’ offices.
In that same year, he was given a diagnosis of epilepsy and began experiencing sporadic seizures, which forced him to miss school for multiple days at a time. Regardless, the brothers took their yearly portrait and did so while beaming with happiness. Do we no longer take pictures of people’s birthdays? Let’s see…
Their 13th Birthday Saw Peter Separated From His Brothers
When it came time for the brothers to celebrate their 13th birthday, Peter’s parents came to the conclusion that it would be best for him to continue his education in the elementary school level while his brothers advanced to the high school level. They will never have to experience being apart from one another in a school setting again after today.
His seizures were brought on by new experiences, and switching schools most certainly fit the bill as one of those new experiences. But despite this, the boys have kept up their custom of celebrating each other’s birthdays by taking photos with the same sign, and they continue to appear to be inseparable.
Peter Finally Made It To High School By Their 14th Birthday
Peter was prepared to enroll in high school by the time the boys turned 14, when they all turned that age. Peter, who was consistently ranked as one of the brightest students in the class, moved on without missing a beat when he changed schools. Now that he was back with his brothers, it was also made easier for him to do it.
However, now that they are full-fledged teenagers, in their annual picture, the boys are shown smiling with their lips tightly closed, which is a typical expression of teenage angst. Except for the one on the far left; he doesn’t consider himself to be beyond the point of needing to smile. The next year will be known as the year of the necklace.
They Were Put Back In The Same Grade By Birthday #15
When the brothers reached the age of 15, Peter was re-enrolled in the same class as his older brothers Mark and Dennis. Because of his high IQ and his willingness to put in the effort, he was obviously successful, as evidenced by the broad grin that adorned his face throughout the interview.
The time for their annual picture has come and gone. Additionally, this time there were also bead necklaces included in the assortment! It was unequivocally the 1990s. They are under the impression that they were able to pull off the whole surfer vibe. However, as we are all aware at this point, they are not. But they have an adorable face!
It Was All About Hair Dye For Their 16th Birthday
When the boys turned 16, it was abundantly clear that they were well into the rebellious stage of their development as teenagers. When you look at the traditional photograph of the triplets, it appears as though two of the three of them decided to play around with some different hair colors.
Peter, on the left, has his hair dyed red, while Mark, on the right, has his hair dyed a very dark black. They are really starting to differentiate their appearances from one another, but the one feature that is consistent across all of them is their faces. They couldn’t just color that, could they?
They Were Making Their Way Through Their 17th Birthday
When it came time to celebrate their 17th birthday, the boys were still making their way through high school, so they invited their teachers. It was also around this time that they made the decision to stop using hair dye and to wear their hair in long braids. They look incredible with their hair in its natural state, and we wholeheartedly support this decision.
Each of the boys actually sported a pretty similar look in their annual photo, including their casual style. Gone are the days of matching sweaters and sweet smiles all around. The boys are growing up, and they’re getting less and less happy with taking pictures! Teenagers, are we right?
18 Years Old And Looking Towards The Future
Before reaching the age of 18, both of the brothers had received their high school diplomas. Both Mark and Dennis came to the conclusion that they wanted to further their education and pursue careers in the helping professions; Mark wanted to become a teacher, and Dennis wanted to become a sports masseur.
On the other hand, Peter desired to get an education in architecture and go to school to pursue that career. To make his goals a reality, he was getting the ball rolling on the preparations necessary to enroll in an esteemed architectural program at an accredited university. They are maturing at such a rapid rate!
Just Before They Turned 19, Peter Had An Episode
Peter had been free from his epileptic attacks for a number of years at this point. Unfortunately, he suffered one of the most severe attacks of his life just a few weeks before the triplets were to turn 19 years old. Everyone thought that he wouldn’t pull through the gran mal seizure that he was having because it was so severe.
Peter was fortunate enough to have someone nearby who was able to assist him through the seizure; however, the ordeal left an indelible mark on Peter’s life. But despite everything, he could always count on his brothers for support; they never left his side, no matter what challenges they faced together.
The Brothers Moved To Berlin During Their 20th Birthday
During the most recent episode, Peter began to experience anxiety whenever he was by himself. As a result, when Mark and Dennis reached the age of 20, they made the decision to relocate to Berlin to be with their uncle Peter. There was nothing that could ever come between these two friends and their friendship with each other.
At this point, they were spread out across the nation working on their various studies in each location. But when Peter required their assistance, they did not think twice about being there for him. At the age of 26, not just Peter but also the other two boys had extraordinarily long hair. Continue on to witness the transformation that takes place.
They Were Together For Their 21st Birthday
In Berlin, where they both lived and attended school for their respective majors, the brothers celebrated their 21st birthdays together. They weren’t going to let the fact that they were getting into their early 20s prevent them from taking their traditional birthday picture. And so they took it!
The boys posed for yet another picture while holding the sign that had been with them ever since they were children. They are at the age where their gorgeous blonde locks are beginning to come out, and it is a look that suits them well. They are much closer to one another now that they all live in Berlin together; however, what comes next for them is still unknown.
22 Saw The Boys With Some Dark Hair
Peter, Mark, and Dennis were all still residing in Berlin at the time that they turned 22 years old, where they had been attending school. Despite this, they ceased what they were doing and repeated the poses from their annual birthday photo. And why wouldn’t they – they look adorable!
This year, all of the boys’ hair appeared to be a shade or two darker, with Peter getting a haircut prior to letting his long locks grow out. They are really coming into their own at the moment, but we bet that when they are all together, people are still thrown off by them. What about next year?
The Boys Graduated And Moved Back Home At 23
In 2008, the boys turned 23 years old. They had finally reached the end of their respective academic careers. They were supposed to have a good time during that time. Unfortunately, their mother, Karin, discovered that she had a cancerous tumor in her intestines not too long ago. She was going to require a great deal of attention and care in order to continue.
After some consideration, the three boys decided to relocate back to their childhood home in order to take care of their mother. They were aware of what they needed to do and the reasons why they had to relocate back home. They didn’t feel any animosity toward it at all because it was something that was required of them.
They Were Taking Care Of Their Mom At 24
Suzan, Peter’s girlfriend at the time, came to help out while the boys were taking care of their mother in the home in which they had all grown up. Karin was looked after by all four of the “kids,” working together. She had everything she needed with the four of them living under the same roof and providing support for her.
And part of taking care of Karin meant adhering to tradition and taking a picture of her three sons together for their birthday. Despite the illness she is currently enduring, Karin experienced one of the most joyful times in her life at this very moment. The boys’ smiles simply cannot get any bigger…
Brotherly Hugs To Celebrate 25
In spite of the ups and downs brought on by their mother’s illness, she and the boys maintained a strong bond and did their best to make the most of their circumstances. They were all still residing in the house in which they had spent many of their formative years, and Suzane had moved in there on a permanent basis.
Of course, the boys also made sure to get their annual birthday picture taken, which they do every year. The young men have still managed to keep up with the family traditions despite everything that has been going on. As can be seen in this picture, the boys have stopped trying to match each other’s hairstyles and have begun experimenting with unique looks for their manes.
26 = Long Hair, Don’t Care
When Peter, Mark, and Dennis turned 26, two of the three brothers already had hair that was quite a bit longer than it was when they were younger. While Peter had his hair pulled back into a ponytail and accessorized with a headband, Mark’s thick locks were curled almost all the way down to his chin.
However, one thing that didn’t change was the fact that the boys took a picture of themselves holding their birthday sign. Not much has changed since last year; everyone still has great smiles, and their hair is still a mess, with the exception of Dennis, who is standing on the far right. Keep reading to find out how the boys’ 33rd birthday photo ended up being their final one together.
When The Boys Turned 27, Karin Passed Away
Unfortunately, Karin lost her battle with colon cancer when her sons were 27 years old. After inheriting the house, the brothers came to the conclusion that it would be best for them all to reside there given how spacious it was. Because of the struggles they overcame together, they are now closer than ever before.
In addition, Peter and Suzan were overjoyed to learn that they would be raising their child in the same home as them when they received the news that they were expecting. If they had their way, the next generation would be brought up in the same house that they had spent their childhood in… but then what?
Noah Was Born On The Brothers’ 28th Year
On April 23, 2013, Peter and Suzan gave birth to their son Noah, and the two parents were overjoyed to become parents for the first time. Even though Peter was overjoyed and thrilled to become a parent, Mark and Dennis were overjoyed and delighted to become uncles for the very first time.
However, despite being in the midst of a major turning point in their lives, the brothers still managed to pose for their birthday picture. It doesn’t matter what happens, it’s always nice to go back to tried and true traditions to make everyone feel centered. That’s the thing about traditions: no matter what happens, it’s always nice to go back to traditions.
They Got Into A Routine By 29
By the time they turned 29, the brothers had established somewhat of a pattern in their daily lives. Peter had just become a father, Mark and Dennis had become uncles, and all three of them continued to live in the same house where they had grown up while maintaining full-time jobs.
They weren’t even aware of it yet, but the three of them were about to reach another landmark: their thirtieth year. Because they are triplets, the excitement is through the roof! They have never missed a single one of each other’s birthdays and have always celebrated it together. Watch to see how they celebrate their 30th year together…
Their 30th Birthday Was A Huge Celebration
They marked the occasion by throwing a huge party and inviting all of their closest friends to join in the festivities when Peter, Mark, and Dennis reached the age of 30. There were a lot of people there. Over fifty people, all of whom knew the triplets, attended the event, which took place in the house where they had grown up.
Not only did the age mark a significant achievement for the triplets, but it was also the age at which Peter wed Suzan, the woman he had loved all his life and who would later give birth to his son. The boys are coming together as a single entity to take in the splendor of the moment which has just occurred.
The Future Was Looking Bright At 31
When the triplets reached the age of 31, they were eagerly anticipating what the next chapter of their lives would bring. They were still doting on their newborn child, they were surrounded by wonderful friends, and they were still residing in the home they had purchased. It has been a great life co-living so far.
On top of that, they had managed to continue the tradition of taking a birthday picture every year without missing a single one! This story is the most motivational thing that we have come across all week. Nothing else comes close. How is it that such a tradition has been carried on for such a long time?
The Brothers Were Happy At 32
When Peter, Mark, and Dennis reached the age of 32, they were all content with their lives and making the most of the opportunities presented to them. The fact that they still had the birthday sign that their mother had made for them all those years ago was an added bonus. They take care of their stuff, don’t they?
As a result, they smiled broadly for the camera as they did the same thing they did each year, which was to strike a pose holding the sign while smiling broadly. What do you think has been the most noticeable difference? Since the 31st of the year, has it been significant? And what will their appearance be in the future?
One Last Photo At 33The brothers are captured in the final photograph taken along their journey looking up at the camera with smiles of optimism on their faces. They have been through a lot of highs and lows, but things continue to look promising for them in the future. As long as these three remain united and keep one another in mind, they won’t get into any trouble.
We can’t help but be curious about the brothers’ future plans. The passing of the years makes it increasingly difficult to envision what the brothers will be like in the years to come. We anticipate that they will still appear the same but in a unique way. Seeing how they’ve developed over the years is a fascinating thing to do.
