This summer is clipping along and I feel like I'm playing "catch-up" a bit with the blog.
So much life to live - so little time to record it.
So much life to live - so little time to record it.
It was a big birthday for Jantzen - age 12! When the children turn 8, 12, 16 they go to dinner with both parents rather than the traditional birthday breakfast with Dad. It is also the age/year for friend birthday parties - from now on:). Jantzen's original plan was to have dinner at IHOP but he suddenly changed his mind as we drove by a Chuck-A-Rama. Since we went the night before his birthday, we only had to pay the 11-year old price - hooray!
He started off his birthday doing what he loves - going to basketball practice.
Then opened one of his gifts - headphones.
His birthday present from G-ma & G-pa M was a golfing excursion.
G-pa LaVerne came along as well and shared a cart with Jantzen.
The afternoon was spent getting ready for Jantzen's birthday bash.
We filled three coolers full of water balloons. Yeah, that's A LOT of balloons.
It was "water warfare "at its best - full of skill and strategy.
After swimming in the pool and running around the yard for a few hours, the boys worked up mighty appetites.
Quinn was all about the novelty of canned drinks (lemonade, Squirt, etc.).
That's just not something this momma usually buys.
Six pizzas along with watermelon, carrot sticks and root-beer floats fed the crowd - just barely.
Time to open the presents.
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| Colby, Jantzen, Max check out a silly singing card |
All of the boys were kind and generous with Jantzen.
His very own set of fireworks.
What a novel idea for a 12-year old July 3 birthday boy. He was super excited!
Back- Landen, Spencer, Kaden, Braxton
Front- Colby, Austen, Jantzen, Max, Nate
Not pictured- Carson & Jared had to leave early
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| Jantzen also received a cool frisbee missing from the picture. |
Though is was a holiday weekend, most of Jantzen's friends were in town and able to come celebrate with him. After the friend party ended, a few family members joined for the official "cake and ice cream" portion of the day.
He requested a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and pink wafer cookies on top.
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| Greta (cousin), Elsie & Quinn watching Jantzen blow out candles. |
Jantzen asked if his buddy Landen could stay for a late-night so he joined the family fun as well.
Opening gifts from Mom & Dad - a framed backpack...
...and a few camping supplies - just in time for Jantzen's first scout camp.
Thank you Amazon Prime for coming through.
The World Cup style soccer ball arrived just after we enjoyed cake & ice cream to capstone a terrific birthday. Happy 12th Jantzen! We love you!
Independence Day - prior to running the Main Street Mile.
The last time I saw Jantzen was at the start of the race when the gun went off.
And I only spied Anna once up ahead when she turned a corner - thanks to the bright orange!
Elsie and Quinn ran along side of me the entire race.
Quinn preferred holding my hand (no matter that it's harder to run that way).
These kids ran the entire mile - didn't stop once. They were troopers! Aaron met up with us afterwards and I passed the younger ones off to him and continued my run all the way home.
Watching the parade.
Aaron reserved a nice shady spot along the parade/race route.
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| The backs of - Tate, Quinn, Peterson cousin, Aislyn, Elsie, Anna, Trace |
Looks like they are up nice and close to collect candy!
Tanner, Jacob and Charlie testing their ladder ball skills out.
Evening neighborhood party.
Aaron and Matt
(Matt - chef & designated pyro/fireworks extraordinaire)
Quinn in the bouncy house
We have a few families moving in and out of our neighborhood. Here Quinn is getting acquainted with the triplet boys that will join him for school next month.
Anna and Kacie managed to stay fairly dry through the water fights that transpired.
Jantzen - heading out to join the volleyball game
Jacob and Tanner in the pond
Hailey, Aubrey, Brinley
Our annual Independence Day Celebration always provides a wonderful meal, neighborhood gathering and fireworks show.
Late night then early morning for these two. Since Elsie's birthday fell on a Sunday, she and Aaron went to breakfast on Saturday morning before company arrived.
Elsie was thrilled to have G-ma and G-pa P along with Tiffany and Abigail join us to celebrate her 7th birthday. It happened to fall on the day of Jantzen's ordination to the Aaronic Priesthood. How unusual that Tanner was ordained a deacon on Brinley's (10th) birthday and Jantzen was ordained on Elsie's (7th) birthday. What are the chances of the boys both being ordained on their sisters' birthdays?!? Very cool.
This outfit from G-ma & G-pa P was the absolute favorite gift she received.
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| LaVerne and Jantzen |
After a beautiful ordination and busy Sunday of meetings, the family gathered back at our place for an evening meal and birthday celebration together.
Great G-pa LaVerne with the birthday girl.
G-ma and G-pa P with newly ordained deacon.
Tiffany and Abigail with Jantzen
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| LaVerne, Robert (Bob), Jantzen, Aaron, Tanner, |
Four generations of Priesthood holders on the M. line
Elsie's birthday meal request - cantaloupe and homemade rolls. We added meat & cheese slices along with several summer salads, baked beans and more fruit to round out a delicious meal.
Jackie and Val were able to join in the party and Jackie became the designated photographer.
What a handsome kid!
And adorable sisters.
G-pa P jammin' to the "Happy Birthday" song.
The birthday dessert of choice for this year - a version of strawberry shortcake.
A new fleece jacket and pet shops - just what she wanted. Her siblings also gave her special treats.
And some exercise/gymnastics clothing - perfect.
The backpack she's excited about will be arriving soon.
Happy 7th Elsie! We love you!
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