Birthday Time Again...

We love the month of July and all our reasons to celebrate.   Jantzen selected brownies and ice cream as his birthday treat so we tagged it to our Sunday family dinner the day before.  Extended family helped us wish this handsome young man a very Happy 15th Birthday!

Jantzen has passed up G-ma M in size.

Monday morning (July 3) Jantzen was ready and willing to open his birthday gifts.

A suitcase, hair gel, some clothes, work gloves and the AB basketball camp
Thanks G-parents for $!

It was one of the more relaxing summer days we've had thus far.  Jantzen enjoyed having lunch with Aaron at Freddy's (new place in town he loves) and the two of them went golfing that evening.  I think they laughed themselves silly demonstrating their awesome skills to each other.  The highlight of Jantzen's day was laughing with his Dad on the golf course for a few hours.

Birthday dinner - fresh fruit, rolls, potstickers (salad, too!)

Happy 15th Birthday Jantzen!  

We love you so much and appreciate the amazing young man you are becoming!

Aislyn, Elsie, Quinn, Anna

Elsie recruited Aislyn to join her for the Main Street Mile this year.  Anna hooked up with a few soccer friends and she was off - in record time!  Quinn took off at the start but we ran most of the race and finished together.  The competition keeps growing and so do the number of participants but the kids enjoy this 4th of July tradition.  In fact, the entire day has become quite predictable over the years and the kids love it.

Quinn & Heather in red shirts.

After the race...still smiles.

Aaron & Jon - sitting in front of Circle of Love during parade

After running the race, watching the parade and eating lunch, the runners enjoyed an afternoon at the local waterpark - free entrance for race participants.  We returned home to clean up and get ready for the annual neighborhood/community gathering at the Weber's house.  The party goes from 4:30-10pm with people coming and going all evening.  Notice a row of 4-wheelers and razors lined up in an empty lot in the background of pic.

Quinn & Brock - playing games

Jantzen - anchoring to help launch water balloons

Tami Hymas does a nice job of conducting the organized activities complete with a microphone and prizes.  Aaron, Kelly Ballard and I were in the running for the water balloon launching contest.  Having me anchor the left side was our secret weapon (being left handed).  We surprised a few people:).

Quinn on ground with Aiden holding his feet.

Waiting for the fireworks to start.

Matt Smith put on another amazing light/music show.

It's really quite the scene to see so many people flock to the middle pond area just to play and talk and eat and celebrate America's birthday together.  We love our freedoms and appreciate living in this great country surrounded by kind and inspiring people.  God bless America!

Surprise, surprise.  It's not every day a helicopter lands in your yard for a special birthday ride.  Last summer Bro. Larsen arranged to take a few of President Bob & Janene's family members up in one of his helicopters.  Somehow Elsie mentioned how wonderful that would be for her 10th birthday.  Well, the kind and generous man that Bro. Larsen is, he took mental note of that childlike request and contacted Aaron a few weeks ago stating that he knew a certain young gal that had a birthday coming up.  What?!?  Really?  He remembered and helped make Elsie's 10th birthday a memorable one indeed!

Aislyn, Elsie, Heather

The chopper arrived at 8:00am on the dot and our first riders were ready to go.  Elsie was able to invite a couple of friends to join her on this unique birthday excursion.  It wasn't a formal party but her two friends thoughtfully brought gifts anyway and they spent the morning together.

aerial of the temple

part of our neighborhood - see our house?

Zaylee, Elsie, Aislyn

Lexi Fuller came out for a quick ride before work.

Aaron, Quinn & Anna

Brinley & Aubrey

Three Amigos

G-pa & G-ma M didn't ride in the chopper this time but came to watch.

Elsie opened her gifts while her friends were over so they join us for the "big moment".  She's been asking to get her ears pierced for years.  It helped having experienced friends along - they squeezed Elsie's hands and coached her through the process.  Only one employee around so it wasn't as fast as usual but Elsie was a trooper.

Aislyn, Elsie, Zaylee

With the helicopter morning start, Aaron and Elsie went for lunch instead of breakfast this year.  Apparently, Freddy's is the new hot spot for my kids and Elsie wanted to find out what Jantzen's 'rage' is all about.  It was quick since Aaron was in between appointments but the daddy-daughter time is something that means a lot to Elsie.

Love that Elsie wore this birthday headband around.

I picked her up at Aaron's office and we drove to Florence's Chocolates to purchase a big chocolate 'thank you' bar which we delivered along with a card the girls signed for Bro. Larsen.  Although he wasn't home, the neighbor (Mr. Bates - school principal) mowing his lawn knew the code to his house  and took it inside so it wouldn't melt.  Perfect timing.

Jantzen on paddle board

That afternoon, we enjoyed the middle pond.  The kids have logged quite a bit of time there lately - it's been scorching hot.

Brinley picked wildflowers for Elsie's b-day gift while hiking in mountains.

The birthday dinner Elsie selected was baked potato bar, rolls and fresh fruit.

Creme puffs & sherbet - unique treat request this year.

It was a wonderful day and Elsie enjoyed the love and attention from friends and family.  The exercise outfit from G-ma & G-pa P was a hit.  She also received gift certificates for ear piercing, attending Patriot Camp with cousins/week in UT and an online cooking class for kids along with some clothes and what her friends/siblings gave her.  Welcome to the double-digits Elsie!  

Happy 10th Birthday!  We love you!