Michael turned 13

It was pretty cool to be 12!  

Michael was able to have many great experiences throughout the year at the temples in Utah before he turned 13.  

He started at Provo City Center with Fisher for his first trip.  Our nearby Jordan River Temple was closed for renovations, but we traveled to 15 other ones.  Sometimes Michael went by himself to do baptism ordinances and sometimes with family members or friends.  Michael was often able to take family names for his service.  We all benefited from his temple challenge and it was a fun way for him to spend time during his 12-13 year old year.  

As the oldest child and a very responsible kid, Michael tends to demand respect.  I often expect him to be older than he is and forget that he is still trying out lots of things.  He puts up with his parents and regularly utilizes his skills of persuasion to get what he wants.  Michael is the best babysitter around and especially enjoys bonding time with Jonathan.  He says he plans to teach Jonathan everything he knows about Calvin and Hobbs, etc.  Michael is also the technology expert in our family when dad isn't around, surpassing mom long ago.  

Michael took his Shakespeare and drama skills to a new level, competing at the student festival in Ceder City.  He also dug into music and challenged himself with the violin and several new band instruments.  Practicing and teaching himself in his free time became the norm.  

Michael stepped up to serve in the deacon's quorum.  He was a great example and friend to all the boys.  He spent a week away from home at Timberline and internalized all the leadership lessons.  He enjoyed spending time in the outdoors and made sure to have time for hiking and camping in the summer.  With the game day flag business, Michael took the lead in sales and gathering contracts.  He was an effective communicator and hard worker.  Also notable was that Michael took several classes with a good group of girls and realized that they don't have cooties and he can be friends with them too.  He still loves to hangout with his guys, but doesn't have the same abhorrence for contact with girls.  

at the Home school Etiquette Dinner- 

Afterwards he said, "Dancing wasn't so bad." 

a piano cake

Food is key for this growing boy.  

He grew a few inches this year and threatens to pass up his mom any day.

On to another year of learning and growing!!

Celebrating Jordan

Jordan turned 11 in October!
Jordan made a lot of growth this year.  Because he follows the lead of his big brother, Jordan has a competitive streak and pushes himself to try new things.  So especially this year it seems that he is really entering the world of growing up.  In school, Jordan has worked hard to be more serious and independent.  He has learned that he loves to be organized and set goals.  Jordan also loves to be busy.  He isn't scared to jump in with a new team for a season of sports and he often becomes a most valuable player.  Jordan loves "good" food and healthy food, but doesn't have time for it if it isn't really tasty.  In n' Out burgers are still his favorite...and mint ice cream.  Jordan knows what he loves and often says he is excited about life, but doesn't have enough time to do everything he wants to do.
A description of Jordan isn't complete without talking about his passion to learn about animals.  He has worked really hard and made sacrifices so that he can take a humanitarian trip to Africa in June.  Facts from books and documentaries just don't fuel his drive enough.  He is so excited to be able to see the animals too.
Jordan is a great friend to many people.  He is great with kids younger than himself, because he loves to teach and be a leader in activities.  Jordan was really lucky to have a great primary teacher this year.  Stacey has been a great inspiration and cheerleader for Jordan and he always enjoys visiting and serving her.  Jordan has begun to value his testimony more and more this year.  He loves to seek and feel the Spirit.

We brought a birthday cake to share when we made the October trip to the Clarks.  Even though decorating owl cookies was the major treat, Jordan requested a special animal cake.  

The funnest thing we learned about Jordan this fall is that he loves to play the trumpet.  Uncle Cam loaned him an instrument to try and Jordan signed up for a band class.  He picked things up quickly and gets so excited when he can hit a new challenging note.  

When Jordan is outside he can't help but enjoy lots of nature discoveries.

Jordan finished up cub scouts and earned his Arrow of Light with this great group of boys.  

Here are a few photos of the birthday party Jordan planned with his friends from the neighborhood.

Halloween Spooks and Sweets

We met up with Aunt Linda and cousins for trick or treating to the neighbors at Cornerstone.

showing Great-Grandma all the costumed kiddos

Tessa loves being a cat

Lizzy and Tessa performed an original Halloween song at the Trunk or Treat!

Dragon trainer Jordan

Fall Family Foto

We caught a few family and individual photos during our trip to the farm in October.

Fall Times and Traditions 2017

These boys love a Sunday family dinner!

Boy Scout Court of Honor after a summer of hard work at scout camp.

We love the nice weather in early fall and getting out often to parks. 
Jonathan spots the horses and farms everywhere we go.  

Candy let us come to her uncle's orchard for picking.   We loaded up!
Then we dried, sauced, and saved apples for smoothies and crisp.  

Jordan's flag football coach was serious.  Jordan learned a lot and was challenged during a fun season.

The rest of the kids enjoyed the chance to play and cheer him on during games.  

We made it to the scarecrow festival at Thanksgiving Point to soak up some highlights of the season. 

Jonathan may have put more frosting in his mouth than on his owl cookie.  We love Grandma's cookie traditions!

Cousin chaos and fun in the basement

Daybreak lake is awesome!
Jordan spent a few Saturday mornings with friends finding the best fishing holes and learning some tricks.

Playtime at the Pumpkin Patch

Last day of game day flags!  It was a full season with U of U having an extra home game.  Our weekend mornings were often busy.  We had a full list of contracts and several families pulling pranks on neighbors.  Fun and eventful with some great life lessons for the boys about hard work!