Dallin's birthday

Today Dallin turned the magical age of 12! That's right! He's in full tween status and is starting to not be included in the "kids" ages at restaurants and theme parks. In all seriousness, he has been pretty excited about this birthday. He is now eligible (and found to be worthy) to receive the priesthood and be ordained to the office of a deacon. Since I met Dallin, I have always been impressed with his desire to do what's right (that's not to say that he is perfect in the matter). He made a goal to read the Book of Mormon before his 12th birthday and he accomplished that goal. He has an incredibly tender heart. He is very sensitive to the Spirit. He is a faithful, valiant young man with so much potential to be a force for good in this world. I greatly admire his compassion for others (although Daniel may disagree with that from time to time) and his obedience. It is a great honor and privilege to be placed in his life to help lead and guide him...all while he continues to teach me. I am very proud of my son and look forward to watching him grow and progress through many more years of life. In any case, today started with a big breakfast of hashbrowns, eggs, bacon and muffins (Dallin's choice). Once we ate and cleaned up, the boys, Amber, Jeff and I (Laurin had a choir festival) headed to Salt Lake City to pick up my parents. They flew in for Dallin's birthday, ordination and Mother's Day. (As a side note, I have the BEST parents in the world! I would not be the person I am today without them. They have always been incredibly supportive...even during times when I thought I could do it all on my own.) We spent a few hours in Salt Lake, wandering through City Creek and Trolley Square, before returning home to make Dallin's steak, rolls, and corn on the cob dinner. On the way home, however, Dallin convinced us to stop at a Nike Outlet store where he got a pair of shoes from Jeff and I for his birthday. One thing about Dallin is that he is extremely hard on his shoes, but he loves style! We'll see how long these last. Luckily, they were on clearance. Jeff's parents, Aunt Katie, Uncle Scott, Aunt Mel, Kaia, Aunt Krystle and Uncle Jordan joined us for the festivities that evening. All in all, I would say that Dallin very much enjoyed his birthday (and the birthday money he received). Happy Birthday to my favorite 12 year old son!

Aunt Nichole sent Dallin money for his birthday...only she put the money in balloons! By far his favorite gift to open.

MONEY!!!!