Jake's Big Weekend

 Grandma and Grandpa Smith were ready to play hard.

 Then Grandma and Grandpa Denning came bearing gifts and a birthday card right up Jake's alley.

 Jake's dream gift...a black Lotus. Modeled precisely after the real one.

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa!!!!

 Sunday, Jake received the Aaronic Priesthood and was ordained a Deacon.

We were so happy that both grandparents could be here for this special occasion.

It meant so much to Jake.

I still can't believe he's already 12.

 Then we headed out of town on Monday to do a little bowling.

 This is the face of no pins going down.

 And the happy strike dance!

 At the end of the day, I think everyone but me got at least one strike. And I believe Grandma won one and Jer won one. Or maybe Jer won both.  To be honest, I was just trying to stay out of last place in the kiddie division.

It was such a sweet little weekend and a great start to 12!

Last Day of School and TWELVE, Part II-Panda Fever

 We went to the Vallerys for our official summer kick off party!

 And for lunch, our hostess with the mostess fired up the grill for her first time EVER!  Turns out she's a natural.  She did an amazing job, all the kids were asking for seconds!

 Here's to many more pool filled summer days!

 Then after the pool it was time to have a bit of birthday fun with a few of Jake's friends, Peter and Jordan.  We saw the movie, Kung Fu Panda II...

 Followed by dinner at Panda Express:)

 Topped off with arrival of Grandma and Grandpa and some dancing at Music in May!

 And presents from Grandma and Grandpa. 

THE PERFECT DAY!!!!!

TWELVE

 Opened presents....

 Then went to Dennys for breakfast with Dad and Bree.

 Hit the pool....

 And figured he was finally old enough to do this...

Jake, I can't believe that TWELVE years ago I was pacing the floor of my first grade classroom IMPATIENTLY waiting for the phone to ring to tell me any news at all about you and your upcoming June arrival.  In fact I got so impatient that at morning recess I could not wait a second longer, so I called Jackie's caseworker who put me on a VERY LONG hold then told me YOU WERE ABOUT TO BE BORN!!!!  And sure enough at 12:47 you were born and our empty world was suddenly filled with more happiness and love than you can even know. I wish you could remember all the love that surrounded you that day and in the days that would follow. You wouldn't even be able to begin to wrap your brain around all that love. It was overwhelming!

And now, 12 years later, you are our lawn mowing, kite flying, fish catching, soccer playing, fun loving, shot braving, piano playing, speed reading, ketchup devouring, peace making, chess playing, smart, funny, creative, super talented kid and we can't wait to see what you do with twelve. I have a feeling it's gonna be AWESOME!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAKESTER!

WE LOVE YOU!!!! 

A Friday Night Must....

 (this from the kids who's always telling me to "turn it up" in the car:)

Music in May...you just can't beat it!