There's a Teen In The House

It is official. We have a teen in the house.  Be prepared for acne and crying--wait, those were my teen years.  It is hard to believe that McKay is 13.  That sure seems old.  (I guess 37 is REALLY old then, right?)  We had a great day celebrating McKay's big day.  Here are a few highlights:

McKay and his brothers showing his age.

McKay reading a birthday card he received a from his Grandparents that are away serving a mission.  They also sent him some money that he used to by some Legos.

Kayden giving McKay the traditional "bonk" on the head.

For his birthday, McKay received a cactus (he inherited his love for cacti from his Great Grandma White), some pots to replant his cacti, a set of books, and a ticket to go see Wicked in a couple of weeks.  He is also going to have a birthday party in a few weeks pending the repair and updating of the Christa McAuliffe Space Center.

Singing Happy Birthday.  Above McKay is with some of his favorite people.  Just as we were about to have cake, McKay's good friend Taylor came over to borrow something.  We invited him to stay for cake.  Of course he said yes.

13 Things We Love About McKay

1. He is old enough to babysit.  Nothing better than a willing and free babysitter.  Plus, he does a good job.
2. McKay is easy going and laid back.  He rolls with the punches (especially the ones he gets from Kayden).
3. He is one smart kid.  His teachers have only good things to say about him and his report card shows how hard he works.
4. He does his best in all things.  We have a great looking lawn because of him (I am sure his services are for hire if you ask him and I am willing to share).  He takes great pride in doing things well.
5. He loves his brothers--despite all his teasing.
6. He still gives me hugs.
7. His love for playing and watching sports.  It has been fun watching the Olympics with him the last couple of weeks.  We also enjoy watching BYU sports together.  He is also playing tackle football this fall.
8. He honors his Priesthood.  I enjoy watching him pass the sacrament each week.
9. The amount of food he eats makes me smile--and be amazed.  Man he can put food away.  I guess that explains the huge amount of growth he has had over the last year.  (He is taller than me now and wears a men's size 11 1/2 shoe!)
10. His smile and giggle.  He will be getting his braces off in the next few weeks.
11. His love for reading.  He and his team got second place in his school's Battle of the Books competition this last year.  I can't keep enough books on the shelf for him.  He is currently reading the Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites series which is one of his favorites.  Another of his favorite series is the Leven Thumps series.
12. Give him a challenge and he will accept it with full force.  He won the Freedom Falcon Award last year at school and it was quite the challenge.
13. His freckles.  They give his face so much personality.

Happy Birthday McKay.  I am so glad that you are part of our family.  We think you are amazing and are so grateful for you.