Jaxon is a Teen!

Jaxon is officially a teenager as he has celebrated his 13th birthday.  In some ways it is hard to believe, yet it seems only natural.  Jaxon's birthday landed on a special Sunday this year.  It was the same day as the Ogden Temple re-dedication.  After the temple dedication, we had Grandma, Grandpa and even Aunt Caprice (who was in town visiting) over to our house for dinner and presents.

 Josh, Kayden and Kayden's friend Chase (who came to stay at our house while his family attended a different temple dedication session than we did) painted a whole bunch of pictures for Jaxon's birthday.

 The traditional bonk on the head first by Josh...

 ...and then by Kayden...

 ...and then of course from McKay.  The funny part was that Caprice was surprised that we still upheld this silly tradition.  The bonking on the head is a tradition that I grew up with.

 Jaxon received a new outdoor basketball and also a San Antonio Spurs Tim Duncan jersey--that came in the mail a couple of days after his birthday.

 Jaxon is opening a present from his Grandma and Grandpa Haacke.  They gave him a BYU hoodie that he wears to school almost daily.  (Jaxon says that the school is freezing so he wears it to stay warm while at school.)

 Singing Happy Birthday.

Grandma was being a tease by putting a bow on Jaxon's head.

13 Things We Love About Jaxon

1. He loves playing with his brothers.  He will go outside and play soccer, flag football and basketball with them.  He even loves it when his brothers' friends come over and join in the fun too.
2. Jaxon has a tender heart and is a friend to everyone.
3. He loves basketball.  I love watching him play basketball.  He recently made the 7th grade Lone Peak Bantam basketball team.  He is also still playing on another team with friends from last year's team.  His basketball skills have really improved!
4. He works hard and does his best.  He has been keeping up with being at the Jr High.  It has been an adjustment for him, but he is doing well.
5. Jaxon is comfortable around people of all ages.  He is even comfortable in his own skin around girls.  He eats lunch with the girls in our ward every day.
6. He gets going in the morning on his own.  On the days that he has basketball practice he has to be up by 5:30 AM to get to practice on time.
7. He has taken a liking to watching the news.  This one was a puzzle to me, but it has become part of his nightly routine.  He says he likes to stay up to date on the current events.
8. He loves to hang out with his friends.  He is always calling friends from the old neighborhood to hang out.  He also has a group of friends that he gets together with about every other week to watch movies.  They all take turns hosting.
9. He is growing--fast!  He is an inch taller than McKay was at 13.
10. His laid back nature.  He is not easily shook up--unless McKay has been too much of a tease.
11. He is great at expressing his appreciation whether it is for dinner or taxiing him where he needs to be.
12. He loves participating in scouts, and other activities at the church.  He is always asking when the Deacons Quorum is going to attend the temple next.  He loves the temple.  Jaxon has even found his own family names to take to the temple.  He is also currently serving in the Deacon's Quorum presidency and is a Life Scout rank now.
13. I love his laugh.  I love it when he laughs and his eyes get all squinty and sparkle.

Happy Birthday Jaxon!  We are so thankful you are part of our family.  We appreciate the love you give to all of us!

Labor Day 2014

Every year on Labor Day we are able to get together with all the White family for a family reunion. This year Grandma and Grandpa White had a pool installed so we were able to spend the day swimming while visiting with all the family.  There were a lot of activities and games to participate in as well.

My niece Olivia, Jeremy and Jaxon were the watermelon seed spitting champions.  They were each awarded with a fun watermelon hat.  It was definately a proud moment for all of them.

Jeremy's brother Brady and his family Kelly and Taylor were able to fly in from California for the weekend.  We were happy to be able to get to know Taylor a little better.  He sure is a cutie.  We put Jeremy's watermelon cap on him and couldn't resist a picture.