Dallin turns 12!

Dallin turned 12 on the 2nd of this month.  I am a little behind in blogging about it (sorry Dallin).  But the day was a great one.  He decided not to have a friend party this year, but a family party instead.  So that night we watched Hoodwinked Too and had snacks and goodies.  Dallin is such a sweet kid and always so thankful for what he gets.  He didn't ask for anything specific this year, so he got a few "surprise" presents.

With his birthday money from his grandparents (both sets), he got a ball called a Fushigi.  It's a special ball that looks magical, like it's floating in the air.  It's pretty cool.  It'll takes some practice, but he'll get it.....I have no doubt!

In this picture, he's holding a bouncy ball.  It's cool because it bounces really high.  Fun stuff!

Dallin loves "moon pies."  He savored these for many days, taking only a few bites at a time.  And he also got a lego/creature/thing to put together.  He loves those too.

I found this cool glow-in-the-dark sand art kit.  He was very excited about that.  He loves to create!

The fancy birthday cake.....that only I could make.  :)

Grandpa Johnson and Brandon.  Grandma came too, but I didn't get any pictures of her.  What's up with that?  Sorry Grandma.....  (Grandma and Grandpa Jones are on a mission right now, so they couldn't come for the birthday festivities).

Jacob wouldn't hold still for this picture, so we just had to snap it "as is."  Silly boy!

This picture is very blurry, but I wanted to include it because there aren't many pictures of Todd.  I should change that in the future, shouldn't I?

Eric, eating some cake and ice cream, posing for the camera.....sort-of.

Kyle and Ziggy.  Ziggy won't ever sit still long enough for us to get a good picture of him, but we always try anyway.  You can see how Kyle is trying to force him to look forward.....kids and dogs....what do you do?  :)  But I love Kyle in this picture!

On Sunday, Dallin was ordained a deacon in our ward.  We now have 3 children old enough to bless the sacrament.  I can't believe it.  How is that possible?

Last Sunday was his first time passing and he did such a good job.  And I've just got to say that I've come a long way too.  When Eric started passing the sacrament, I was a nervous wreck.  I was a little better with Brandon,  but I was quite calm with Dallin.  3rd time is the charm, right?  But there is nothing like seeing my boys pass the sacrament.  It is such a sweet thing to watch.  And so far, nobody has dropped a tray...my biggest fear.  I know I'm only jinxing myself now, so I'd better stop talking about it.... :)

Dallin also got his temple recommend the Sunday he was ordained.  Then Todd and I took him to the temple to do baptisms for the dead 4 days later.  It was a very neat experience.  Dallin was so excited to go.  I know he felt the power of the Holy Ghost that night.  After baptisms, we took him to dinner at the temple.  That's a tradition for each child's first time.   Eric and Brandon couldn't come with us that night, so we need to plan a time to all go together.  It was cool to hear Eric and Brandon ask Dallin how it was for him and they were truly interested in how he felt.  Brotherly love!  We'll take it when we can get it, right?

Happy Birthday Dallin!  We love you and are so glad you are a part of our family!