12?!

I can't believe my boy turned 12! I guess I have to start calling him my young man. He may be getting older, but his interests haven't changed too much. He still loves legos and video games which is what most of his birthday gifts consisted of. Here is a rundown of the birthday.

My parents stopped by on their way to Amber's open house in Washington and gave AP his gift a few days early.

AJ brought him a present the morning of his birthday-one of her LPS dogs that he had said he liked. Here's the thank you hug.

He wanted to have his birthday breakfast at McDonald's. Shane & Co. were staying with us so we all headed off to McD's where he opened presents from us.

We had his birthday party that night in Park City. It was the first night of our family reunion with J's side. Here's the table. We were going with a lego alien theme. I made the large legos out of empty cereal/fruit snack boxes and condiment container lids.

Alysia helped me put together these alien cupcakes Sunday night. Lot's of sticky messy fun!

Birthday fun with cousins

Opening presents

Pinata time! Just an empty milk box from costco spray painted purple with frosting lids glued on as the dots.

And the oh so good looking pinata controller. He kept things interesting when it was the older kids' turn to swing.

And finally a little tribute to my first-born. J's mom put together a little book to give each of the grandchildren at our reunion. She had each parent write what they would always remember about each child. Here is what J and I wrote about AP:

I will always remember looking into your eyes for the first time. They were not eyes of a newborn. They were bright, and wise, and I saw in them understanding of who you were and felt you knew exactly why you were here and that you were ready to get to it! I will always remember your bright, happy smile, energy, and determination. I will always remember your ability to make others smile and laugh and to bring light and humor into others' lives. Love you bud! Mom

I will always remember seeing your clear blue eyes right after being born. You wanted to look around immediately and see everything that was going on. I will remember you, Mom , and I surviving your seizure at one year old. I will remember the thinker, the dreamer, the Lego engineer, and comic book hero. I will remember our enigma: fearless and shy, dependent and capable, party animal, and lone wolf. Love, Dad