Mark's Birthday

Who wants a teenager?

Mark's birthday always comes in with a bang! Having a birthday on the 4th of July makes things pretty great all the time. And this year it had an extra big bang because Mark became a teenager. I keep telling him that he is going to be the best teenager ever (I'm hoping that brainwashing works).

We were lucky this year to have Tiff and Jonny and the kids visiting over the Fourth. It was so fun to have cousins staying at the house. The kids played together really well, and everyone was excited to spend time with Baby Ben.

Mark is 13! What?!?

Grandma & Grandpa gave Mark lots of Root Beers flavors to try. They know Mark well!

The Pooles are always fun to have around!

We had our annual BBQ with lots of family. The BBQ was extra exciting with high winds, and then a torrential downpour that forced us to finish the night in the garage. We had cake and ice cream inside while it poured outside.

Family picture every year on the 4th of July. 

It started raining a little bit, but then it got more intense! 

We had to head inside. The kids thought the rain was awesome.

Cake and ice cream in the garage wasn't what we planned on, but it worked. 

Mark keeps trying to prove he is small enough to sit on his Dad's lap.

Mark wanted spice cake this year. 

Luckily, it cleared up so we could go see the fireworks. The Pooles and Grandma & Grandpa came with us as we watched the Thanksgiving Point Fireworks. But, it was freezing for a July night and we did not really have enough blankets even though we threw in a ton. So we huddled together, laughed, and celebrated Mark's birthday.

Mark loves watching fireworks on his birthday!

We were freezing!

The next morning we all went and walked under the giant flag that hangs in Pleasant Grove. Follow the Flag is super cool and walking underneath was extra special. We were glad to have family on our adventure, too.

The flag is huge. That is how big one of the stars is. 

We were excited to show Grandma & Grandpa Daniels.

Oldest and youngest grandkids. I have so many pictures of Mark with all the cousins. He is the favorite!

Mark is a stellar kid. We are so proud of the way he leads his life. He always strives to do what is right, be the best he can be, and include others. We are excited to see how these teenage years go with Mark!

We love you Mark!