12 years ago today, the sweetest, gentle boy joined our family. He really was a gentle sweet baby, and has always been such an even-tempered child. He has such a strong moral sense, always rooting for the underdog and giving empathy to others. I'm really proud of the young man I know he's becoming. He's a loyal friend, an honorable son, and a responsible human being.
This year is a huge milestone, turning 12. He'll be honored with the Aaronic priesthood, and start passing sacrament. He'll start "officially" babysitting McKenna, although for the past 6 years he has already been unofficially doing it; making her happiness his personal mission.
Hayden can always be counted to finish a job. He usually completes his homework at school, freeing him up to read, and play, and be my big helper. His interest in reading has really taken off. His book count since his last birthday is 47 books... real, independent reader books. And, Hayden's doing fabulous in school all around. He's a math star, often given upper level work to keep him challenged. This one may just be an engineer someday...although he's always wanted to be a policeman, and now is talking about serving in the military. One thing is certain. He knows what he wants, and he's willing to work to get it. So, no matter what, he'll be ok. He'll be a good father and husband. He'll make us proud.
Hayden loves to swim, and read, and play computer games. He is fast and tenacious on the soccer field. He loves ribs and ordering off the grown up's menu. He's the coolest kid I know.
So, Hayden Milo- Remember always, you are a child of Heavenly Father. You are our dear child. You are special. You are so loved. Happy Birthday!
McKenna is full of personality. She makes friends easily and loves to giggle. She is always ready to make us laugh.
McKenna learned to ride her bike in the spring. It took only a few tries, and she was ready to go! Hayden was a big help, taking her down the street and giving her instruction so that I could take important pictures. 
She also learned to swim this summer...two sessions, and she's a fish! She has stood on a surfboard, and her favorite is jumping off the diving board. For her birthday, she was torn between having a party at the beach (where else will she get a birthday party in October at the beach?) and at the pool. The lack of sand at the pool won her over. She still doesn't like to get dirty..JPG)
She played her first real season of soccer recently, and she LOVED it. She is ready to do it again.
She is learning to read and is a wonderful student. She still listens well, and thinks her parents are the cat's meow. (If only that would last forever!) I love this "obedient" and innocent age. She looks up to Hayden and Sabrina, absorbing all she can from them. She is truly a joy to our family. 
Our first born, Sabrina Nicole...turned 14 on July 18th. She was lucky enough to not have dad here for her actual birthday, so she successfully stretched the celebration over 5 days! We started the weekend with a beach party with her friends. They had a great time splashing about, eating hot dogs and monster cupcakes, exploring their creative sides with frosting (Sorry, David!)
These were the ridiculously difficult cupcakes she requested out of the super cute, self-proclaimed EASY cupcake cookbook. Yeah...they LIE! Grrrrrrr....2 days of work later, they did turn out cute.
Sunday, I asked her what she wanted for her birthday breakfast. She came up with crepes...hmmmm, haven't done that in a while. I'd forgotten how super easy and mega yummy they were! What a pretty display...
Monday was her actual birthday, so I dropped off Hayden and McKenna at friend's, then took her out for a surprise pedicure. She really wasn't excited, but in the end, loved the experience.
Dad finally came home on Tuesday, so we went to dinner, her choice, burgers at Island's. Yum, again!
Year 13 was rough, I ain't gonna lie! We moved away from Germany, the only home she remembered; there were major diabetes issues we've worked hard to overcome; add in siblings and hormones...and I'm surprised we're all still alive. But, I think we've come out ahead, and it's only uphill from here. She has really embraced this new adventure, loving the sunshine and water play.
She's even started improving relations with Hayden....awwwww...aren't they cute together?
For the party, McKenna greeted her guests as Cinderella. The girls played dress up and "Pin the Princess on the Castle", rocked a princess pinata, and played in the pool. After cake, presents, and shaved ice...the girls left with tiaras and lip gloss in their goody bags. It was a lot of fun, the girls were great, and she was able to enjoy some friends in the neighborhood.
Her actual birthday was on the 13th, the next day. Which was a school day and all, so we went to dinner. We also let the kids pick where they want to eat for their birthday dinner. Her answer? The.Bowling.Alley. It happens, that on occassion, I can be in the mood for some bowling alley food. But this bowling alley isn't very good. Even the other kids were trying to talk her out of it. I offered McDonalds, pizza, anywhere else...not a chance. Dennis even pretended to drive into Burger King along the way, and she nearly started crying. So, bowling alley it was...a delectable meal of top ramen and soft pretzel. Ick...
