Easton is 13!!

Happy Birthday E-man!!

Easton officially became a teenager this year.

Easton is an amazing kid full of potential and energy!

This year's birthday started off with the Cecil tower of presents as always.

Nana and Papa spoiled Easton with a great spring getup, a fun magnetic dart board, a little treat and the promise of a night out!

 John, with the help of Uncle Ben, got this longboard put together just for E!

Do you think he was excited?

This was one of my favorite parts of the present opening...two little girls completely in love with their big brother.

Look at the way these two little ones surround A.J.

Boy, are we going to miss him next year!!

Here is the birthday girl!  Happy Birthday Melissa!  (Easton was born on Melissa's 21st birthday, so they have shared the day since the beginning!)

 Madie's friend, Andrew, and John and A.J. giving in to my relentless memory making!

 Tymber and Quinn taking a ride around the place!

When John and I first starting having children, (a million years ago) we decided that we wanted our home to be where the kids gathered.

We made special efforts to have food, room and lots of opportunities for fun so that we could have them here.

I dreamed of those days when teenagers would just show up and be a part of our family's life.

Well, those days are in full swing!

Sunday night we had a family get together to celebrate Easton and Melissa's birthdays, and the teenagers just kept showing up.

I love it!

I also love how Aunt Melissa "photo-bombed" the picture above.  (Who is the teenager now? :))

 Do you love the candles?

I am kinda a loser at making sure we have the right candles, and ice cream on hand!

Tonight was no exception!

"134"

"13" for Easton and "34" for Melissa!!

Brilliant!! I love it!!

The REESES PIECES covered cake was compliments of "Madison Designs"

 Brooke showing off her chocolate teeth!

 And Madie's friend Becca being mauled by cousins!

Grandma and baby Dieker just hanging out

Reese and Steve giving me a great father/son pose!

Since church was so early on Easton's birthday, we didn't get a chance to give him breakfast in bed, but he gladly accepted it the next morning from A.J.!

Look at that smile!

You can't beat hot carmel apple spice straight from the grocery store Starbucks!

As well as, a whip cream covered homemade waffle, fresh OJ, and sweet raspberries to eat in the warmth of your bed on a Monday morning!

Easton, we love you!

We cannot believe you are 13!!

Here are 13 amazing things about Easton that everyone should know, especially him on such a wonderful day!

Easton is a softie inside.  Even when he is picked on and puts on a tough exterior, he is soft on the inside.

Easton loves his little sisters.  He can be found every Sunday making up games with them, or watching a movie with them lined up beside him.

Easton works very hard in school.  Easton pushes himself all the time at school, and has made amazing strides in his education.

Easton is a gifted athlete.  He can excel at any sport he puts his mind to.  This year he tried wrestling for the very first time, and took NUMBER 1 in the District in his weight class as a 7th grader!

Easton loves to hear the details of the story.  Whether it is a car accident that he wants to know that everyone is ok, down to the upcoming weather.  He wants the details!

Easton is our early riser!  Always has been, and always will be.  He beats everyone up any day that is a sleep-in day.  (There aren't many of those)

Easton loves to snowboard and ski.  He not only has snowboarding gear, but he also owns ski gear too.  He loves both for different reasons, and loves to go up to the mountains every chance he can!

Easton has a testimony of Jesus Christ that he is willing to share with friends who aren't members of the church.  He wrote his testimony in a Book of Mormon this year, and gave it to one of his best friends.

Easton loves football in the Fall and lacrosse in the Spring, but will play either one, all out, every chance he can!

Easton has lots of friends.  They know that they can depend on him to stick up for them and protect them.  He is loyal and loving!

Easton loves his brother! He misses A.J. when he is gone.

Easton loves to be tucked in.  He loves when John or I go down and talk to him before bed. I love this!

Easton loves music!  He has figured out how to play the guitar by some program he found on the internet.

Easton loves to build things.  Whether he is building a new skateboard rail or a snowboarding ramp in the backyard, he is happy.

WE LOVE YOU EASTON!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!