October 2023 Part 3: Michael's Birthday

Michael turned 14 in October. How did this happen? He got his present from Grandma early, so he spent his last day as a thirteen-year-old putting it together. 

I made sure to get one final photo with my 13-year-old. 

Michael is the only one in our family who doesn't love eating out, so I made dinner. I think I made Schwarma seasoned turkey over turmeric rice because it's one of his favorite meals, but I'm not sure. 

He didn't want cake, so I made cheesecake. 

We had to do all the birthday things before Rachel had to go to dance, but I don't think Michael was sad to have cheesecake, ice cream, and presents early. 

We got him a scroll saw, and he was pretty excited to get his first power tool. 

So excited that he needed to pose with it. 

And then go try it out. 

We asked him what he wanted to do for a birthday party, and he decided he didn't want one, thinking that maybe he was too old for such things. Instead, he wanted to go to the BYU Store, so Brian took him. 

His love of wood and working is something Brian and I share with him. We all love smelling wood and turning it into something amazing. 

Michael seemed to really like his scroll saw, and he's constantly out in the garage. We even came home a few times to find him and his friends gathered around the scroll saw where he cut out their football jersey numbers for them. We love that he's gotten back in touch with his creative side, especially after he stepped away from his airplane and WWII obsession a year or two ago. 

We got to have family over to celebrate Michael's birthday too, and Michael was excited to show Papa his scroll saw. 

And Shayne too! 

For round two of celebrating his birthday, Michael wanted an ice cream cake. 

We all love having an excuse to have family over. 

And I always love when cousins are out playing in the yard. 

Michael is delightful. He has a great sense of humor and keeps us laughing. While he does have some teenage attitude, he is never embarrassed to be seen with us. He's got a sweet, kind heart, and is always quick to show compassion and care when someone is having a difficult time. We are so proud of him, and so grateful to have him in our family. 
 

October 2023 Part 2: Cornbelly's Thanksgiving Point

The original Cornbelly's location at Thanksgiving Point opened up in October, and we stole over there a couple of days in October. One of those days, we got lucky to have Michael hang with us again. He was a good sport about posing for pictures. 

We have him doing this same cut-out photo from when he was three. I can't even believe how fast time has gone! 

We did the hay pull together. 

And the ring thing. 

I didn't think it was possible to actually hook the ring, but Brian did it, so it obviously is. Either that or he used magic. 

We walked through a bubble storm. 

And Michael danced in it with me--well, sort of. 

He posed with this sweet car. 

We met up with Rachel, Skyler, and Gabe and then we got to take a few pictures of them. 

And Michael even posed with them. 

Those paying attention know how important these tractor wheels have become. We ALWAYS take a picture in front of them. 

Michael's almost taller than the tire! I can't even believe this. 

The kids enjoyed going on this ride. 

And about dinner time, Danny arrived, so Michael ditched us, but we got to take photos of the other three. 

Lea and Shayne came too, and we had fun doing things with them. 

 We had a mini double date when all the kids headed off to do fun things without us. We played corn hole and mini golf, and just had a blast. Even though it gets a little crazy, I really love October, and I love going to Cornbelly's with my family.