Twelve Already

 J turned twelve last month. We woke up really early to open presents, a present from us and a couple surprises from his grandparents. 

We ate donuts and got ready for school and then gathered later with friends for dinner and his birthday movie. 

Being my first is not the easiest job in the world for this guy, but he handles it well. At twelve years old he loves his hand-me-down copies of Sports Illustrated, Saturday's college football line-up, and formulating rational arguments for things he detests. He is quick to laugh and slow to be persuaded. He loves playing the cello in the middle school orchestra, but hasn't warmed up to the idea of piano practice. 

 He is not a fan of school dances and middle school romances. He still wants to be a pilot, and loves the sport of the season most at any given point in time. 

I am just thrilled for him to have all of the new opportunities he's having to try new things in middle school. He became a deacon at church and passes the sacrament each week, and two weeks ago we took him to the temple for the very first time.