Twelve and Big Milestones

It is so hard to believe that Tal is twelve already.  Time flies so quickly as they get older.  Tal chose to celebrate his birthday with a party at home with some of his friends.  They played basketball outside on his new hoop ( crazy that we can do that in February this year), ate pizza, watched Cool Runnings, and ate way too much candy and cake.  Mom chose to monitor the party from upstairs.

James, Brigham and Porter joined Tal for his big party.  This year he chose a Cherry poke cake with tons of whipped cream.

Blow out those candles son.

Friday Feb 13, 2015

 
Tal has really enjoyed playing basketball with his team this winter.  And with a little coaxing, Kris has enjoyed coaching Tal's team.  We were all excited to get this basketball hoop on the driveway, it has been a family dream for a while now.  Kris and Tal spent one happy Saturday afternoon/ evening assembling it together.  With such a mild winter we were playing basketball in our shirt sleeves on Valentine's day.

Feb  14, 2015

One of the greatest things about turning twelve is that Tal could be ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood and become a deacon.  He was ordained by his father, Kristopher, on Feb. 22, 2015.  We were so excited to have his grandpa, Terry Fife, and our bishop, Ryan Jensen, be there as well.

Tal and Kris

Our whole family.  

The next Sunday I fairly popped my buttons with pride as he dressed in his white shirt and tie to pass the sacrament.  

 Feb 22, 2015


Becoming 12 also means that you become fully involved in the ward scout troop.  Tal has been working hard on Merit Badges and requirements in eleven year old scouts and with his family.  He received his Tenderfoot Rank Advancement as well as merit badges in First Aid, Inventing, and Aviation.
Feb 24, 2015

Once he had received the priesthood, Tal could attend the temple to perform baptisms for the dead.  The Idaho Falls Temple was slated to close soon for renovation so we got up early on Saturday morning to attend.  Kris has been working diligently on family history on his Dad's side and had some family names for us  to perform.  We had a bit of a wait but it was a wonderful experience to all be in the temple together.  Kris baptized each of us in turn as proxies for family members who have gone before.  What a great day!
 Feb 28, 2015

10 Things about Talmage

1.  He loves video and computer games, especially Minecraft and Wizard 101.

2.  Best friends include James and Brigham.

3.  He has developed a reading bug, especially the Alex Rider series and Michael Veigh series.

4.  Tal is becoming quite the pianist.  He has been working on the simplified Hymns out of the green book and is ready to play for priesthood.

5.  His favorite food is crepes with fruit and whipped cream.

6.  His favorite TV shows are Dr Who and Studio C.  

7.  His favorite color is blue.

8.  He loves scouting, especially camp-outs and bonfires.

9. He wants to be a pyrotechnic engineer when he grows up so he can "blow stuff up."

10.  He is a great worker and helper, always willing to jump in and do his chores or help with a family project.