Celebrate!

The last couple of weeks we have had the opportunity to celebrate a couple of birthdays in the Painter clan. January 3, Chris turned 24. This is not right, solely because he is one year away from the age that I still claim to be. He is my youngest brother and is 13 years younger than I am. So, how can he be 24 and I am only 25. Can someone help me figure out the creative accounting to figure that one out?

I would share some pictures from his birthday, but none of them turned out very good. I wanted my present that I wrapped with black electrical tape to look better in the picture, but it wasn't. Just leaves me to say, Happy Birthday little brother!

January 8, my nephew Chase turned 12. We waited until Saturday 12 to party with him. Anyway, we got together on Saturday and spent a couple hours taunting him while he opened his presents and even had a little cake and ice cream. (Tracy made that cake that has the ice cream in the middle--awesome!) It was great to spend some time with Chase helping him celebrate. After the cake we played Guitar Hero. Because Chase has the game, he spent the week practicing, so that he could teach us all a lesson or 12. Yes, I think he went undefeated, even on songs that he should have no right knowing. Sad to say, he even beat me. I think I was the worst, I didn't win a single round.

Chase opening the present I gave him.

Chase posing with his new shirt & tie, given by Mike & Ali

My favorite part about Chase turning 12 was that on Sunday he was ordained a Deacon. Seriously, I think I was almost as excited as him. That must come from my years working with the Young Men's program. But it was a great experience for us to be there as he received the Aaronic Priesthood and was ordained a Deacon. Congratulations Chase, I am one very proud Uncle!