Camden is SIX

 We spent the final few days of Miner time playing games, going to the Aquarium, seeing Tanya and Gracie, and just having fun watching the cousins be all together. I was getting nostalgic looking at big sweet Jaren and tiny Isaac and Annie and just thinking how crazy it is to see little babies become big, wonderful people. These cousins are lucky to have the examples they have and what I really love about family is that age has now impact on the friendships and connections. The big cousins are so sweet to the little cousins. I just love them all so much.

 We made it home in time to get settled back in, and go to Coyote Ridge for a fun ranger talk about wolves. The city volunteers that run those talks are always so sweet and the boys love them. Especially when s'mores are involved!

On Saturday, we woke up with a SIX-YEAR-OLD Camden! How can it be! He has been SO excited for his birthday. And the day was the most birthday-filled day he could have, with it landing on a summer Saturday.

French toast and sausage on the Blackstone for breakfast. Games and playing. Steamed mussels and crab legs for lunch (his request). A trip downtown with mom and dad to spend some birthday money at the toy store. Pizza at the pool with the Baileys, Schmidts, Behunins, and Gregorys. A lemon cake made by Westin.

Just a good, good day.

We love Camden so much. He says the FUNNIEST things that catch us off guard all the time. He brings the good time to our good times. He remembers everyone's name and is so people-focused. He's super smart and teaching him to read has been really fun -- he's just kind of a textbook learner, where Westin and Bennett both learned to read very differently in their own way. He has been the sweetest big brother to Asher and he loves babies and toddlers. He lives to be outside on the street with the neighborhood crew and cannot wait until it's time for him to go to Shepardson with the big bros for Kindergarten.

Camden is a wonderful soul, and I'm beyond grateful he's ours.

Sweet little Isaac!
Babies change way too fast. I just soak up my visits with them.

The crew at the aquarium.

Camden loves Annie's age, he's so cute with toddlers.
He's always telling me how cute they are and funny things they say or do.

Penguins foreeeever.

Like I said, big cousins little cousins -- so cute.

Hungry Hungry Hippos, a classic.

Twin sunglasses!
My dad had been admiring Michael's sunglasses for a while and we all went in on a pair for him for Christmas. He feels pretty cool in them and he should :) haha such a cute guy.

Adults made it out for dinner one night and that was a highlight.

Oreos and milk after family pictures -- we're not above bribing the children.

We tried some skipping trend that supposedly gives you good candid photos but we'll never know if that's true because we failed at it and laughed sooooo much instead.

In his road trip element.

We did a ranger talk and s'mores night out at coyote ridge where we learned all about wolves.
It made me extra motivated to get out to Yellowstone soon and try to see some!

Ready for that birthday morning!

Camden is SIX, how!?

A summer Saturday birthday is a pretty good deal.
Fly High was first on his list.

Steamed mussels and crab legs for lunch,
because our boys are so funny and for some reason they think that's a birthday meal.

They totally love it. Well, 3/4... Westin was grateful for the side of parmesan pasta :) 

Camden got some birthday money from Grandma and Grandpa and wanted to go downtown to pick out a new stuffed animal. Initially he thought he wanted a horse, but then he saw...

...this guy! Wolfie had to come home with us and he's very loved.

Then we headed to the pool for a party and quite a few friends were able to come by and eat pizza and cake with us.

Such a sweet guy. Goofy, thoughtful, compassionate.
Fun, considerate, smart. Helpful, discerning, turning a little stubborn.
He's just so great.

Watching Anthon's farewell talk!
We were all wishing we were in La Canada that day. We love him so much.

Westin memorized all the summer scriptures for Doctrine and Covenants and earned his BIG cookie.
He's such a pro at memorization.

Walkers & Off to Utah

A busy week!

Christian came to visit and we walked through Boyd State Park together. The Walkers visited while Gary was working here and we fit in Spring Canyon, floating the river in Windsor, Ben working his magic on the Blackstone, lots of Flip 7, and just having fun with cousins around.

The morning they left we loaded up our car and headed to Utah for some Miner family time. Jaren was receiving his endowment in the temple and the family was able to all be together for that and spend a few days just having fun. We did some splash pads, parks, cookie bake offs, talent shows, family pictures done by our our childhood friend Mindy, a BYU visit, and enjoyed spending time with Jaren during this special big transition.

Our road trips are getting a little easier. Family time is a little more family time and less diapers and crying. Nephews are growing up and getting mission calls, and no more newborns are on the way. This transition feels bittersweet in the big picture but the days really are just sweet.

Walking around Boyd Lake -- not sure how we haven't been here before!

We're lucky that Christian's brother lives in Boulder and we get to catch up with him sometimes!
Here he is showing the boys a snake he saw on his run.

Plus In & Out. Christian is the best.

Camden is a karate man now, too!

This picture cracks me up. 
Michael tried to take a picture of Asher cuddling me while we were both fast asleep,
but the flash woke me up and this is the flattering shot we were left with.
At least it does still capture Asher's cuteness :)

Basement is ready for Walker cousins to come stay!

A trip to Bucc-ee's for Ben.
Asher really wanted this big stuffed beaver but had to settle for a hug.

Snacking on our Bucc-ee's finds.

We floated the river in Windsor with the Walkers and it was really great.
We need to do it next year when the water is a little higher.

My river buddy.

A new door! 
This sliding glass door is going to be so much better than the old double doors.

My view from the Little America bathroom.
Someday I think I'll miss this view,
but road trip stops are a special kind of chaos :)
At least we don't have nursing or potty training added in anymore -- that's a less special kind of chaos.

Snacks in before the final leg to Ali's house!

Rolled into town on 7/11 so we had to get free Slurpees with the cousins.
Slurpees are disgusting.

"Look, that's mom and that's dad!"
His first picture. So cute.

A visit to BYU campus always makes me so happy.

Some new photogenic letters.

Lunch at the Creamery.
Fun, but really only feels right if Jaclyn and Emily are there.

The whole crew for a cousin talent show in Ali and Matthias's beautiful new basement.
So fun to see all their hard work!

The cookie taste test, a batch of chocolate chip from each family.
We love a good taste test. We also love cookies and milk. We also love treats on Sunday.
We also just love being together.