Summer Parties and Adventures

Hanging out at Miller Lake before continuing on a day hike from base camp to Middle and Upper Sweeney Lakes

Ethan is a summer birthday boy. Sometimes instead of birthday parties we typically go on outdoor adventures as close to the birthday as possible. Of course, we never exclude sweets, singing, activities, and special meals on the day of. He choose Marshmallow Mateys and Coco Roos for breakfast (We also had Cowboy Donuts, a local favorite to share with Kim's relatives who stayed the night as they were passing through);. Hot Cheetos to accompany lunch; Chopstix Asian Bistro for dinner; Despicable Me 2 for family entertainment (since his backpacking hand wound prevented his swimming idea). So, it appears we do both and use our children's birthdays as excuses to go on outdoor excursions with them. It's a win-win, really. 

Though not as explicit as with previous adventures, this year Ethan's birthday celebration started off with backpacking near the Wind River mountain range. I really enjoy watching him experience the outdoors. He's more capable, and doesn't complain (read 'full on tantrums where we leave him behind on the trail secretly wondering if wild animals would raise him.'). Sorry, Ethan. :-) We are sincerely glad you picked yourself up and kept walking. You've done great things and had wonderful adventures because of that. Continue to pick yourself up and with your persistence you can be successful and have many a more adventures. 

Happy Birthday Ethan!

birthday email clues/scavenger hunt

parachute cord bracelet made by Myles

bakugons ... I have learned they are an older toy and Walmart does not carry them anymore, but he has somehow recently discovered them.

sheet set

a clay rock painted purple with 2 smiley face stickers from Cedar

The only present that remained a surprise. Ethan qualified to play percussion next year in band. It will be interesting to hear what happens. 

Ethan wanted a doughnut cake. We didn't know what he was talking about, so we googled it. Turns out it's a real thing. The one we created was not nearly as thematic or decoratively detailed as some that we saw (read 'doughnuts arranged in fancy looking cake thing that took a couple minutes). I guess that wedding present did come in handy after all. :-)