Seconds

Second voyage with our camper, this time to New Fork Lake.  

Second year in a row we've camped on Father's Day and been snowed on.

Second camping trip with our complete family.

Second place we've lived where the balsam root are resplendent this time of year.

Caden's second time hiking.

Second layer of clothing required for 50-degree June weather.

5 for 5

Caden is 5 months old

At five months, Caden is quick to smile and giggle.  He is easy going and fusses very little, as long as he's eating every three hours.  He naps well some days and not so much other days.  He can become a little monster at night when he wakes every 2-3 hours with nursing being the only thing that soothes him.  We are currently working on breaking that habit which means the last few nights, I have been up with a screaming baby a couple of times for about 30 minutes each time.  We tried letting him cry it out on his own, but he outlasts us.  He doesn't seem to have a shut-off time like his older brother did.  He is becoming more and more interested in the world around him.  He can hold objects and get them to his mouth with no problem.  He likes to suck on his fists but prefers the binky.  He loves the binky when he gets tired.  He also loves sucking on his toes and raising his legs in the air.  Sometimes, he plays by raising his legs and then slamming them back down to the floor or by slapping his own belly with his hands.  He is constantly running his nails over any and all surfaces to hear the sound it makes or to feel different textures (my chest has permanent claw marks).  He especially likes scratchy-sounding surfaces, like the canvas on the stroller or the material of the big chair.  He loves his big brother more than anything else.  He sees Isaac and immediately smiles.  If Isaac is in the room, Cade's gaze is fixed on him.  This can be problematic when trying to nurse.  He enjoys being outside which we are doing a lot more now that the weather has warmed up.  He likes scrunching up his little bare toes in sand and grass.  He is social and doesn't mind being handed off to new people.  He hasn't had any food yet but will try rice cereal soon.  He can sit up a bit with lots of support.  He loves baring weight on his legs to stand, with help of course.  He is a beautiful, bright-eyed, chubby little boy and brings us much joy.

A Camping We Did Go

Boulder Lake, Wyoming

Memorial Day Weekend 2014

Our maiden voyage in the camper!

Since this was the first trial run with the camper (her story), we stayed close to home and kept the trip short.  We drove about 45 minutes Sunday morning to our camp spot, spent Sunday enjoying the scene, and then loaded up and headed home mid-morning on Monday.  All in all, it was a very successful outing.  I LOVED trailer camping with kids!

We had our own little private beach and spent most of the day hanging out on it.

We were fortunate to have Uncle Stephen with us for the trip!  He recently relocated to Idaho for summer employment--firefighting--and drove over to spend the weekend with us.  It was great to see him again after having just seen him in Arkansas.

So loved.

And so patient.

Trying out the new fishing pole he got for his birthday.

He might do better to cast a bit farther.

First camping trip for this little dude.  He did great.

Barrow's Goldeneye

Having Uncle Stephen around was awesome.  He was always willing to entertain Isaac (despite Isaac's skeptical inquiry:  "Are you a nice guy?"), hold the baby, help with projects, and do the dishes (at least some of the time). Matt and I have decided that a 3 to 2 adult to baby ratio is pretty nice.  We are looking for a permanent recruit--anyone want to move in?

 Caden has recently discovered his toes and is often spotted with them in his mouth.

Gone are the days of treading lightly.

Before settling into camp for the evening, we took a stroll up Boulder Creek Trail.  We've done the hike a couple of times and really enjoy it.  We wanted to give Uncle Steve a chance to enjoy it also.  The water in the creek was absolutely raging--the rapids were huge and boiling.  It was fun to see the water so high.

Our Camp

After dinner, Isaac wanted to lead me on a hike up the hill adjacent to our camp.  I was happy to follow!

My little explorer

Good times.

Glad summer is (mostly) here.

Recent gems

I am trying to catch up on picture management, which seems nearly impossible these days.  Here are a few fun ones I've come across today.  They're from the last two months or so.

 Duhgus waiting for any tiny crumb.

 Loves his Daddy.

Spring at the park.

4 months old