Aaron's Birthday week

My fun loving Aaron turned six!!!  I still adore this boy.  He's excitement for life is contagious and he has a natural charisma that attracts others to him.   I'm amazed how often we will be out and about and I'll hear this little voice saying "Hi Aaron".   I think others feel his happiness and acceptance and gravitate to him for friendship which he freely gives.     I've never been one to celebrate birthday weeks but this year it was a week long event.   Because one of Aaron's best friends is topically allergic to most food we forfeited a cake so his friend could stay the whole party and instead I decorated one for him to take up to Sunday dinner the week before.  

On Tuesday after his "Let's Play music class"  we stopped by Maverik for him to cash in his good behavior coupon because it was close to his birthday.

On Thursday his actual birthday the girls and I helped get class treats together for him to give out to all of his classmates.

Saturday came and brought lots of wind.  Not ideal for carnival weather but with a little creative substitution for games it turned out great.  

On Sunday Nona and Papa came down for the Primary Program and stopped by to give Aaron his birthday present.  Overall a great week for a great kid!

Birthday dinner

My mom wanted to take all us of sisters out to dinner to celebrate our birthdays.  Everyone but me is born between July-September.   Allyson was planning on flying out but things turned when her nanny she just hired quit because of health problems and then new nanny was just starting and she didn't feel she could leave with the transition.   We decided to plan it on the weekend the Raquel's friend threw her a baby shower.  We enjoyed a yummy dinner at the Spaghetti Factory and then again at Raquel's shower the next day.   I love that my best friends are my sisters.  If I need to work something out in my brain there is rarely a time I can't get a hold of at least one of them.   I always tell my girls friends will come and go but your sister will always be there so make her your best friend.  I'm lucky to have 4 of them and an awesome mom!!!  

Thousand Lakes 2018

Oh camping on Labor Day how my family has missed you.   I'm finally at a point where I'll brave the elements as all of us can sleep in a tent without wake up pregnancy bathroom calls or infants who don't sleep well at night or are too onry.  Ok so except me freezing the first night in the tent and then the second night being woke up by each member of my family for stupid reasons all was well and my kids had the time of their life making memories with the cousins.

Dayson and Aaron spent an entire day with axes chopping down this little tree.  They were exhilarated when it finally fell over.  

Grandpa Dick took us up a bumpy road to Wif's pasture where his great grandfather once homesteaded the place.   Down off the mountain in the far distance we got a glimpse of Teasdale

Blast off!!!

If there was anyone overly ready to start school that would be Aaron Judd Richards.  He's watched longingly for years as he's seen his sisters and friends load the bus and be shipped off to school all the while wanting to joint them.   On August 27th, We took our first day picture on the porch

I then drove him to school to send him off with the other parents to his class.    Samuel Richards his 3rd cousin and friend who lives in our neighborhood was there.  I think these two are going to like riding the bus together in the mornings.

I snapped this shot and then Aaron turned and marched into this classroom.   Out of nowhere I choked up watching my constant buddy for almost 6 years disappear into another era of his life. 

It took me by surprise how emotional I got.   This summer Aaron's been overly challenging for me to keep him busy and happy and I've counted down the days until he starts school.   I was anxious all day but was reassured when Aaron came bouncing down the street with the biggest smile on his face saying "Mom I had a blast today"

My mind was set at ease happy that Aaron loves school.   Then last night as I was tucking him in he said "Mom do I have to go to school tomorrow?"  I replied yes Aaron  "Well Mom, why can't I at least be in 1/2 day with Samuel who gets to go home in the afternoon and do whatever he wants".    The mom guilt took over with irrational thoughts about maybe full day is too much but with work I didn't have a choice.    To make matters worse today Spencer was walking around the house and said "Where's Aaron?"  I said school and he replied "Why does Aaron have to go to school?"   It hit me again and I got all teary eyed missing my best buddy!!!    What is wrong with me?  This kid is almost 6 and desperately needs structure in his life and loves to be big and capable and I'm overjoyed watching him mature and grow.   Man motherhood is weird.



For document sake:

Remember this photo:

Now they are all starting kindergarten.....

Pending... photo when they all graduate in 2031.