Mr. Hot Stuff

Emma took off walking a week after her first birthday...Camden decided to wait until 2 weeks after turning 1. He now has a new world to conquer so watch out! :)

Camden's World

When we were outside playing this afternoon, I decided to grab the camera and capture some moments of my kids doing what they love-exploring and having fun. Camden is soooooo close to walking (he's taken a couple little steps on his own in the last few days). I tried to sit back and let them interact without me as much as possible. As you'll see, Camden still needs a little help when a certain big sister swoops in. Like all parents, I always wonder what my baby is thinking. Here's my take on Camden's World...

YIPPEE!! It finally stopped raining and mom let me come outside and play!

This is a great new game! I can practice walking while pushing Emma's bike.

Oh, Emma's coming over to play with me. Wow, she can stand on the back of the bike!
Wait a second, she's pulling the bike away. I don't think she came over to play with me, she came to steal my toy!!!!

I WANT THAT BIKE BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Mom comes to the rescue)
Now this is better. Emma gave me my bike back and I am a happy boy again! :)

Emma's World

So after her sly fox move trying to take the bike away from Camden, Emma decided to try out her monkey moves on our retaining wall in the backyard. Again I was just trying to be an observer to see what she would do. I must give her kudos for being persistent and keeping at it. Scaling a rock wall in rain boots isn't the easiest thing to do.

"I'm on the top of the wall! I'm on the top of the wall!"

A picnic and a play

Emma had the great idea to have a picnic lunch out on our deck yesterday. She and Camden dined on delicious grilled cheese sandwiches, peas, and cherries. :)

Then Emma and I had a ladies afternoon at the theater-not just any theater though-the Kitsap Forest Theater. We hiked down a trail to an amazing outdoor amphitheater tucked away in the woods next to a creek. It was the perfect setting for a production of Beauty and the Beast. Emma and Claire were so excited when Belle came out in her beautiful yellow gown to dance with the Beast.

Happy Birthday, Camden!!!

Our little boy turned 1 yesterday! He got to spend the day being where he likes best-outside! Camden wasn't sure what to think of everyone singing to him and the wind blew out his birthday candle. :) Another cake masterpiece made by Chris. It was our precious cargo on the camping trip!
Camden enjoyed licking the frosting off his candle, but wasn't very interested in his piece of cake.

We took a couple presents for him to open.

Wow! A cool bus from Aunt Jessi!

Back home Monday afternoon...Big sis was Camden's lovely assistant opening his presents.

How many Kaspareks does it take to use a screwdriver?

3! :)

Camping at Indian Island

We kicked off the summer with an awesome Memorial Weekend camping trip. Not only did we get to celebrate Camden's first birthday, but we lucked out with beautiful weather and our beachfront site provided hours of fun.

Claire, Emma, and Logan are enjoying a little lunch as we set up camp

Camden was in heaven resting in his little crib under a tree
Chris heads out for an evening kayak adventure and meets up with some frisky otters

After a good night's sleep Emma and Camden are ready to watch Chris make some breakfast

Hey! It's the birthday boy!

More kayaking fun with Emma and Yuka (Helen and Grace's visiting Japanese student who is staying with them). Claire wishes us bon voyage on the beach.

The Kasparek Ladies

Wishing Camden a very happy birthday

What a great end to an amazing weekend!

A Rhinehart Reunion

We were so happy to have our first international guests stay with us for a few days. Best of all, it was our dear friends the Rhineharts! Renee, Gavin, and Taylor were on their way back to Japan after spending a month in Florida and we were so lucky to have them stop and see us. Emma had been talking about Gavin coming to see her for weeks and they had a ton of fun playing together. Camden was in awe of Taylor's ability to get around everywhere so quickly by walking and hopefully he learned a thing or two from his friend.

Batman and Ariel enjoying some breakfast...Taylor and Camden are chowing down, too
We took the ferry over to Seattle and toured around the Seattle Aquarium and Pike Place Market.

Enjoying some ice cream in Seattle

How many people can you fit into 1 bathroom?!

A little pre-birthday party for Camden.