Gone Campin'

Camping is a huge deal in Oregon.  We were beginning to feel like we didn't really belong since we hadn't used our tent in the last two years.  And because we chose the Crater Lake image on our Oregon license plates, we figured we should actually go see it before we move yet again.

We went on our first family camping trip the weekend of Landon's Birthday.
Camped at Diamond Lake and then trekked over to Crater Lake for some hikes and drives the next day.

This pic is random, but just made me laugh.  

Honestly, the kids were so great on this trip.  True camp champs!

Crater Lake took my breath away.  Learning the history of the enormous volcano that once stood in it's place made it all the more fascinating.  No rivers or streams lead into or out of it- the water is solely from rain and snow- making it extremely clear and blue.  Water as deep as 2,000 feet. Of course there was no way to give it justice in amateur photos, so you'll just have to trust me that it was huge and amazing!

Birthday Boy!

This boy.  He's kinda AMAZING.

Officially 1 Year Old.

For Landon's birthday we had a mini-party the night before we took off for our camping trip at Crater Lake.  I sometimes like to pretend I'm creative, artistic, and a great party-thrower. But there is something to be said for the store-bought cupcake with blue frosting and sprinkles and some circus party plates.  I'm learning and enjoying the beauty of simplifying!  And I'm pretty sure Landon didn't mind...

He is learning and growing so fast it's hard to keep up, but it just warms my heart every time he discovers something new.  He is in the first phases of "running" (which results in a lot of face plants), climbing the stairs at full speed, saying Mamma and Dadda and actually meaning it, waving and blowing kisses goodbye.  He scrunches his face when he laughs and has started this funny Darth Vador talk/whisper when he hands us things.  It cracks me up.  He has a few hairs on his head finally and is growing teeth #7 and 8.

He loves putting things away... even if it isn't in the right place. (Example: my point and shoot camera in the toilet. Don't worry, I saved it with a bowl of rice and good disinfectant.)  Yesterday he did help me put all the clean socks back into the hamper one by one by one.  On another note, he has started getting quite an opinion.  He does NOT want his diaper changed.  EVER.  The other day Jacob said, "Good job putting on his diaper, Mom!"... in other words, "Congratulations on winning the wrestling match, Mom!"

He loved every one of his simple birthday presents, 

but I think his new toothbrush from Dad may be his favorite.

Landon, my jolly bud.  I sure love you!