Our Youngest is 11

I love all of my kids' birthdays, I really do. But today just seemed extra great. Maybe it's because Aaron's birthday fell on a Sunday this year. Maybe it's because Derek didn't have to work. Maybe it's because the kids are getting older, and birthdays take on a whole new meaning when you realize there are only a handful of them left before the kids are all grown up.

Aaron loves his brothers. He told us last night that if he had one day left on the earth, he would spend it playing with them.

13, 11, and 15 years old. They're growing up so fast.

Between church, lunch with grandparents, and his friends coming over this afternoon, Aaron had just a few minutes to open his presents today. His favorite one? A disco ball from Grammy and Grampy!

We've had disco ball parties in the bathroom and in his bedroom today. I bet you've never taken a shower in a dark bathroom, with only a disco ball to light it up. We have! :)

More minions from Grammy, and my only picture with my 11 year old son today.

As a mom, I've learned to become a student of my children. Aaron loves to go 4-wheeling, and he really enjoys spending time with his closest friends. That would be his brothers, his friend Carson, and another friend from our church. What a perfect way to spend his birthday! Everything came together to be a perfect day for Aaron.

Derek really went above and beyond for Aaron today. The boys drove 4-wheelers. They got stuck in a mud pit and high-centered on a hill. Derek saved the day every time! They explored the island and all of its trails, while Derek and his good friend each wore Go-Pro cameras to record all the fun they were having. I was there to supervise, and to provide snacks and water. I was also treated to rides by Braylen and Kaleb. I love to see their personalities come out through their driving. ;) Everyone stayed safe, and everyone had more fun than I ever could have imagined. A couple times throughout the day I thought about the day Aaron was born, and how I never thought we would be doing this 11 years later!

Hopefully I can post some pictures of the 4-wheeling party some day soon, but tonight I'm pretty tired. There are other things I would like to write about as well. We went to Colorado Springs for spring break, and Derek went snowmobiling with his dad, brothers, and Braylen for an early 40th birthday celebration in Breckenridge. Yes, Derek will be turning the big 4-0 this year!

For tonight, Aaron is 11 years old. I feel like we honored and cherished him on his birthday. Even his brothers took extra good care of him this weekend. I hope and pray they stay close throughout their lives. Our years with them in our home are so very short. Yes, these are the years we will one day look back on and long for.

Aaron blesses our family with his inquisitive mind and attention to detail. He is fearless, determined, and persistent. He tries extra hard to prove to us that he's not a little baby anymore. But you know what? He still brings me dandelions. I'll hold on to that as long as I can. :)

Happy Birthday to our one and only Aaron William!

Hockey rink cake, with lego goal posts and nets knitted by Aaron and me!

Family of 5