JULY

Our little Eden turned the big #1 on July 29. What a fast year that was! She is the apple of every one's eye, the hit of every party, and the center of attention everywhere she goes. She sure has a fun personality and lets everyone know she's alive! We used to joke about McKoy only having two volumes-LOUD and EXTRA LOUD-and it's hilarious that Eden not only looks just like McKoy, but shares his voice capabilities as well! Some days my ears are just a ringin' after spending the whole day in a small enclosed space with that girl! To say she's loud is a major understatement, and Grandpa Baldwin has almost officially changed her name from Eddy to The Shelley Screamer. But that's about where my complainin' ends-we love our little Eden (and little she is, at only 17 lbs) and wouldn't have her any other way. She is sleeping a little better nowadays, having been weaned from nursing at about 14 months old, but still only has her two bottom middle teeth, which make figuring out things to feed her a little tricky. She's become a pro at gummin' it though and hopefully will grow, grow, grow! We had a big shindig for her numero uno birthday, and since she's a tad bit obsessed with dogs (she can bark with the best of 'em) we decided on a PUPPY PARTY.
Carter entertained the group with helping Chief display his fine talent of fetching a tennis ball.

Eden was hesitant of first when I placed a cupcake in front of her,

but soon dug in and enjoyed every bite...
I decided to serve corn DOGS, PUPPY CHOW, and DOG FOOD for lunch...in dog dishes of course...
and Carter and McKoy figured out and made these creative (and easy) dog print cupcakes...
We played some great games that all the kids enjoyed. Addison was Eden's right hand man during the whole party, helping rip open presents, handing her more food, etc...
I don't know of another one year old that can already twist open a Double Stuff Oreo. "Um, there's no more white stuff on this one. Can you get me another?"
"That's better-Thanks!"
She sure enjoyed all the fun presents from everyone, and loved having Grandma Susan, Poulters, Ericksons, Colter, Madi, and Gabe there to help her celebrate. Later that night, we had a much quieter night with a small family party with just us. Eden loves the "Happy Birthday" song...

and even though Carter and McKoy thought her cake was a pig, she BARK, BARK, BARKED when she saw it! (phew!)
Carter's Rain Gutter Regatta(and 1st Pack Mtg.)
Carter was anxiously awaited his time to starts Scouts, and was even more excited to find out the 1st Pack Meeting after he was 8 was the Rain Gutter Regatta. Even though I had never heard of this, I saw how excited he was so we tried to do our best on making his boat look and work like it was supposed to. Damien was out of town the whole week before it, so his good 'ole mom had to figure out how the dang thing was supposed to work. Carter did a great job designing and painting it, and I helped him attached all the necessary parts, praying it would maybe even sorta float!
Luckily, it did, but like most things, we learned some things for next time!
He won some.....


...and lost some...

but all in all, had a blast and can't wait for next year!