16 on the 16th: Eli's Golden Birthday

On September 16th our Eli Jameson celebrated his 16th birthday! I knew this kid was special the day he was born, but little imagined how much he would bless our family.

So how about 16 photos for 16 brilliant years.

1 day

1 year

2 years

3 years

4 years

5 years

6 years

7 years

8 years

9 years

10 years

11 years

12 years

13 years

14 years

15 years

Sweet 16

You may have noticed that the number "12" has adorned his cake for the last five years!  There are some mistakes that a parent can never live down...

But hey, this is the first birthday to involve a tarantula!  We celebrated up City Creek Canyon and found this furry friend near the path.

We loaded up all of our food and gear and walked in to one of the sites to celebrate with creamy cajun pasta, frog-eye salad, lemon cake, s'mores and a movie.

Annika came dressed as a fox.

Then she promptly sought out danger.  Ahhh, what a kid.

Best thing to do is turn a blind (or sleepy) eye.

It's so much fun having cousins and aunts and uncles and grandparents nearby to celebrate with us!  It makes every day a party, especially when both sides of the family enjoy hanging out together as well.  Anders.

Eila.

Ruby and Violet got a pretty sweet ride with Uncle Justin.

Open fires weren't allowed due to fire restrictions, but our fire pit worked great.

Talia came back from college to celebrate as well.  Zion was so happy to see her!

Christy invented the birthday cake s'more sandwich.  Now there's a Tik Tok trend I could get behind.

16 is certainly sweeter with candy.  Thanks, Aunt Callie!

Ruby wears her mallow with pride.

Settling in to watch the Wild Robot.

Happy, happy birthday Eli!  Eli is a pretty big deal in our home because the birthday kid finally gets a phone.  But golly gee, are they ever excited to have it!

Dinner at the Dodo.

Eli, you are kind, gentle and thoughtful.  So intelligent, you are still curious with a deep longing to both understand and better this world.  We appreciate your willingness to smile and pitch in wherever you are needed, be it at home, at church, in art class, or robotics.  This world is fortunate to have you, and we feel so blessed to be your family. We love you, Easy E!