This is how I found Caden when I woke up on his birthday. He must have woken up early and then fallen back asleep on the couch. Isn't he the cutest 10 year old around?
We were so excited to celebrate our Buddy all day long!
We had our traditional cinnamon rolls for breakfast.
Then Caden got to open his birthday outfit.
Caden is super into the Jazz, and especially #45 Donovan Mitchell, so Caden got his jersey!
Brynnli even got him a present that included lots of treasures around our house.
Lookin good buddy!
I checked Caden out of school that day and we went to lunch at Chick-fil-A. His favorite part was the chocolate chunk cookie.
When we got home Caden got to open his presents. He got a hover board and new Jazz backpack.
Then on his birthday night he had a friend party at Classic Skating. It was such a fun and busy night that I didn't even get that many pictures of all the kids. Caden invited his whole basketball team, plus Johnny and Seth from school and his cousin Camden. We opened presents, ate pizza, had dessert, and the rest of the time the kids were running around the place. They all had so much fun.
I love that Caden set up all his presents on his dresser.
The next night Caden got to choose dinner for our "Family" birthday. What do you think he chose? Steak and artichokes. Caden is still not the best eater. He loves meat, and likes some fruits and veggies, but that's about it. Good thing we cooked up his favorites for his special day.
And you better believe we had his favorite chocolate cake with chocolate icing.
If you thought we were done, you would be wrong. We celebrated Caden's birthday with a big family party.
We had pizza for dinner and then played the basketball game where each person gets a shot and if you miss you are out. The last person standing wins $5.
Ryan won 1st place, Karly won 2nd place, and Carson won 3rd place.
Then Caden got to open his presents
Somehow all the kids and Tracy ended up on the stairs.
We sang one more time and then Caden blew out the candles on his cupcakes.
Cute Grandma Bonnie and Grandpa Bill. How lucky is Caden that his Great grand parents are still able to attend his birthday party.
Oh Caden, where to begin. You bring so much joy and happiness to our lives. We love watching you grow up and explore the world. You are learning so much everyday at school, basketball, and at home. You are such a kind and thoughtful brother to your sisters. You have a special, unique bond with each sister and they adore and look up to you. You are such a friendly kid and always have fun playing with friends. We love watching your mind work and it always amazes us the questions you ask and the logical way you look at the world. You are excelling in school and are learning so much everyday. We have especially loved watching you get better at basketball and love how much you are into sports. You tell funny jokes and always know how to ease the mood with a funny thought. I love your big hugs when you get home from school and when you snuggle with me on the couch. Even though you are not a great eater, we always chuckle when you manage eat two desserts and even ask for a third. Caden, you are such an important part of our family and you make us so proud. We love you and hope you have the best 10th birthday.
Here are Caden's answers to his birthday questions:
What are some things that you like or are popular today? "X box, Donovan Mitchell, Netflix, "
What do you like most about yourself right now? "I'm funny"
What do you think your future job will be? "Umm... an engineer because I like to build stuff.
What are you good at? "Basketball because I am taking a lot of shots and dribbling. I'm also good at reading because I have read a lot of books over the year."
Who are your friends and what do you like about them? "I like Johnny because he lives by me. I like Seth because he's nice, and I also like my team because they're friendly."
Where is your favorite place to eat? "Culvers. I like the shrimp stuff. Oh and I like the chocolate with cookie dough ice cream."
What makes you really annoyed? "When Brynnli makes growling noises in my ear and when Makayla she sometimes tries to make me be on her side when she's in a fight with Brynnli."
What makes you feel proud? "Getting good grades"
Which of your nicknames do you like the most and why? "Boy because its sounds funny."
What is your favorite subject in school? "Science or specials like library or P.E. or Stem or theatre"
What do you wish you could do that mom and dad won't allow? "Jump on the couch or be able to scare mom in her sleep"
What is your favorite thing about Brynnli? "She's funny"
What is your favorite thing about Makayla? "She's the oldest in the family"
What is your favorite memory with Dad? "When he was coaching my basketball team"
What is your favorite memory with Mom? "Making you go on Wicked with me'".
Why yes, we did put Bella in an Easter basket and make her pose for her picture. Is that weird?
The next morning the kids woke up bright and early to find their baskets. 
Bella and Dad were excited too. 
Makayla was the first to find the bow and arrow. What a fun gift they can play at The Land!
Caden found the target. 
Bella found her basket downstairs behind the couch. She got some fun toys and treats. 
We were starting to think that maybe the Easter Bunny didn't bring anything for her because she is 11 years old after all, but after literally searching the house up and down and searching in every nook and cranny, Makayla found her Easter basket in the filing cabinet. 
After church we headed to Grandma Terry and Grandpa Craigs. Do you know why this Easter is a little bit sad? Because this is the last one at their house since they're moving. I'm still having trouble believing it. 
And this group of cute cousins and cousin in laws. 
They are officially ready for the hunt. 
The kids got so many goodies and toys. 
We love the Easter egg hunt because everyone just strolls around the yard yelling out people's names that are on the treats. Traditions, right? 
