Happy birthday, Cooper!

For the first time ever, I didn't get to see Cooper on his birthday. He was away at Boy Scout camp, having great adventures at Slippery Falls Scout Ranch near Tishomingo, Okla.

I briefly considered getting up at 4 a.m. and driving north to storm his tent to take the traditional "wake up on your birthday" photo. But, alas, turning 12 comes with deserved independence. And I need my sleep.

So, a Scout mom who almost always volunteers to go on camping trips agreed to take a photo of Cooper on July 3.

July 3, 2013: 12-year-old Cooper

While at camp, he completed four merit badges: fishing, canoeing, pottery and veterinary science. He came home with one or two bug bites (though no ticks or leeches, he was proud to say), a couple of bruises and great memories.

Happy birthday, dear Cooper D!