Forever and ever. . .

To my very best friend. July 29, 2011 marks our 5 year anniversary. 5 years of loving and learning together. I love you more then anything in this world. You truly are my soul mate. I am proud to call you my husband! I am blessed to be able to spend the rest of my life with you! I love you babe!

I did it. . .

I feel like waving my victory flag, shouting from the rooftops-"don't mess with Carter's mama" and marching in an advocacy parade for DS. Awhile ago I ran into a lady at Costco (see "choosing my battles") I always said I would say something if I ever had the chance, I wanted her to know that it is not okay to say the things she said. Well this week I had my chance. I went to Costco with the kids to meet my mom. Out of the corner of my eye I see her, waving at my kiddos and trying to talk to them. I turned to my mom and said "oh my God, it's her"! The lady who was all up in our business, asking rude and inappropriate questions. I kept walking, I had to keep my cool. But what do you know a couple minutes later she comes down the same isle we are on. I was trying to help Carter try out a bike and I hear her say "is he special needs?" Remaining calm and not letting her see I had built this moment up in my head for months I went to her and said. . . "Mam, a couple months ago you asked some inappropriate and invasive questions that I was not comfortable with. You had questions about my womb and I am sorry I don't know you and don't feel it is okay for you to be asking questions like that. Especially because you shouted out your questions in front of 80 people in line and the cashier at Costco. I would be more then happy to answer questions about DS but I do not like the way you spoke to me and my family last time." I wanted to go on but I couldn't, I felt that tight knot in my throat and I knew I was about to cry, my palms were sweating and I was shaking. But I did not let her see my fear, I was strong and I was standing up for my family! She did apologize but not sincerely because I believe this is the type of women that just likes to have the last word. She tried to reassure me that she had nothing but kind words, yeah whatever lady, stick around and I will share my kind words. As we were walking away, Carter is wanting to get down and she says "oh looks like someone is going through the terrible 2's", (as if this woman had not said enough already) my mother replies back "no he is not, he is just independent!" Boo-yah lady, take that! Don't mess with our family!

I feel good, I feel like I made one small difference in what will be a lifetime of people that just don't get it or know. I am here to protect my baby and educate the ones that need it. So instead of me being bitter and angry at the cruel world, I celebrate. I celebrate the fact that I have a little man who's face lights up a room. I celebrate that he has his own special language that I can only understand. I celebrate his giant hugs with soft pats on my back when I pick him up. I celebrate that Carter Nicholas will change your perception of what "special needs" really is.

I know they are mine but. . .

I can't help but think they are the most precious little boys ever! Sometimes they are so darn cute, I just want to eat 'em! They are both so messy so now it is a ritual to just take their shirts off before a meal. The less laundry, the better!

Lake Chelan

We headed East in search of the sun. . . we found it (for at least 2 0f the 3 days) in Lake Chelan. We joined the Gibson's for a "relaxing" vacation on the beach in their condo. We did our best to "relax" with 5 kids under the age of three. Crazy to say the least. Going into town people looked at us as if daycare had just been let out. All the babes were great and got along just fine. We let the husbands out for a morning to golf with the intention the mamas would be able to wine taste in the afternoon. Once the kiddos went down for a nap Katie's mom, Katie, and I were out the door in a New York minute headed to explore the wine country. We walked into one winery and an older gentlemen said "wow you girls look nice and dressed up, did you just go to a wedding?" We reply with "no, it's nap time". We were accessorized, wearing heels and sipping wine like it was nobody's business.

We had a wonderful couple days soaking up some sun and letting the babies explore new territory. Katie and her family were generous hosts and we would love to be guest again someday.

Harper's 1st birthday

Last weekend we celebrated our niece Harper's first birthday. We enjoyed brunch with the fam.

With it being Harper's b-day, guess who's b-day is just around the corner. . . Nolan!!!! I can't believe he is going to be one!!!

A day at the beach

Carter thinking he is hiding from the camera behind my legs

Licking the salt water

Check out the right hand, full of sand about to go directly in his mouth. Yucky!

One of the 5 nice days we have had here in Seattle we took the boys down to Alki to enjoy the sea, sand, and sunshine. And we got to try out our new sun tent from Costco. I heart Costco, I do not remember life before Costco. I love their products, their parking spaces (they are huge just like everything else there) and their grocery carts. . . the list goes on.

Anyways, the kiddos had a fabulous time basking in the sun, drinking salt water and trying to eat the sand. Hopefully sometime again soon, the sun will grace us with it's presence!

Kicking it in the cool cart at the Depot

Big brother doing most of the driving, little brother kicking back eating his snacks while touring Home Depot. Mama struggling to push the darn thing around with run over someone's ankles and Daddy shopping his heart out!

4th of July

Roasting marshmallows at Haley & Ralph's on the lake, waiting for the fireworks to start.

4th of July Kid's parade in West Seattle at Auntie Molly's.

In Bremerton at Grandma Georgia & Grandpa's.

A weekend packed full of events. We took off on Saturday to head to Bremerton and meet the grandparents at the canal for dinner. Poor Carter had a small accident with the trailer and came home with a new shiner on

his forehead. Sometimes I think I should just have him and his brother in full body armor and helmets and then I may feel a little better. Everyone says with boys, just get used to it. We stayed the night in the woods (that is what I call Bremerton- "the woods") and Eric went golfing the next morning.

Monday we headed to West Seattle to be in a 4th of July parade. It started right down the street from Auntie Molly's. We marched in the parade and then enjoyed a potluck in the sunshine at the neighbors.

Next we headed to Haley and Ralph's on the lake to ring in the 4th with a BBQ, roasted marshmallows and a fabulous firework show. Good times all weekend long!