Maui

Last week John and I went to Maui ALONE.  This was our first trip together since before Hudson was born. Needless to say, it was much needed but we were a bit nervous (at first).  We stayed for 7 days at the Westin on Maui and it was absolutely heaven.  We woke up each day without a plan, took long walks on the beach to Starbucks, had amazing breakfasts outside, sat by the pool, snorkeled, swam in the ocean, had a drinks and lunch by the pool, happy hour each day and ate a lot of amazing food.  We were sad to leave the sun and beautiful view, but super excited to see our kiddos!

Family Pictures

A few weeks ago we had our fall family pictures done. As always Jocelyn did more than an a amazing job!  I feel so blessed to have found her. She is great with kids, has an fun personality and is the best photographer ever! She is so good that John doesn't even complain anymore that I make us do pictures twice a year. These are our annual pictures of the boys in their Seahawaks jerseys. We take their picture in their jerseys each year and hang them in our playroom. I'm hoping they will let me do this for the next 15 years. The rest of the pictures are being saved for our Christmas card.

Bennett's Birthday Party

We had Bennett's birthday party last weekend at The Farm in Snohomish.  It was an amazing 70 degree day and we couldn't have picked a better place to celebrate.  The kids had hot dogs, ate cupcakes, Bennett opened gifts (with a heart felt thank you to each person), tractor rides, cow train rides, apple picking, they searched for the perfect pumpkin and more!  I feel so blessed for the weather that day and for the amazing friends and family that came out to celebrate Bennett.

Bennett is Two

Happy 2nd Birthday Bennett

Dear Bennett,

I can’t believe that you are two today.  You came into our lives two years ago in a very dramatic way and have kept the drama going.  You are crazy and full of energy from the second you wake up to the second you go to sleep.  People think it’s amazing how much you sleep.  They obviously don’t see the amount of energy that you expend when you are awake.  You keep me on my toes, give me gray hair, make it extremely difficult for me to take my eyes off you for more than one second, but I wouldn't change anything about you for the world.  You are my little tornado. You are going to do big things one day.  That is for sure.  You bring so much laughter into our family.  I never knew a baby/toddler could have such a sense of humor.  You love to laugh and make others laugh, especially your brother who is for sure your hero.  The first thing you say every morning when you get up is, “where is my Hudson?”.  You look up to Hudson and you two are really starting to understand each other.  I know in my heart you will be more than just brothers, but friends for life.  You love to eat, and love to play outside.  You often give me your breakfast request the night before as I lay you down in your crib.  You could play outside all day/night, but would need a snack break for sure.  You love your friends and for your short two years that you have been here you have made many.  You talk about your family all the time and love to have people visit.  To sum it up, you are very social little boy.  I have many hopes and dreams for you.  Most importantly, I want you to be yourself, keep that smile, and be happy.  Don’t ever let anyone take the “Bennett” out of Bennett…you my kid, are truly one of a kind.

You make me happy when skies are gray…thank you.

Love,

Mommy

Headed to Maui in 3 Weeks!

In three weeks John and I are headed to Maui for a week of just that.  Clearing our heads and relaxing   We are taking our first trip ALONE, without children in 6 years.  This is a BIG deal.  I'm a bit nervous, but will get over it the second I board the plane without a stroller, car seat, diaper bag, snacks, DVD player and toys!  Thanks you John for planning this amazing, much needed getaway!  Kaanapali here we come!

First Day of Pre-K

Hudson started pre-kindergarten today.  This is his fourth year of preschool and second year at Kids at the Creek.  He was so excited, not at all nervous and I was a mess.  I wasn't a mess because of anything that was happening today.  I just couldn't help thinking that this time next year he will be off to kindergarten. Most likely he will be excited and again I will be a mess.

Olvia is three!

Today we celebrated Olivia's 3rd birthday.  Shelbi did a amazing job with an over the top pony party.  She didn't miss a thing, there were ponies everywhere, hats for the kids, hay to play in, pony rides and more.  It was pony perfection!