Vacation... say what?

Dan and I got to escape on a much needed vacation last weekend. Our first one since Alex was born! We headed out to Lake Coeur d Alene for a wedding and birthday weekend. I know Dan couldn't have asked for any better way to celebrate his 30th birthday! Thanks Lauren and Jeff, Mom, Dad and the Rockwell's for making this possible!

The Bride and Groom.

Dan and I headed out on a dinner cruise. It ended up being more of a senior citizen dinner more than anything else but we enjoyed the time with each other and the beautiful views of Lake Coeur d Alene.

There's just something about brothers...

that makes my heart go pitter patter.

I am so glad that these two will have each other to laugh with, to cry with (or maybe not since they are boys!), to play with, to wrestle with, to antagonize, to drive mommy crazy, to get into trouble with, to build cool forts with, to lean on, to watch Star Wars with, to play Legos and cars with, and oh the list could go on. These boys have stolen my heart and I couldn't imagine our lives without them!

I recently asked Tyler what he liked about his baby brother...

"I like that he laughs at me."

I am sure that this soon will change.

So, maybe they do look a little alike. These are pictures of the boys both at 14 months.

Daddy's home...

My favorite time of day!

Family Day

A few weeks back the Dan, the boys and I took a much needed break from the chaos of every day life to enjoy a hike. I think it was just what Dan and I needed to recharge our batteries. The adventure was surprisingly pleasant despite a 5 year old who doesn't like to walk. The best part, I am sure Tyler will agree, was the beach where we got to explore the tide pools. Relaxing and educational... what more can you ask for.

Ahh, I can't wait to do it again!

Uncharted Territory

You know, some parents dread the infant stage, wishing it away for the fun and interactive stage of the toddler and school age child. In becoming a parent I have learned one thing for sure... I can do babies with my eyes closed, it's the 5 year old that I am struggling with. Give me a colicky, non-sleeping, irritable infant and I can handle it. Hand me a whiny, misbehaving, back talking, gun loving 5 year old boy and I am lost. I am not one to pick up books, but rather I do what works for us. Well, the books have been opened. Hopefully they will shed some light on parenting a five year old boy with more love and less yelling.

In an effort to get out of the house and have fun we headed to the zoo with friends Janet, Colin and Alexa. In true Tyler fashion these days there were some breakdowns and some defiance but we survived. Just when things seem like they couldn't get any worse Tyler redeems himself with his witty commentary on life. Thank goodness for that!

Splashin' it up

A few weeks ago we headed to the splash pad on one of the hotter Seattle days.

Alex warmed up to the idea just about the time we were ready to go.

Typical cousins.

Five

I am tired, frustrated, defeated, perplexed, on edge and sad.

All because of this guy...

Nobody told me 5 was going to be this hard.

But I do still love him, to the moon and back!