Birthday Get-a-way!!

The Monday before my birthday, my hubby surprised me with a night away at the Sailish Lodge in Snoqualmie Falls! After dropping off the kids at Beth and Carter's house (a million thanks to both of you) and a quick stop at our local Starbucks we were on our way! We were celebrating many things.....my 34th birthday, our 7th Anniversary, SHORE TOUR!!!!!!, and Nate's transition to the Growler!! My hubby spared no expenses on this trip and treated me like a Queen ( I was going to say princess but now that I am 34 I thought the whole princess thing might be pushing it)

Our room for the night was not only amazing and romantic but had a spectacular view of the falls! If you wanted, you could even order pillow service - there was an entire list of a variety of pillows to meet your every need! Now that is what I call pampering....but it didn't stop there!

We decided to take a quick hike down the falls before dinner to take in the breathtaking views and of course get some exercise!!! All that fresh air though can make you hungry so we decided to take some "snacks" on the way - and since we were away from Connor - Peanut M&M's were not just calling but actually SCREAMING my name!!

The three mile hike down the falls didn't take as long as we thought it would - I guess that is to be expected when you are with your best friend! (and no kids!!!)

That evening we had a relaxing dinner at the Bar lounge with great food, conversation, and drinks! With time like this.. I think we could have solved the world's problems in just one sitting - well honestly we just talked about us and our families - my favorite conversation topic!

The next morning (the day you have to leave) always seems to be a bit of a downer...but not with my hubby in charge! After an amazing breakfast (probably one of the best I have ever had) there was yet another surprise.....couple massages!!!! Talk about a relaxing!!!
Thank you Nate for a wonderful get-a-way and making me feel so special!!! It couldn't have been more perfect! You are my favorite gift by far - I love you!

Jedi in Training!

Talk about patience...for being 5 Connor is the master of it!! Since Nate was on the boat we had told Connor that we would celebrate his birthday the day Dad came home - well when Nate was flown off the carrier for Cooper, Connor thought we were going to celebrate his birthday. I can see the whole logic in it...his Dad was coming home, but the birthday party would have to be put on hold again! SO the day we came home from the hospital we celebrated Connor's birthday in Connor style - steak, rice, fruit salad, and a cake - and of course lots of presents!!!

The following Monday we threw Connor his long awaited Star Wars the Clone Wars Party. You know your little boy is not so little anymore when he tells you he wants an all boy birthday party and then proceeds to tell you that he likes his friends that are girls but it would be best if it was just boys!

All of the boys came eager for their Jedi Training - a mission they eagerly accepted. The first task - to see how long they could keep the balloons in the air with their saber swords (which I made out of swimming noodles and electrical tape)!

Their second mission was to save Obi Wan, Yoda, and Padme who were taken by the Droids (simply stomping on the balloons which had pictures of the characters in them)!

Their favorite mission.......attacking Darth Vader by way of Green Light (Yoda) / Red Light (Darth Vader).

As the Star Wars theme played loudly in the yard, Darth Vader came out to accept the challenge!

There was no chance for this Darth Vaders with the Jedi's we had at our party!

The last mission: Destroying the Death Star

Happy Birthday Connor - you are the best Jedi there is!!!

Coop's Adventure!!

It is hard to believe when looking at Cooper right now that he was as sick as he was....it almost seems like a blur! Last Wednesday Cooper woke up around 5 in the morning screaming of severe pain in his mouth and he had a high fever! I took him to Pediatrics that morning and I knew something was not right. They called the doctor right away and after a series of tests - blood work, throat swab, x-rays, cat scan (which he thought was cool because he thought he was Buzz Light Year) they could not figure out what was wrong. By 12 that afternoon he had perked up and I thought he was fine...two hours later, he was leaning forward, drooling, could not talk, and was having difficulty breathing- that was when they informed me that the helicopter would be landing in ten minutes to take him to Children's in Seattle - PURE PANIC!!! Twenty minutes later, Coop was off in the helicopter and I was on my way home to pack a bag!

Before I had even left the island, the doctors had me on the phone giving consent for them to take Coop into the operating room for exploratory surgery! Before I even arrived at the hospital they had identified the problem, he was incubated and he was in Pediatric ICU. Cooper had what is known as Epiglottitis - (here is the medical term)
The epiglottis is a flap of tissue that sits at the base of the tongue that keeps food from going into the trachea, or windpipe, during swallowing. When it gets infected and inflamed, it can obstruct, or close off, the windpipe, which may be fatal unless promptly treated.
Here is what Coop's epiglottis looked like....

Thankfully Melissa had driven me there and knew what to expect so I would be prepared...I don't think anything could have prepared me to see my little boy like this...

Cooper was in the PICU until Friday night! God saw me through all of this in so many ways...My parents arrived the next day , Nate was helicoptered off the ship Thursday night, and we had the most amazing care during our stay. My favorite nurses were Mark and Lindsay! They were with me the first night and I requested them the second night... I wish they had supernatural powers where they didn't sleep because I would have loved to have had them take care of Coop during the day! I couldn't have asked for better nurses for Cooper - they not only explained everything to me that was going on, from the beeps that seemed to go off everywhere in the room, but explained all his medicines, and gave info on his progress. What an incredible gift they both have for taking care of children... We were truly blessed to be under their care!!

Friday morning the breathing tube came out and all there was to do was wait for him to wake up...

As soon as he did he was back to his "trademark"..

Nate arrived later that morning ( Nate had to be in the gowns because Coop also tested positive for RSV) When Cooper saw Nate he asked him why he was a doctor!!

By Friday evening we were moved to the regular floor....by Saturday Coop was on the road to recovery!!! He learned quickly that he could have ice cream, milkshakes, and snacks whenever he wanted!!

By Sunday we were all ready to get out of the hospital... we were going CRAZY!!!

Coco sent Coop a package....his first dog!!! He was sooo excited!

We had to have a talk with Coop to remind him that he when he got home it wasn't going to be like the hospital....milkshakes three times a day wasn't the norm!

By Tuesday morning, we were all cleared to go! The bacteria in his blood was identified as a strain from the H virus and we could finish up our medication at the Naval hospital! I think Coop was the most excited about going home!

We couldn't have made it through this difficult time without all the love and prayers from sooooo many people everywhere!!! Thank you to Bryan and Melissa for coming to get Connor and taking care of him, Beth for being there when Cooper was taken in the helicopter, Melissa for driving me to Children's, and Brandi for taking Connor too!!! A huge thanks to my parents for dropping everything to be here to help us.... we couldn't have done it without you!!

We are so thankful to God for Cooper's recovery and it is the best feeling to see him back to his normal self - he definitely is making up for lost time of not being able to talk!!!

It's Official....

I can say without hesitation ...summer weather has officially hit the island! It couldn't have come at a better time.. Memorial Weekend! The boyz and I started our weekend on the right foot... a birthday party on Deception Pass Boat Cruise! I have decided that this is an absolute must for anyone who comes to the island! Just the history alone is amazing but throw in an enormous Bald Eagle's nest that has been there for years and watching them fly overhead is an extra perk too!

Connor and Cooper loved the boat ride but for Connor the true fun came when the boat was going "super fast" and we were "rocking" to the music of Danger Zone from the movie Top Gun! How appropriate that song was and we were bouncing over the waves...not exactly what I would call fun as I had the "mama grip" on both boyz!

Cooper had a different approach to handling the boat going fast...

One of the highlights of the trip....a California sea lion just hanging out...

What a way to start the weekend!! Saturday found us at Brandi's house for a bbq!!! Not only was there great food but there was a lot of bouncin and tumblin...

and a lot of slippin and sliding...

and yes.. the sun continued to shine!!! So that meant POOL TIME!!! Connor was my big helper with the pool...

Cooper - not so much! He took his usual position and watched his brother!

But once that pool was filled - it was non-stop fun for the boyz!

A weekend filled with sun, friends, laughter, and fun...all the makings for a great start of summer on Whidbey!

My Little Man Turned 5!!

My little man turned 5 today...

at 6:50 this morning he literally was right in my face with this huge grin and told me it was his birthday! Normally when he wakes up that early I tell him that it is too early and he can lay with me..but not this morning.. we had to get the celebration started early! After a quick cup of coffee while he watched the Disney Channel, we were ready to go....First on the birthday boy's agenda for the morning....coffee cake for breakfast!

Then we were off to the dollar store after we dropped off Coop at preschool! I was thinking more along the lines of Starbucks but he wanted to pick out a toy! The toy of choice this morning... dinosaur capsules that grow in water (update: They have been in there all day and they don't even come close to resembling a dinosaur)!

After that we went on a razor scooter / walk around the neighborhood! I should have worn my running shoes - you should see him fly down the hills on that thing!
After school let out, we were off to Burlington to Chuck E Cheese! The great thing about this Chuck E Cheese it is completely empty during the week and when you go as early as we do, there is usually a bunch of free tickets hanging out of the machines because they have just turned them on...yes, I am that mom!

Connor was able to open one present today, only because my girlfriend felt so bad for him that he wasn't going to be opening up any gifts for two more weeks - he received a Star Wars the Clone Wars figure! Thanks Brandi and Bryce!

Our last stop was Target (it was for the boyz I swear) where they each picked out their favorite pajamas - Star Wars the Clone Wars of course! At 7 pm both boyz were fast asleep from their fun filled day...Connor no doubt is dreaming of the presents he is going to open! Happy Birthday Connor....Sweet Dreams!

Special Chapel Services for the Boyz

Last week was a busy week for the boyz at their preschool... Student of the Week, field trips to the farm, special chapel services, and the ever so important SNACK DAY!! Snack day for Connor was the day that they celebrated his birthday! Cupcakes were made, a crown was worn, and he turned 5, well not really, but he said since the school celebrated it and I had cupcakes it was like he was 5 - I thought that was pretty good rationalization coming from an almost 5 year old! That same morning, Coop and I attended Connor's chapel service where he was awarded his Preschool Graduation certificate!!

The proud Graduate!!

Cooper's chapel service was the following day where he received his preschool participation certificate!

I love weeks like these, in spite of the craziness that it may bring with it, I love these special moments that I am able to be a part of because I am at home with the boyz! I wouldn't trade it for anything!