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Nathan's First Trip

We have returned from our 2 week trip to Alaska. Nathan did amazing. No meltdowns on the plane and adjusted fabulously to and fro. I am one proud momma and excited to take him on a trip to Kansas City by myself in October.

I have to say that "snuggly bear" saved our life. And because he saved our life I have purchased two more identical "snuggly bears", just in case "snuggly bear" #1 goes MIA. "Snuggly bear" is Nathan's security item. It is what helps him fall to sleep and help him feel at home. We LOVE this little guy. A Carter's soft bear with blanket attached. Genius. Just today I ordered two replacements. At two times the original price, but in this case, money can buy happiness.

Anyhow, our trip was so relaxing and I seriously considered extending - unfortunately for me to keep up with Nathan's "snuggly bear" habit, we had to come back to work.

We spent one week with my mom and one week with my dad. We did a lot in two weeks! A trip to Big Lake where Nathan had his first "cabin" experience (I say "cabin" because the place had flat screens.....), his first boat ride and some fire works. Jason and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary with Liz and Will at the Aleyeska Prince Hotel. Nathan went down his first water slide at H2Oasis, an indoor water park. We went to the AK Zoo. Toured the town of Seward where we went to an Aquarium. Had a fabulous dinner at 7 Glaciers restaurant at the top of Mt. Aleyeska. Went to music in the park for little ones. And of course we saw tons of wild life, moose, sea otters, dall sheep, and eagles.

Now we are back to the grind. Today was my first day back to work and I am already wanting another vacation. Two weeks of time with my little guy was so wonderful. We had great family time.

Enjoy some highlights from our trip:

Me and Jas at Big Lake

Nathan Visiting Grandpa at work

Nathan and Addy













Nathan and a sea lion in Seward

Crafting

I love it and I haven't had a ton of time to do it recently. It is how I relax and keep sane though. So, I am trying to make more time. One craft that gives me instant gratification is pottery painting. There is an awesome pottery painting place in Olympia called The Painted Plate. The atmosphere is awesome and they have some beautiful custom pieces to paint.

Nathan and I painted Jason a Father's Day gift this year and I am very pleased with the results. Having Nathan's footprints done was quite the adventure though, as you can imagine. It took us about one hour to get it done. I returned on my own to finish up the plate.

Tushy!

Cutest Naked Baby

Camping with Children

Is fun, but tiring. Those camping days filled with beer and relaxation are over for now. No more afternoon siestas or reading entire books by the fire. Camping days now start at 7am or earlier and the majority of the day is spent keeping bugs and sun off the kids, figuring out the key to getting naps to happen in a hot, bright, and loud environment, and timing meals to avoid total hunger meltdowns. Camping is fun in a whole new way, but I came home in need of a good 12 hours of sleep.

Nathan loved it, of course. He played in the dirt and the grass. Had a blast hanging with his cousin Natalie. Thought it was cool sleeping with his mom and dad and overall did amazing. We kept him on schedule as best we could and he slept through the night both nights. 

We camped with the Maxey Family for two nights at Salt Water State Park near Hood Canal. A total family campground with a park and playground. Not exactly roughing it. I think it was a good choice for the first camping trip with an infant and toddler. Starting our camp trip on Thursday night was a good choice as well because once Friday night rolled around, it was one happening and LOUD place.

We spent all day Friday exploring the beach and playing at the play ground. At night the adults sat by the fire and we talked about our kids. Saturday we packed up in the rain and had brunch at a diner in town. The kids were getting cranky and ready for home. 

We have two more camping trips planned this summer and I am so glad. I want to make sure Nathan gets to camp a lot as a kiddo. Even though he won't remember it, we are building great memories as a family. After this trip I have refined my packing strategy. I am even making a master pack list and having it laminated for quick packing.

Anyway....What you have all come here for anyway....Please enjoy the photos!!!

Best new tent EVER! Nathan is on the "All Weather Porch"

 

Had to bring the favorite toys

Loving his momma

His face is classic. Notice the cousin love. Holding hands!

She'll be the best big sister

Nathan is loving the fire

Please don't call CPS. It is empty. 

Family portrait on the beach

Cutie. 

Smitten.

The Darrows LOVE to camp. 

What parents do when their children go to bed....

They roast marshmallows, drink wine and sit by the fire. 

My Weekend in Pictures

What a beautiful weekend. Over 70 everyday. Super busy. Totally satisfied.

Nathan and I went shopping for some staples and NEW BIG BOY TOYS at Toys R Us

I worked on Father's Day Gifts

We played with our new toys!

We hosted brunch for the World Cup

Nathan made some new friends!

I did some art with Abby on our patio

Nathan continued working on his crawling

We played outside at the fountain

We played with cousins at Luke's Baseball game

Had too much fun with Ms. Lila

Made and ate a delicious Sunday Breakfast

And finished it all off with a bath in the jacuzzi with my cutie