Its The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

What a wonderful weekend!! We kicked the festivities off by meeting up with the Gradwhol's at Lexi's parents house on Wednesday night. It was so much fun to watch Hayden, Pierson & Michael play.

On Friday I did some power shopping with my parents, Jessica & Garrik came along this year to see what all the madness is about. Scott & Pierson have a tradition of going to Lowes & Home Depot with Papa Larry. Once they are shopped out they are off to breakfast!! I hope the tradition last them forever.

On Saturday we took Pierson to see reindeer at a local Plant Nursery. He was so excited...

This year we decided to get Pierson a new tree for his room. He had been using Scott's from when he was a kid. It was in pretty sad shape.

Happy Halloween

We have a tradition at our house. Scott cleans out the pumpkins and I carve them.  I always try to do a design for each of that represents who we are or maybe a special interest for that year.  For Pierson, I choose to do Snoopy.  He loves Charlie Brown's Great Pumpkin!! Scott picked out an American flag for himself and I decided on a cat (mainly because the I wanted one with easy lines!!). 

For Halloween this year Pierson was Mr. PotatoHead.  We had the costume early in October.  Once he got a hold of it...game over.  He wore it all month long.  So of course on Halloween Pierson informed us that he wanted to be a Monster...of course he did!!  Why would he want to wear the costume he'd been wearing all month?  Ugh.  Luckily, Scott was able to talk him away from the ledge and he put on the PotatoHead costume. 

After we went to see my parents & Great Grandma B our dear friends the Jess' stopped by so we could see Michael.  These two are characters.  They were trying to shoot baskets in their costumes, not the easiest thing to do!!

I decided to stay home and hand out candy while Scott & Pierson went to a few houses.  As I watched them cross the street my eyes watered up, my baby is getting so big!!  They ended up being gone for a little over 30 minutes, "more treats" he kept saying.  Not bad for his first real go at Halloween
 

Must Love Music

Pierson has an incredible love for playing music, singing & dancing. He plays everything from his drums, guitar, keyboard books and even enjoys a wooden spoon and cooking pot.  Along with "playing" his instruments he loves to sing. 

Things like this are the simple joys of parenthood...the simple joys in life. 

Greenbluff 2011

Every October we head north to Greenbluff with Sarah, Jason & Michael Jess.  This year, the further we drove the harder the rain came down.  We decided to give it a shot in the hopes that the rain would pass.  Unfortunately, instead of passing it just go worse. 
Rather than torturing ourselves with two toddlers in the pouring rain we packed up and headed back into town for lunch.  Hopefully next year we'll be able to spend a bit more time picking apples, eating pumpkin donuts & picking out pumpkins.

Pierson let me get one token picture!!

Potty Training

This past Saturday we started potty training!! I am 110% impressed by Pierson's determination and progress. He's doing AMAZING!! He doesn't event want to wear his diapers anymore, needless to say I think he was ready. 

We've been making the potties as accessible as possible, to give him as much opportunity for success as possible. So one is in our living room. While finishing up the kitchen after dinner I hear Scott whispering, "babe get the camera" - I think you can see for yourself why...

The County Fair

My Dad has a long standing tradition of getting all the grandkids at the County Fair on the same day...the reason behind this is he has to get his photo button!! It is a small treasure he holds close to his heart & I have to admit it is a ton of fun to see how the group as expanded and how each kid changes year over year.  Garrik was playing in the band at the Lewis & Clark football game...I can't believe he's in high school!!

This was Pierson's third fair.  His first fair he was only 9 months old.  Last year he loved the animals...this year my baby wanted to ride the rides...ALONE!! He's lucky we have his daddy to talk mommy of the crazy ledge & help me let him grow up.

Pierson's 1st Solo Fair Ride

2nd Fair Ride



Cat Tails

Keeping a toddler entertained can be challenging. Keeping a very active "all boy" 33 month entertained can be near impossible. And knowing fall/winter is right around the corner we've been busy!!

One Sunday morning Scott & decided to take Pierson to Cat Tails to see the "big cats." Cat Tails is a small zoo that takes in orphans and is the only Zoological Training Center in North America.  I love going places and getting to see familiar experiences through Pierson's eyes. 

Zeus the white tiger.

After this fun filled to trip to the zoo we headed off to lunch. Nothing beats spending a great day with my two boys!!

An Amazing Labor Day Weekend

This Labor Day weekend was full of family & fun. I can't think of a single thing I would change (except maybe to have had one more day!!). We got a million things done around the house but more importantly we got to spend a lot of time together.

Our first stop was River Front Park on Saturday for Pig Out. Typically, we wouldn't go because you tend to run into the same vendors at the County Fair but Scott talked me into it (hello...an excuse to eat!!).  Before lunch we stopped to see the ducks and took a ride on the Carrousel. 

I am personally not a big fan of ducks (this includes the football team) or birds for that matter...good thing I have Scott & could keep my distance!!

I have to admit I bribed Pierson to leave the ducks by telling him we were going to see the horses. Is it bad that they weren't real? The Carrousel has been in Spokane & in operation for more than 100 years. All of the carrousel's original figures are still making their rounds. Pierson had a blast and loved tossing the rings Scott caught for him.

The Looff Carrousel in Spokane

Finally...we pigged out!!

On Sunday we decided to take Pierson to the Japanese Gardens. We knew he would love seeing all the giant koi fish. Both Scott and I remembered the gardens being much bigger. I am guessing this is because we were much smaller...I hope Pierson felt the same way we used to as kids. 

The Koi Fish 

Last, but certainly not least, we went to the Symphony in the Park on Monday.  This is held at Comstock Park which  is about 2 miles from our house. This is such a fun event & we love the tradition of going to kick off the fall season. 



Pierson wanted to be right up front & I can't blame him. I love seeing the world through his eyes.

Throw in a few loads of laundry, a trip to the grocery store & a few other small errands & you have our amazing Labor Day Weekend. I am so lucky to have Scott & Pierson to share my life with!!

Hayden Lake a Little Piece of Heaven on Earth

My best friend's (Sarah) family has a cabin on Hayden Lake.  We have so many memories there & continue making memories even as our families grow.  Normally, Sarah, Alexis & I meet up a few days before the men join us and have some Mommy/kiddo bonding.  However, this year was unfortunately a bit different. First, the Gradwohl's were not able to make it.  And second, with my new job and time off I've already taken...more PTO didn't feel right.

All that said, we still had to make a trip to the lake. It would not have been right any other way!! We took off from work a bit early a Friday, loaded the car, picked Pierson from Grandma & Grandpa's and we were on our way, yippee!!

We spent Saturday playing on the beach, soaking up some rays & throwing back a few cold ones!!

Pierson & Daddy

Michael catching some waves

Pierson & Mommy

This year's trip was way too short but we are so grateful to have had the opportunity to spend time there & together.  Next year will be adding Baby Jess #2 to the mix, he's going to love it there!!  



Splish Splash

It seems like summer is finally here & we've been staying busy (I actually don't think I have stopped moving since the 4th of July)!!  A few weekends ago my parents had a wild hair to go to the South Hill Aquatic Center.  It's a mere 5 minute drive away & we had never been.  Scott was busy working on the yard so I braved the pool with Pierson alone.

Being the ever so active toddler that he is Pierson wasn't having the little slide...and thanks to my Dad he got to down the big boy slide several times!!  It was a ton of fun (exhausting being the only parent there) & we hope to go back before the summer is over...thanks Mama & Papa for the idea!

Celebrating A Little Late

This year we spent our anniversaryy in Highlands, NC. So this past weekend, we decided that we deserved a little time alone to celebrate 4 years of wedded bliss. We went out for an early dinner & I wanted pizza!! With that in mind we headed off to Bennidito's Pizza. If you haven't been...you need to go.  And if you don't live in Spokane it's a must if you come for a visit!! Not only is the atmosphere & pizza fabulous they have great deals on drinks too. We ordered a bucket of Sessions to wash down our dinner.  A perfect summer night out (thank you to The Johnson's!!). 



Highlands, North Carolina

Last November Scott's best friend proposed to the lovely Kelly O'Connor.  We learned the wedding site would be in Highlands, NC. Originally it was going to be just Scott that made the trip. I was convinced it was too much for Pierson (or should I say too much for me!!).  After some persuading, tickets were booked for the Brodrick's to head east!

The O'Connor family was gracious enough to let us stay at their mountain home. The views were to die for!! Pierson saw bull frogs, lightening bugs & learned to love waterfalls!!

View from the deck.

Dry Falls

Scott was able to enjoy several rounds of golf with Shad at some pretty fancy clubs. Pierson & I spent time with Aunt Alyssa, Avrey, Maryn & Grandma Barb.  We went shopping, to the pool, built forts, played cards & ate tons of good food!!

Me & the girls in "VIP Lounge" playing Crazy 8's.

The rehearsal dinner was at Mountain Top Golf & Lake Club. I caught this priceless picture of Scott & Pierson taking in the view of the course. I know Scott cannot wait for the day to teach his son how to golf!!

If you know me...you know I have the patience of a nat. With this in mind we decided to take some time as a family & play in the sun at the pool before the wedding.  This was some much needed r&r for me. I enjoyed being with my boys & kicking back while soaking up the rays!

For the wedding, we had a babysitter for Pierson. Only the second person outside our family to watch my baby was complete stranger from North Carolina (yes I know...I am crazy!!). She was a darling blond & Pierson LOVED her!! They played with his dino's, read books and hung out while Mom & Dad enjoyed the ceremony & a fabulous dinner. They had the best/most fancy Mac&Cheese bar ever.  Who wouldn't love Mac&Cheese with lobster tail?!!



After dinner we had about an hour left in the festivities. We grabbed Pierson & let him boogy with band. He was mesmerized by them & had a total blast getting his groove on...I hope he doesn't get my dance skills later in life, he may in trouble!!

The bride & groom are amazing & we love them both so very much! Congratulations to Kelly & Shad!!

Don't hang on, nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky...

Very exciting news to report!! After 6+ plus years with Datamark I will begin a new adventure on June 20th.  While at Datmark I married Scott, we bought our first home and we welcomed Pierson into our family.  Needless to say I feel like I have grown up with them.  And they've been a wonderful support along the way. 

I am so excited & overwhelmed with this fabulous opportunity to join the talented team at Ascentium!!

Forever Young

After the past few weeks I have experienced both the joy of life & the heartache of death... 

On Sunday April 17th I participated in my 2nd Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Last year after my Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer I knew this would always be a race I would have to participate in. It is next to impossible to explain the energy you feel when running in this event.  You are surrounded by supporters, survivors and those currently fighting for their lives. Both years I found myself with tears in my eyes. Tears of anger, sadness, joy & relief.

This is a picture of the pink balloons that are released at the beginning of the race by survivors.  I feel so blessed that one of those belongs to my Mom.

April 21st, another day that has effected my life & more greatly my Mom's. On this day her only sister passed away at 63. I cannot imagine the feelings my Mom must have.  Being the only surviving member of her immediate family & thoughts of her own mortality after beating cancer. 

After a difficult fight with Alzheimer's disease I pray you are now able to rest in peace Aunt Mary.

Forever young, I want to be forever young

Do you really want to live forever, forever forever

Forever young, I want to be forever young

Do you really want to live forever

Forever young

Harboring A Runaway

My husband Scott may have one of the softest hearts for stray animals. And if we had a farm I am convinced they'd all live with us... 

On Monday Scott called and had found a Bulldog in the middle of a very busy road, she was just sitting there. In asking around he found out from neighbors that many people bring there animals to this area and dump them...WHAT!! We knew we couldn't take her to the pound. So he brought her home and we posted that we had found her at every shelter & on Craig's list. 

I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason & Scott recalled an ad he'd seen for a Lost Bulldog in the paper. We called and sadly we did not have their dog.  However, this woman has had Bulldogs her entire life & was willing to adopt our house guest if her owners did not come forward.  We took her into the vet to see if she had a chip & that was a bust too.  But we did find out she had 2 ear infections so we bought her some medicine. I couldn't leave knowing she was in pain without helping her.

After a few days & no calls on her we have handed her over to her new home.  She had a full vet visit this afternoon and not only does she have 2 ear infections but she also has an eye, skin & fold infection. She even had her toe nails trimmed.  I just know that she is going to be adored & loved as she should be with her new family.

Wishing "Lola" a wonderful life!!

Taking the plunge!!

I have been thinking about starting a blog for some time now, mostly because I enjoy reading my friends and catching up on their lives. It helps me feel connected to people who I love dearly but don't live down the hall or down the street from anymore. And I used to love writing. My main fear is finding the time. Working full-time and raising a family is challenging & at the end of some days it's all I can do to drag myself to bed. But no matter the individual situation I think we all have days like this. 

I hope to share the stories of my life that make me laugh & cry. And if I am lucky maybe some of my experiences from this crazy life will make you laugh...or cry too.