The Big Trip Part 1 - Lynnwood

Speaking of anniversaries (see previos post), Grandma and Grandpa Mattix celebrated a big one this -- their 60th, I think. Someone tell me if I'm wrong there.

Mom and Dad planned on flying to Washington State and visit them and also Grandma & Grandpa Thompson as well and the kids and I decided to tag along.

The last time I flew out to Washington it was also with Mom, and Cole was I think 9-10 months old. I had some seriously low expectations for such a full day of travel with the kids, especially Adison since she is such a mover and a shaker. They did wonderful, however, and the only trouble was that the descent hurt Cole's ears considerably and we found out a day later that he was getting a cold, so the pressure was pretty intense. What's funny is that Cole likes to tell people that visiting Seattle is "2 planes" from Raleigh.

We started our visit in Lynnwood with G.G. and all the other aunts, uncles, and cousins -- 2nd cousins? I need to brush up on my family tree relations.

The highlight for Cole was being around all these boys! And some very BIG boys! I remember looking over at Cole and just seeing him stare in awe at the guys. But just becasue it's all boys, all the time there, doesn't mean Dave & Marilyn were not prepared. She pulled out more girl toys than a toy store and within seconds Adison was prancing around the house putting baby dolls to nap, strolling them, and best of all: talking.

Everyone just goes WAY out of their way to make sure we have everything we could possibly need.

A special highlight for me was getting to take pictures of the kids in Grandma (G.G.)and Grandpa's garden. I remember spending so much time in their garden, and it was -- and still is! -- such a beautiful place to just be in. The kids loved G.G's house.

40 & 60

This is a really special year for Mom & Dad. They each turn 60 this year and they are also celebrating their 40th anniversary. Because it is such a big deal, all of us kids agreed that we should do something special.

We decided on a surprise party. Not just any surprise party, though. Our story to get them there was that this was actually a surprise party for Carine who is turning 35 this year. The fact that they were slightly "in" on it, was very helpful since I had to borrow most of the party equipment from Mom. Someday I'll have my own grown-up supply of fancy table-clothes, punch bowels, and dishes for literally every occassion. For the time being, though, I had nothing and it was great to not have to sneak into their house and literally steal things. I'm not sure if this is good or bad, but I also found that I am quite a prolific liar. And not just well-thought-out-ahead-of-time lies, but also those real spur-of-the-moment zingers.

It was so fun putting this together. We blew up a picture and put it on the fence to give it away that the party was actually for them. Chris collected pictures and quotes from the grand kids and put together a really special book from the grandchildren.

All 4 of us kids had a chance to say something to them, and it was a special and tender time. I'm so thankful to have them as parents, and that my kids have them as grandparents.

Cole's Preschool Graduation

What a big day!

Cole's preschool graduation was a special day. It was bittersweet since we have enjoyed his years there and also because he had a very special connection to his teachers, Miss Beth and Miss Sherry this year.

Cole asked to wear his flip flops to the graduation. I said yes, it's the last day and he's not allowed to wear them at preschool normally. I think he's pulling off a pretty cool J. Crew vibe with this outfit.

They sang a "favorite" song for each month as part of the ceremony. Cole has stuck to his guns about not singing in front of people. He will stand there, pay attention, be quiet...but sing? No. I even told him, this is the LAST time you will sing here. All the mama's are watching THEIR own kids, only Mama is looking at you. Please! But no.

It's like a mad-house there with all the parents and camera's and everyone is vying for the perfect spot so I took Adison and sat in the middle of the isle so I could get a picture of him getting his diploma. The only way to keep her quiet was to let her take a picture of me -- well, my shoes.

As the kids names were called and they walked to get their diploma from their teachers, they announced what that child said he/she wanted to be when they grew up.

Cole's answer? A hockey player.

I was glowing with pride.

9 Years

Kevin sent me flowers on our anniversary (after we both PROMISED we would do NOTHING).
I love them. How did I get to be so lucky?

Cole in Action

Kevin caught some great action shots of Cole playing soccer on Mothers Day.

Mothers Day 2009

We spent the day at Nancy's place in her beautiful garden on a beautiful day. It's hard to get a bad picture there. She has it set up to nice.

Kevin got me the perfect mothers day gift, a trip to the spa. Always a winner there.

I love these pics, they remind me that some days are tough as a mother but that I am truly blessed and grateful that the Lord has given Kevin and I care of these two wonderful kids.

Signs She's not Ready for Potty Training

1. She uses her underwear as a head-covering

2. She uses her underwear as a cell-phone holder.


We stopped after she pee'd in my nicest, most expensive pair of shoes. Here's to another try in September!

Just Pictures

Taken by the aforementioned Kellie.