5th Wedding Anniversary

It's a little hard for me to believe that's been 5 Years since Devan and I said
"I Do." Some days its seems like its been 5 days other 50 years. Devan surprised me with the perfect romantic get-a-way to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The weekend started out a little crazy with a hurricane hitting the area the morning we were supposed to get there. Luckily it wasn't too bad and only put us behind a day.

We stayed on Ocracoke, a cute quaint little town, where you can walk to everything. We spent the weekend Kayaking, exploring, sitting on the beach, and totally relaxing.
Ocracoke Lighthouse
Hatteras Lighthouse
On top of Hatteras Lighthouse

About 10 years ago they moved the Lighthouse to avoid erosion. This was the original foundation.
Because of the hurricane, the beach was an open treasure chest of goodies to be found.
Beautiful sunsets.
5 years down. An eternity to go......

This kid needs a helmet

Jamis has decided that 21 months is close enough to 2 that it would be OK to begin the TERRIBLE TWO'S. In all honesty though I don't know if its the terrible twos or the hormonal mommy that's the problem. Jamis has sure begun to be more adventurous though and my ever growing body is having a tough time keeping up.

Getting his own snack from the garden

A boy and his toys
Jamis will be the next star on the "I've Fallen & I can't Get Up" commercial. This kid will fall (on purpose mind you), position himself right at your feet, and lay there "crying" until you acknowledge the fact that he fell. As soon as you say "Oh, you fell down" he'll jump up, smile and dust himself off. If you don't participate in this part of the game, he'll just continue to lay there....forever. I don't think we've ACTUALLY hurt ourselves yet, but he sure has enough practice for that day.

Playing outside would not be complete without getting totally dirty. At least he cleans himself though.

Blue is our Hue

It's a.......

BOY!!!!!


Sorry for having to "prove" it, but I just think he's stinking cute. So glad to hear that "its" a "he" and that he's perfect. I am currently 18.5 weeks along and he is growing, perfectly healthy, and weighs in at 8 oz. This was the first ultrasound that Devan was able to come to and it was so amazing to see him "see" his son for the first time. In the rather chilly exam room, Devan kept commenting on "how hot is it in here." Jamis still doesn't get whats happening, though he'll pat my belly when we ask him "where's the little brother" and pat himself at "Where's the big brother." I am so excited for this little bug to get here and for Jamis to finally have a permanent playmate. Only 21.5 more weeks to go!!!

South Dakota bound

Awe, the great Dakotas. So glad to be able to go "home" this summer and have a break from the humidity and bugs of the south. Mom and Dad moved back to Rapid City last month and so all the kids gathered there for a little family reunion. Our week was filled with the Trotter norms of wake boarding, cliff diving, 4 wheeling, eating, dirt biking, hiking, all mixed in with plenty of ciaos. This was extra special as Nathan was ordained a deacon, we all got to meet Morgan for the first time and see her be blessed.

Dad and Devan climbed Harney Peak

We told him to stop getting in the way, but no....

Devan and Nathan

Jamis's first tube ride

Cute little 7 month old Morgan

Angostura Beach time

Jake's just too cool

Jamis is too

Devan's signature jumping move

Pancake breakfast at Fort Hays'

Jamis learned to freeboard

Who needs a babysitter? Jamis and Kaylyn

I love that Jamis never forgets to stop and "smell" the flowers.
If only he could learn that smelling requires you to breath IN and not OUT. Poor flowers always end up with a nice booger or two.

Yeah! I did it! Jami's first big rock he climbed all by himself.

Two cousins just chillin'

Lovin' the Dakota life

Brevard 2010

Our favorite camping get-a-way in NC has to be Brevard, right in Pisgah National Forest. This year we brought the Arne's with us for some 4th of July festivities.

Jamis went down Slick Rock for the first time. Loved in on the way down, but was a little shocked with the cold water at the end.

I don't think its possible for Devan to see a waterfall and not jump off it.

Oops guess he shouldn't have jumped off that one.

The ranger happened to be a guy that we met a year or two ago on the trail and he was nice enough to let Devan go with only a Warning Ticket.

Canoe ride over to Hooker Falls

Hooker Falls

Our Favorite hike is over to Bridal Veil Falls

This year's pic
Exactly one year ago. Oh, what happened to my baby.

TodayLast yearWarming up on the rocks
This boy belongs outdoorsJamis is a champion rock thrower these days.
"Did you see how far that one went?"

Camping poops you out.