Somethings never change

The other day it was a little too quiet and this is what I found.
A scene that I'll never tire of.
4 months old8 months old21 months old

Big Boy Bed

Well the time has come. Jamis is almost 2 and has finally learned how to crawl IN his crib. Although he hasn't tried to get OUT by himself, I wasn't looking forward to hearing that dreaded head cracking THUMP sound, so we went ahead and upgraded to the BIG BOY BED.

Last night in his crib. Take note of the sunglasses. This kid won't take them off. Inside or outside he has his shades on (usually upside down too I might add).

Devan and I wanted to get our Car obsessed child a car bed, but couldn't believe how expensive they were. $300 new, $120 on craigslist, but I scored with this one at a garage sale for $15 in perfect condition. Jamis was SO excited. It would've been worth the $300 after all.

First night in the BIG BOY BED. Now can I just brag for a second on my wonderful child. When making the switch I was prepared for lots of crying, late nights, putting him back in bed a thousand times. Well, my sweet boy has done none of that. He is excited to get into bed, he stays there the whole night or nap time, and when he wakes up he won't get out of bed until I come in the room. The only problem we have is that he thinks the bed transforms into a trampoline during the day. Now, I doubt this will last, but WOW. He's such a good boy.
So proud of his new bed.Jamis's room slowly is transforming into a big boy's room.

New York, New York!!!

It seems, the older one gets, the less desire they have to celebrate their birthday. Now a loving husband and a group of friends though could never let a milestone birthday go uncelebrated, and Beckie my dear, you hit the jack pot.

Happy 40th!!!

Bruce and I teamed up to surprise Beckie with a surprise birthday party at her favorite restaurant, Indochine.

Beckie wasn't too impressed with the high school pics we were able to dig up.

The big surprise came after dinner though, when Beckie was surprised with a weekend get-a-way to the BIG APPLE with Jackie and I.

Uptown view from the Empire State Building

Last year when Devan and I were in the city, the one thing I really wanted to do was go to the top of the Empire State Building. I was SO excited to get there, and then I found out you had to pay to go up. Well, being the tightwad I can be at times, I thought that was ridiculous to pay to go up on an elevator so I made us turn around in the lobby. Well, I've regretted it from that moment on. So here I am a year later, having learned my lesson that its OK to save money, but you've got to enjoy the journey at the same time. Worth EVERY penny and more by the way.

China town. I was amazed how close to China this place actually looked (and smelled).

The temple Bruce hooked us up with an amazing hotel RIGHT in Times Square. This place is amazing at night. So many people, so many more lights.

We were also able to go see the musical "Wicked." WoW!!! Is all I can say to sum the show up. It was amazing. The costumes, the music, the lighting. I loved every second of it.

We nearly missed our flight leaving, threw up out the cab window (no names here, but lets just say one of us gets really car sick) (oh, the looks on people's faces...priceless), walked the entire city, shopped, ate more than we should've, people watched, shopped, taste tested all the cupcake shops, shopped, hit several street fairs, shopped, laughed, cried, and loved every second of it.

An amazing Girls Weekend in an amazing city. Thanks Beckie for having a birthday and to Bruce who came up with the idea and made all the arrangements.

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