Come ONE, Come FIVE...

My Mom, Carter and Greyson all share the same birthday. September 10th. Last Saturday we had quite the carnival in our backyard to celebrate the boys birthdays. Last I heard there were 32 kids...I think a total of 65 people in our backyard at one point...CRAZY!! Here are a few photos from the fun day...

Look at those beautiful eyes...such a handsome guy!

When no one was looking, Levi & cousin Connor got into the cake... :)

Check out Carlee's blog for more fun photos...

Training Days...

These days we are really working on potty training. They say the Summertime is the best time, since they can run around outside naked...well, confined to your backyard that is...

It's important to wear your baseball helmet at all times!

We have also moved Levi into a big boy bed as of recently. This was in hopes of giving him a better nights sleep. I'm not sure who is getting more or less...but I've woke each night to a "thud" or him crying since he's fallen out of bed...

Why does he refuse to sleep vertical???

ONE

Happy birthday to wee guy! Not so wee anymore, but still our littlest guy. It goes by far to fast the second time around. Don't blink....

9.10.07 * 7lbs 8 oz

9.10.08 * 20lbs 2oz

hApPy BiRtHdAy GrEySoN!

We sure love you little guy, you bring so much joy and excitement to our lives. Were crazy about you!

Maleria takes a life every 30 seconds...

By the time you have finished reading this, one will have died from Maleria. A friend sent me this link...so I'm passing it along. http://www.nothingbutnets.net/its-easy-to-help/ $10 saves a life.

What choices did you make today?

"An estimated 600,000 - 800,000 are trafficked across international borders each year...further it is not limited to SE Asia. Seattle is #2 in the US and play host to many types of trafficking, both domestic and international." These women and children, some as young as 5 years old are held prisoners in brothels and sold into sex slavery. They DO NOT have a choice, WE do. DO SOMETHING!! www.teeoffagainsttrafficking.com

The final rose?

Lately, I've felt incredibly overwelmed. Between Tee Off Against Trafficking, Assisting the wounded one (Mom), Preparing for a CrAzY b-day and trying to be the best Momma & wife I can be. All of which I enjoy and gladly do.
I have a hard time turning off my brain at night with all the thoughts, ideas, logistics, etc. swimming around in my head. These days I seem to eat...breath...sleep 'TOAT' as we all refer to it. I'm constantly thinking of people in my sphere of infuence. Who do I know...who do they know? Where do they work...what do they do? There is a reoccuring stream of how can they help...what can they do for TOAT? To which the Bachelor, our own local celebrity Jason Mesnik is brought to light. Naturally any sort of celebrity is wonderful for drumming up added attention in turn generating a wider awareness. So, why not? We pondered how to get it touch with him. Strangly he was listed in the white pages, albeit not anymore! I offered to try and connect with him. (rough work, somebodies got to do it!) Surprisingly I recieved voicemail each of the four times I called and even more surprising, no call back. Weird.
I had decided I would put a packet of info with our brochure in the mail to him. Why not? My plan was to drop off some folders and mail the envelope after my spin class this morning. I managed one quick drop, but the rest would have to wait, Greyson was a wreck. The thought of unloading and loaded for the post office sent me over the edge. Having his address I punched it into my GPS and walah, we were on our way. He's close by, I'll drop it on his porch...why not? As I turn down his street I was talking with my sister Carlee about the party and I hear little miss know it all..."ding, ding, you have arrived your destination is on the left." Blondie (me) looks to the right and THEN left. Well, I about had a heart attack...there he was in all his darling glory. Standing in his driveway doing yard work. You would have thought I was a 17 year old girl seeing NKOTB for crying out loud. I turned into a pathetic mess. I told Carlee I couldn't do it, I would come back when he WASN'T home or mail it! I'm pretty sure Carlee said, "Sadie this is the final rose" or maybe it was "Sadie hang up the phone, you have to talk to him - this is your opportunity." Either way I kept imagining Chris Harrison standing there with his knowing look. I did what I find myself saying a lot these days to my almost three year old and pulled it together! I'm really not all too sure what I said when I hopped out of the car. But he was friendly and yes ladies L.O.V.E.L.Y. He confirmed what we had thought, he begins filming for the new Bachelor next month. So he won't be able to play golf in the tournament. However he did say he was very interested and happy to help in anyway he could. I would like to think this is the first rose...for now I will continue to wonder why, WHY I didn't bring cuter clothes to change into after spin class!?

Cannon Beach, OR

My favorite pic of the weekend, yep that's sand and I'm pretty sure he's about to take another mouthful!

Building sand castles

They call this Haystack...I told Josh it was because that's what it looked like...I have no idea though! :)

Outside Bruce's Candy Shop, moments before the sugar induced mania!

Maybe the only time Greyson sat still for longer than 5 seconds

Look at those dimples, such cuties I have. :)

We loaded up early Friday morning with the Calkin's for Cannon Beach, Oregon. Having never experienced the Oregon coast we had no idea the fun that awaited us. It was a blast, the kids played and played and PLAYED on the beach. Greyson must have consumed at least a pound or two of sand. Why not? The sandy beaches were so soft and really we found ourselves saying over and over..."this is like Maui, minus the temperature and TONS of people..." It was absolutely beautiful. After about 30 seconds in the water barely reaching your ankles your bones began to ache and a moment longer hypothermia would set in (no joke). It was hardly a damper on our weekend of fun though. Each night everyone comes out to stoke up a bone fire right on the beach with a few fireworks here and there. I wish my camera could capture the scene...complete darkness on the beach with the sound of the waves, the bone fires and moon as our shining light.
The quaint downtown of Cannon is so lovely. Darling shops and cafes line the streets, Bruce's Candy Shop is a huge favorite and historical site. The fresh salt water taffy they make right in front of you, is delicious!
How is it that's I'm almost 30 and have yet to experience such a wonderful place only a few hours away?? We are already planning next year!