My super awesome birthday!!

This last Monday, June 1st I headed up to my big sister's in Skagit County. You see she'd been working on a surprise birthday getaway for me as I'm turning 30 this year. All I knew was that we'd be going to Seattle and I'd need some good walking shoes, a swimsuit and a good book to read.

In my head I'd been flipping through all the possible things she could have planned: a day at the zoo, the food tour walk of Pike's Place, or just a nice relaxing couple of days hanging out by the pool enjoying the company of a good book and each other. How wrong I was.

Monday night when we got to her house after watching my very talented nephew play some basketball I got to open the big box waiting for me. I untied the string and pulled the bag away, out popped a big mickey mouse balloon... I didn't think much of it, I love Disney stuff so thought it was cute. Then I read the scroll she'd attached to it. Many heartfelt sentiments, the kind that bring tears to your eyes were written (I love my sister very much, she's my best friend) and the last line, "I decided we should celebrate your first magical 30 years at the Magic Kingdom!!!"

I was in shock and disbelief. No way would my sister surprise me with a trip to Disneyland, but sure enough she did. I haven't been since 2005 (which I know doesn't sound like long, but trust me it is) and didn't think I would be going for a while, you see my little man is a little bit short, he'll be six before he can get on most of the rides. I was so excited I couldn't even show it properly. Theresa you're the best sister a girl could have, thank you for the trip and the effort you put into it. I loved the shirts you made us too!! I will treasure this memory always.

Here are some pictures.

The reflection of the castle in the "moat" at night was gorgeous.

We decided to get our faces painted.


I'm celebrating!! I'm celebrating!!


Our last day. We were sad but had a great time!!!


Even Christopher got to share in the magic.

My family and I had a great dinner on the 10th. My mom always does such a great job and it really is all I need to warm my heart, getting to spend precious quality time with my family. We joked and giggled over a great gluten/dairy/pepper/tomato/citrus free dinner. I know, crazy right.

Adam took me out to Bonefish on the actual day of my birth and got me a Kindle with a cover for my gift. I'm very excited to get to using it. I love to read and this was the perfect thing to get me. Thanks honey!!

I also want to say thank you to all my loved ones, family and friends that touched base and said hello to me on my birthday. It meant a lot. Thank you so much.

I'll leave you with this for now and will post again soon. Love, Rachel

Happy Birthday!!

Happy Birthday to me!!
Happy Birthday to me!!
Today I turned 30!!
Happy Birthday to me!!

Happy Birthday Christopher

Happy Birthday Christopher! Today you turn 2!!!

I took this picture this morning first thing when you woke up. You were all smiles as you looked out the window and pointed at the trees, and the "fast" cars you could see in the distance. I love seeing you smile in wonderment at the little things. Seeing the world through your eyes helps me appreciate it more. I hope you

We threw you a birthday party last night. You had so much fun with the family, a blast with the birthday cake and even tore into your presents without much help from me.

I sure hope you had a fun night. I know we enjoyed watching you giggle and enjoy yourself. Here's to another year that will pass too fast, where you'll grow and learn and giggle yourself silly.


We love you Christopher.

Had a great day.

Yesterday was my birthday. It was probably one of the better birthdays I've ever had, I truly enjoyed the whole day.

It started off first thing in the morning with my dad bringing me a Dutch Bros coffee. That in itself might have made for a perfect day. Then my sister came to visit, bringing me a gluten free brownie mix and a movie I've been wanting for a while Howl's Moving Castle. Before she made her exit my friend Suzy came over and brought me bath stuff!! We talked for a while and I thoroughly enjoyed her company. I don't see her as often as I would like and it made the day that much better. The neighbor and her daughter came over and brought me chocolate and a card knowing I couldn't eat anything with wheat and hoping chocolate was safe, they left a little dissapointed that Christopher was taking a nap as they love to see him whenever they can!!

For dinner I BBQ'd and my parents came over. We had steaks, asparagus and potatoes, all done on the grill. It was pretty darn tasty. We watched a movie on the big screen and had a cocktail (my dad and I did anyway.) I'd been wanting to try Baileys new caramel flavor, it was yummy. Christopher behaved beautifully all day and went to bed after dinner with no fuss. All in all it was a really good birthday. Had Adam been home it would have been just that much better.

Eat Cake.

Christopher, as cute as he is can sure get himself into some mischief. All I have to say is you better keep the bathroom door closed.

His first birthday party was great. All the immediate family came (aside from Theresa and crew, who were there in spirit.) Fritzy and Athena came with Sam and Eileen (who is just the tiniest, most adorable little baby.) Christopher was rather sleepy for the most part, that is until the food came out and he woke right up. I made him his very own mini cake which he summarily smeared all over his face.

Christopher also had his 12 month well check this last Monday. No shots this time as he had a cold but in two weeks he'll get those darn vaccines.

At his well check we got his currents stats too!!
Height: 28.5" up from 26.5" at his 9 month well check which puts him in the 9th percentile He was 26" at his 6 month well check, 24.8" at his 4 month well check and 23.3" at his 2 month.

Weight: 18lbs down from 18.15lbs at his 9 month putting him in the 1st percentile. He was 17lbs 6oz at his 6 month, 15lbs 6oz at his 4 month well check and 11lbs 1oz at his 2 month.