On Wednesday, Nate and I left for our "special trip" to Seattle. I took Jacob 2 years ago, when he was 8. It was a great time, and we have so many great memories. I promised Nate that we would go on a special trip too. I love building these memories with the boys. So here is our first day of travel.

Here's Nate, playing with a toy airplane that we bought in the airport store, while we waited for our flight to start boarding. When they started boarding the VIPs, we went to the gate and could see our plane. Nate good, although growing impatient waiting for our turn to board.

Boarding Alaska Airlines Flight 235. I love this picture. He was so excited! One person behind us was annoyed at us for holding up the. Oh well, he'll get over it. This was my baby's first flight and must be documented. Honestly, it was ONE picture.

Buckle up.

Be sure to read the safety instructions.

Nate loved looking out the window and pointing this he saw to me. This was on our ascent. We were leaving the bay area and heading over the mountains.

This was how Nate spent just over the first hour.

Once we were above the clouds, in Oregon somewhere, there wasn't much to look at. I brought his DS, just in case. So he got to play it.

This is crater lake, mostly surrounded by clouds; so it is not vary clearly defines. I'd like to visit it from the ground someday.

I believe this is Mt Rainier, in Washington, snow capped and standing tall through the clouds. Is this not an awesome photo?

Descending into the clouds for landing.

This is what the inside of a cloud looks like.

As we broke through the clouds we got a glimpse of the space needle. Nate saw it first. But, it was cloudy enough that I could not get a photo. As we got closer to the ground, Nate spotted this water tower. I love that he notices things that not everyone would think is significant.
When we touched down, Nate noticed these and explained to me that "Those rectangle things on wing are called flaps." That's right Nate. Then when were taxi-ing to our gate, we watch another plane take off. Nate pointed out that the wheels went up into the plane. I said yes, most airplanes have wheels that go up when they are flying. He informed me, matter of factly, "I know, that's so the wheels won't make it unstable." He's a smart boy!
After arriving and settling in at Aimee's and Jason's house, we decided to get Subway for dinner and meet Jodi and the boys at a local park to eat. They have the awesome-est parks here. Unfortunately, I left my camera at Aimee's, so no photos. The kids got along great. Never fear, there will be other parks to visit, and I will remember my camera.

Parental blackmail is always fun. You just never know what to expect from Nate. Here is a look at some of Nate's shenanigans over the last week. Just for fun.

Is there such a thing as "too many bubbles"?

Probably, when they start creeping down the hall
Transforming into Super Nate

Yes, he can fly

He can also pick thing up

Another day, another character

Cute mask, now pick up the scraps!

Completed mask

Project 52-2010: It seems the kids weren't all that into the cameras; and didn't take any pictures this week. So, I am on my own. My random picture of the week is Joshua's cat Shadow keeping my leg warm while I have it somewhat propped up on the couch.

For Nate's birthday, we went to Magic Mountain. It was a great choice for my fearless boy. Unfortunately, mom was in no condition to ride the rides with him this time. I think everyone had a fun day, regardless. Except for the fact that we waited too long to eat, then had to wait in a crazy long line.
First things first. Let's check out the map and decide what we want to ride first. And if that doesn't work, we'll get help from the pros. Thanks Daffy!

The kids were not into getting pictures with the characters.

Nate and Daddy getting "scrambled"

Mommy got to ride Thomas with Nate

The roundhouse. They had a great Thomas and Friends section. I know a few little boys (friends' children) who would have a ball here.

Nate, as Percy's conductor

Too short for lunch?

So much fun. So few pictures. I'm not sure how that happened. Maybe, because I couldn't get the best angles from my electric scooter. But, considering all things, I would not have made it all day on crutches.

Happy Birthday to my sweet baby boy today. Nate is SEVEN! Where has the time gone? Nate loves helium balloons. So, Grandma bought a helium tank and last night Joshua and I filled seven balloons and put them in his room. It was a fun surprise to wake up to this morning.

Here is is collecting his balloons.
My silly boy, with very fine hair that reacts well to static.

Then we headed south. the plan was to go to Six flags today. But, we got a late start. Hmm, I think it might have had something to do with the fact that Mom wasn't able to do all the packing/organizing and getting everyone out the door on one leg and two crutches, lol. The plan was to stay over night and go to the beach tomorrow. Well, we decided to go to the beach today and hit the park tomorrow, when we can get there early enough to spend the day.

My little guys on the beach

Nate climbing the rope at Muscle Beach. I saw a couple of buff adults climb it and a few, older kids try. But, none of the other kids succeeded. My Nate has amazing upper body strength; and I think he is part monkey too.

After we checked into our hotel,

we went out for a birthday snack.

Have you seen a happier birthday boy?

Love that toothless smile.

Stay tuned for a blog about our Magic Mountain adventure. It should interesting trying to manage an amusement park on crutches...

Check out my young genius. I wonder what this boy will be when he grows up.

My darling little DOES NOT SLEEP. He has never been a good sleeper, even as an infant. He was diagnosed with ADHD in January and is currently taking Concerta. After a few months, we found the right dose and his behavior and focus have remarkably improved. Keep in mind that Conerta is a stimulant. Well, what do you suppose happens when you give a child who already has sleep problems a stimulant? That's right, they don't sleep AT ALL. Well, pretty close anyway. So, I explain this to his doctor, who prescribes another medication, basically, a downer, for him to take at night. Several week later...NOTHING. He's still not sleeping. So, the doctor increases the dose. Weeks later...NOTHING. He's still not sleeping. This week, again, the doctor increases the dose.

I am not a proponent of drugs for children, for the most part. They were not the first choice for Nate either. But, I admit they have made a huge difference for him. That being said, I am open to other ideas, including less traditional ideas. One day, I was chatting (venting) with my dear friend Aimee about Nate's lack of sleep and my exhaustion. At some point in the conversation, she said, "Nothing says he has to sleep in a bed." She's brilliant like that! My Jacob and Aimee's son had both been in occupational therapy for a time, and we often shared ideas about therapy and such. She suggested a swing for Nate, like the ones the older boys had used in therapy. Like I said, I'm open to trying just about anything...

The swing came today.

It is mounted in the door frame of Nate's bedroom.

Trying it out.
A little closer up.

After the boys were in bed, Brian and I ran out to grab a few things from Target. (My dad was here.) When we got home, this is where we found Nate, asleep on the couch, by my dad. Brian carried him to his room.
I guess we'll try again tomorrow. It was fun reading him a bedtime story. I sat on the floor, just inside his door and held the book "teacher style." I rocked the swing gently, while I read. It reminded me of when he was a baby. I hope this works. I wish it was strong enough for me to sit in. It looks SO comfy.

Hi bloggy friends. I am up for air. Here's a bit of a flashback for you. Because some thing you have to blog. Better late, than never.

I don't think I shared the events in the week preceding our cruise, because, quite frankly it was an exhausting week. All good, but exhausting. I was SO ready for a vacation when the time came, but I was seriously packing THE NIGHT BEFORE.

June 8th: My oldest son Joshua graduated from high school. I could not be more proud of him (well maybe when he graduates college). Doesn't he look studious here? He started his college program in July, and in October will be moving three hours away to live in a dorm and be a semi-grown-up. Where did the years go?

June 10th: As if seeing Joshua graduate didn't remind me how fast they grow, My BABY graduated kindergarten two days later. Kindergarten was a tough year, for Nate, for his teacher, and for me. We have come a long way. Nate was diagnosed with ADHD (finally) and after a couple of months we found a medication does that changed his school experience. I couldn't be more proud of Nate than when I saw him on stage, PARTICIPATING with his classmates in their program. YAY NATE!

June 14th: Graduations mark the passing of time; so too, do birthdays. Jacob had to get in on the action. He turned nine years old. It was a pretty low key celebration this year (wonder why?). We let him choose a couple of friends and took them to see UP! It was actually a nice break in our crazy week. Check out my fancy M&M cake decorating. There's talent! LOL.

Three kids. Three celebrations. One week of wonderfully exhausting chaos. Three occasions to realize just how fast my boys are growing up. Three chances to see what amazing young men they are becoming. Three chances to cry happy tears and hug my boys and take pictures. One week of wonderful memories.

June 18th: Yes, FOUR days later, we flew the coupe!

It is not often that I am able to devote a whole day to one on one quality time with my children. Occasionally, I am able to take one to the mall, or lunch, maybe even a movie. But, this past Saturday, Nate and I went to Santa Cruz for the day. I cannot even begin to put into words how much fun we had. We have been to Santa Cruz several times. It is one of Nate's favorite places. However, when we go as a family, we have to accommodate everyone's individual favorite activities. Saturday was all about Nate. And anyone who knows Nate, knows he is CRAZY! He is fearless. And at just six, he has been disappointed many time by being to little to ride the rides he wants so badly to ride.

This was the first ride to catch his interest!

"The Blue Roller Coaster"

First things first. We have to get tickets and measure Nate to see what rides he is tall enough to ride this time. It looks like he has grown. I have been documenting his growth over the past couple of years by this very measuring stick. And, of course, I take a picture each time.
We headed from the ticket booth toward The Blue Roller Coaster. Nate spotted the Haunted Castle; well actually he spotted the giant black widow spider. So he decided this would be our first ride. I gave him the "remember, everything in here is pretend" pep talk before we went, but I didn't want to talk him out of it. When we came out he said to me, "Mommy, did that scare you." I said yes, it was a little bit scary. What do you think? He replied, "I have the goose spots and my legs are shaking." But, he was still smiling. (I don't know where 'goose spots' came from.)

When we reached The Blue Roller Coaster we met our first obstacle.

The dreaded height limit.

One very disappointed "little" boy.

His sadness was short lived as we went in search of ride he could ride. He was certainly taller this time and it did open up more rides to him. We watched the cars whirl around in circle, then stop and whirl around backwards. This is one of my least favorite rides! Nate measured himself and was tall enough to ride with an adult. I tried to talk him out of it, to which he replied, "but mommy, I'm big enough to ride it." What could I say?

Then Nate informs he that he wants to ride "the ride that is like the Ferris Wheel, but not the Ferris Wheel. The one that goes upside down, because I am brave enough this time." I loved this. We have ridden this ride together before, but did not rock it much or flip it. We did not flip it this time either, but did get it rocking pretty good. Maybe, next time.

We rode the swings. What a great view of the beach!

Nate's first roller coaster ride! I rode with him, but I had to get this photo of him in the front seat of the coaster. I also bought the outrageously expensive picture they take and make into a keychain, to commemorate the moment.

It wasn't a bad little roller coaster.

Ok, so maybe it was a little tame. The Tornado is more Nate's speed!

Here is doing his best to spin it.

Again, my happy, fearless boy. This time on the Freefall.

He loved it!

Then there was this horrible creation. I tried to avoid it. Tried to distract him. Hoped he was too short. Anything short of refusing to ride this vomit inducing monster! But, guess what? He was tall enough to ride it with an adult!

Oh the excitement!

Do I look terrified?

Look at him, poised and ready.

Afterward. Have you seen a happier boy?

Ok, so this smile was worth the ride.

Well, after that last ride, Mom needed to sit down for a bit, seriously! So, I suggested that Nate ride a few of the "kiddie rides" by himself, while I watched. He humored me. Doesn't he look excited to be riding these boats around in circles?

Then there were the flying dragons.

He does usually like these airplanes.

We always ride the Ferris Wheel together. It is a Santa Cruz tradition. So, we made sure to save enough tickets to ride it before we left.

We had enough for one last ride. The "water ride"

AKA the log ride. It was a fun way to end the day.

Then a chocolate dipped ice cream cone, and it was time to go.

I put a lot of thought into this trip. I bought new sand toys to play with and a new kite to fly on the beach. Well, we never even made it to the sand. Nate had a ball on the rides. I can't believe how my little boy is growing up. He is such a free spirit. He's not afraid to try anything. I'm so happy I was able to spend this day with him, to see Santa Cruz through Nate's eyes. To enjoy the excitement of being brave, like Nate!