Countdown to Deployment: Date Night #3

We landed ourselves an overnight date, y'all. A very close friend offered to take Jackson for an entire evening, and because our little dude sleeps all night, we didn't feel terrible about taking them up on their super-kind offer.

We decided to take full advantage of our situation, and booked a night at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino. Stepping inside feels like falling into a little piece of Vegas, and we enjoyed a delicious dinner at a Thai restaurant, some drinks and entertainment at a bar featuring dueling pianos (so fun!), and wandering the casino floors and some people-watching at hours we haven't seen in years. And THEN... we slept in, and indulged in a mid-morning brunch buffet. It was glorious, a one-day vacation we desperately needed before tackling the challenges associated with living apart.

Here are a few snapshots.

Countdown to Deployment: Date Night #2

This time we didn't have a babysitter, so we cozied up for a night in. Fondue nights are our all-time favorite date night in. We've been putting our fondue pot to good use since we first unwrapped it as newly-weds. Don't have one? Go get one, like, now.

Then follow this incredible recipe: Gruyere Fondue with Caramelized Shallots. (You won't be sorry.)

We pull up to the coffee table, turn on a good movie (or binge-watch a good show), and dig.in.

This (like so many other things), I'll miss.

 

...and talenti because, it's talenti.

The Easter Bunny is Creepy

Am I right?!

I am all about a cute (maybe slightly over-sized) bunny hopping into our family room, hiding some eggs, and leaving behind a few gifts. That I can get on-board with. The giant, creepy, obviously-not-real Easter bunny at the mall? That I can't get behind.

And so, for the last two years, we've skipped the trauma I know would be associated with forcing Jackson to sit on its lap. Maybe someday... you know, if Jackson asks to visit the Easter bunny, maybe then we'll do it.

But until then, we'll just color eggs, eat candy, and celebrate the real reason for the season.

Happy, happy Easter!

 

Countdown to Deployment: One Month of Dates

As we prepare for Tyler's upcoming deployment, we made it a goal to have a real-life date every week for the month before he leaves. That means we aren't shy about taking friends and family up on their (very generous) offers to watch Jackson.

Date one turned out to be impromptu and super-last minute when Tyler's grandparents said we should "get lost" while Jackson napped one afternoon during our recent trip to the city. Without thinking twice, we grabbed shoes and jackets, and headed to the nearest pub. Waxy O'Connor's might not be the most romantic setting, but it was perfect for some one-on-one conversation and a few local beers.

Here's the only picture I took (and it's a shame, because you should have seen the fries smothered in onion gravy we chowed down on. Yum.)

Here are a few other gems from our five days in Boston.

Dear Rebel

I knew I couldn't get through this post without tears (they are already streaming down my face as I try to find the words to appropriately commemorate your short, but sweet life). It's been just over one week since we lost you, and the wound is still raw.

I write this because I want our friends and family who never met you to know how special you were, because I want a place to find comfort when we miss you, and because I want Jackson to remember the puppy he adored.

Here are some of the memories that I will always hold close to my heart:

You were a lover. Kahla did all the hard protective work while you were young, so your only duty was to love. Kahla barked at all of our visitors, while you ran up offering a wagging tail and kisses. You LOVED. You loved Jackson, and you were so gentle with him, even when you didn't know any better.

Everyone loved you. You didn't jump, or get into the trash, or chew anything up (except for one pair of shoes, and man am I glad I kept them). You were an all-star at the vet and anywhere we took you (which I'm so grateful, was a LOT of places). You sat strong and tall and confident when anyone pet you.

You were my bathroom buddy. This sounds odd, but I love this. You always followed me into the bathroom, because you knew you could get one-on-one attention there. No kid (usually) and no Kahla. Just you and me, and a few extra hugs. I savored those moments as much as you did.

You loved to have your chest scratched. Every dog has their spot, and yours was your chest.

You were the definition of tall, dark, and handsome. You were going to be HUGE. The vet always marveled over your impressive (but controlled weight gain), your massive paws, your awesome ears, and your long tail.

You adored Kahla. When we took you for walks, you only felt comfortable right next to Kahla. When you got ahead or fell behind, you began to panic. She showed you the ropes, and together you played, explored, and ran.

You brought me a frozen rabbit. Speaking of exploring, you uncovered a frozen rabbit in the frozen tundra that is (still) our backyard. You brought it to me, which I didn't much appreciate, but I get the point. It's the thought that counts, right buddy?

You slept in your crate, even when you didn't have to. It's where you felt safe, and so every night (even though you had a bed, right next to ours), you would paw open the door, and sleep there. Sometimes you would shove yourself into a small corner of our room or under our bed. You liked the comfort of being enclosed.

You were my guy, and though you can no longer be our companion and protector here on earth, I know you are occupying our hearts and protecting us from another place.

Thanks for opening my heart, and reminding this little family that there is never a shortage of love. It doesn't divide, it only multiplies. A little happy chaos is a very, very good thing.

 

You had us at hello. 

TWO!

Someone turned two last week! I can hardly believe it has already been two years since the day you made your way into this world. In that short time, you've changed our world in the most incredible way. Life is sweeter, more vibrant, more fun, and more exhilarating than I knew was possible.

As sweet, tiny, babyhood slips away and I find myself looking at a little boy, I am comforted in knowing that it just gets better. And better.

You are such a sweet, kind, thoughtful kid. You are funny, and smart, and silly. You are cautious, careful, curious and observant.

Happy two years, little guy. This party we call life is just getting started. We are so thrilled to be a part of the adventure.