A Letter to My Two Year Old

Dominick,

How is it possible that you are already two?! Last year when you turned one it was bittersweet, but I was excited. There were still many firsts to come and it didn't mean complete toddlerhood. This year as you were turning two I was not ready. Two says goodbye to the baby stage and hello to the big boy stage and I am not sure I'm exactly ready for that. Ready or not, you are now TWO.

I am pretty certain that this past year topped the year before. We made so many memories and went on lots of adventures. It's been so fun to watch you grow from a tiny little babe to such a big boy. You are all, all boy all the time. You love trains, trucks and airplanes. You are rough and tough. You are the most adventurous little boy and pretty fearless. You have a heart of gold and care for others (most of the time)...these are two qualities that I hope you NEVER lose site of. You are confident. Confident in yourself, in us and in your surroundings. You are so HAPPY. You have this million dollar smile and a laugh that is contagious. You make all things happy.

Just like last year, buddy, I pray for you each and every day. I couldn't be more grateful that you are mine and I am yours. I can only hope that this next year brings many more adventures together and that we can write history with you. I pray for your heart, your future, your health and that you make good choices in your life. I pray for your friends, your future wife and family. I pray that you live life gracefully and that when the going gets tough you continue to push through. I hope that you are a leader and that you aren't a follower. I pray that temptation doesn't get the best of you. I pray that you see the good in people, things and life in general as there is just too much negativity in this world.

I love you more than you will ever know. I will love you more tomorrow than I do today. You make our days happier, our hair grayer and our family whole. These days go by SO fast, too fast. I wish I could bottle up your sweetness and keep you this little forever. While the tantrums are tough, the good definitely is better. I hope you never question our love for you because there is nothing like being your momma and daddy. We would move mountains for you. Everyday is a good day with you.

Love you to the moon and back,
Momma

Dominick turned two on September 3, 2014

Alaska - Day 9

Our final day in Alaska and the last Alaska recap post. :)

After checking out of our room, we checked into another room. When we originally booked our room we were supposed to check out on the 3rd, but our flight didn't leave until 12:55 AM on the 4th. We thought it would be nice for Dominick to have a space to nap and for us to shower before we left for the airport. It worked out great and it was definitely worth the extra expense even if it was only for 8 hours.

After dropping our belongings off at the hotel we met up with our friends for one last Alaskan meal at Humpy's Alehouse (Man vs Food was recently filmed here). After lunch we all went back to the hotel and took naps. We were all to the point of exhaustion and so tired. It was a great couple hours and much needed rest. After our naps we ventured off to Cabela's. Ryan had wanted to go since we got there and heard there was one located in Anchorage...he was disappointed because it wasn't exactly what he was expecting (he was thinking it would be more like the one we have in Michigan and it was MUCH smaller). Once we got back to the hotel we ate a late dinner, took showers, packed the rest of our stuff up and headed to the airport.

We saw our friends one more time at the airport and then went our separate ways (we were on separate flights) until back in the desert.

such light packers we are! (yes, this was ALL ours - 3 suitcases, two backpacks, a stroller bag with car seat, a car seat, our airport stroller, a baby and two adults)

This trip was our first "real" family trip that we've taken and was SO wonderful. We had the best time with our friends, together, sleeping in, eating real food and being on a legit vacation. We had no time constraints, no people to see or places to be. We loved Alaska, the scenery is unlike anywhere we've ever seen and is almost indescribable. While it's beautiful to visit, I don't think I would enjoy living there as there are too many bears, moose and temperatures that don't reach 100 and are often below 0.

If you have any questions about things we did, where we ate, etc. please let me know!