Chicago

Over the past weekend to celebrate Rexer's 27th birthday we went to Chicago. It was just Rex and I. Ryan stayed with Auntie Julie and the gang, and honestly I do not think he even noticed that we were gone. We were in Chicago for two nights. It was so nice to get away and relax. The weather was beautiful, the hotel was great and it was just nice to have some quality time with my hubby. Some highlights from the trip were visiting three local fire houses and hanging out with the firefighters. Rex acquired two more fire shirts and a new Chicago fire hat. We spent several hours with the firefighters getting to know them and learn about their fire department. Rex was in heaven. He loves the tradition and the brotherhood that comes with being apart of the the fire department. We did several touristy things while there as well. We went to a White Sox's game, went on the famous Farris wheel on Navy Pier, went to the top of the John Hancock tower, walked in Lake Michigan and ate pizza. One night we went to the only live smooth Jazz club in the country, or that is what they claimed. The music was amazing. We walked everywhere, literally from one end of the city to the other. On Saturday we walked 1 1/2 miles for breakfast. The pancakes were totally worth it. We enjoyed sleeping in and not having a schedule. We both missed Ryan terribly, this was the longest I have ever been away from him. It is good for both him and me. Rex and I are going to try every year to take a trip to a new city. We have great memories and had a fantastic time.

All over the charts!!! Random updates

The last week has flown by. Honestly I cannot remember much about it. Rex worked a 72 hour shift. The last 16 hours he spent fighting a wild fire up in the Wilkeson area. The poor guy has gotten no sleep. This morning I went and got him from Wilkeson. He unfortunately did not get to come home to a comfy bed. No he had 1400 square feet of sod (instant grass, the best thing ever invented!!!!!!) to lay. He is back to work tomorrow and we are off to Chicago on Thursday so today was the only day he could lay the sod. His Dad and another fire fighter came over and the got it done by 2. Which was so amazing. I just kept feeding Rex and he just kept going. So the big question is, is he passed out yet????? The answer, no. His Battalion Chief called and invited him and a couple of guys for beers. And well when the BC invites you, you go. During the entire 72 Rex got about 6-8 hours of sleep. Why a 72, because he got mandatory. It happens about once a year, too many people called out sick and no one was picking up the over time. You all know firefighters, when the sun comes out the all disappear.
During Rexer's 72 I was Blessed by my family. They all sure know how to step in and help. My auntie Jean was visiting from Canada and it was Grandpa Ralph's 84th birthday. We spent a lot of time in the sun and relaxing.

As for Ryan, he loves being outside and constantly smells like sunblock. He is loving to give hugs, show us his muscles and say "me" when he wants something. He is growing so fast. I really feel like he is a little boy, not a baby anymore. He is pointing at everything and is really trying to make an attempt to communicate with us. It seems like lately there is never a quite or dull moment in the Orcutt household. The truth is I would have it no other way. Rex will be 27 on Thursday and we are heading to Chicago for a long weekend. Ryan will be staying with my sis. Please pray that I make it, this will be the longest I have ever been separated from my little boy!

Fun in the sun

After a long day on Friday we had a wonderful weekend in the sun. Rex's mom Phyllis flew in from Montana on Friday night. Rex had to work on Sunday, but we all got to spend some much over due time together. It was great for her and Ryan to spend some quality time just playing. On Sunday Phyllis, Ry and I went shopping and out to dinner. It is crazy how quickly the time flew by. It was nice having her in town. We had a big dinner with my family on Saturday which was great so everyone could see Phyllis. More pictures are to come, but here are a few from our weekend.

Enjoy!!!

To my beautiful sister

The last week has been pretty crazy, sometimes crazy in good ways and other times not so good. Quick recap. On Monday we drove to Bellingham to help Rex's Aunt move. It was a long day, but I am glad we got to see her and Rexer was able to help a little bit. We also were able to see some other family while up there. Ryan did amazing. He was pretty happy and just went with the flow. We found a beautiful city park and let Ryan run around and let off steam. Tuesday we just relaxed and tried to catch up on sleep. Wednesday Rex was back at work, so Ry and I went up to Julie's house to stay the night. It was a blast, the kids played outside all day. The only break we took was to go pick Elisha up from the bus stop. Jul, Ry and I slept all together in Julie's bed and at some point Johanna climbed in. That did not last long. Johanna wanted to talk to Ry and then before we knew it we were all awake. We all woke up had breakfast and got ready for the day. At one point we all were in the bathroom getting ready and Johanna started to cry, Julie and I just looked at her. At that same moment Ryan came up to her and gave her a hug. It was the cutest thing in the entire world. We have not taught him hugs, but somehow he new that she was really upset. He put his arms around her and would not let go. It was one of the most pure, sweet things I have ever seen. After that Hallmark moment we had to rush Ellie to school and off to MOPS.
Today was Julie and I 's last day of MOPS. MOPS is the moms group that Julie and I attend together, last October I started with Julie. We met twice a month, so this meant that twice a month I left our house at 8am and drove to Gig Harbor. It was totally worth it. It was 6 hours a month that I got to spend with my sister with no children. I got to see her as my big sis. It was an amazing experience that helped me grow not only as a mother, but as a person. I am looking forward to doing MOPS next year, but will never be the same without my sister by my side.

So to my beautiful Sister......
I love you so much, you are an amazing wife, mother, and sister. You wear so many hats and yet somehow you are able to wear all of them with grace and a smile on your face. I am so thankful to be apart of the roller coaster ride of motherhood with you. I would not be the mommy I am today without you and your constant support, love and engorgement. Knowing that you are always by my side makes the hard moments a little easier. Thank you for always being just a phone call away (thank God for free minutes between phones). Thank you for encouraging me in my walk with Jesus. Your love for him is contagious. Something truly amazing happens when God makes sisters, it is a bond like nothing ordinary. I love you sis.

Ry's third haircut

Today Audrey, Erik, Ryan and I went to the mall to get Ryan's hair cut. He looks like such a big boy. He did pretty good while getting his hair cut. I think it was because the lady gave him a sucker, yes a sucker. Before I had time to really react he was eating it. It was pretty funny. How is it that kids know what to do with things like that, Ry has never had a sucker. Audrey got some pictures on her phone that are cute. He sat in the fire engine seat again. When she was finished she put massive amounts of gel in his hair. He looks so different, what a little man. In the last picture he decide he wanted to walk up the stairs by himself. Check out his new kicks!!!! I am not sure who he looks like, besides his cousin Loring. I am excited to head outside to plant my plants, pray that Ry takes a good nap.

Best Buds

Today Rex, Ry and I went up to the Roggenkamp's house to spend some time with Audrey and Erik. It was a visit long over due. Usually we all see each other much more, but well life has just seemed to take over in the past week or so. It is so fun to watch the boys interact. Sometimes they do not even notice one another and other times the only interactions are when they are taking the other one's toy. Today seemed to be that day. I will say Ryan was cracking me up. He has the same pair of sun glasses that Erik has but Ry will not wear his. Ry wore Erik's today all around the house. Also Ry was eating food off Erik's highchair, he would not eat anything I gave him. I guess he just loves Erik so much that he wants to be like him. :) Today about the only time we had both of them happy and quite was in the wagon. Notice Ryan's spoon, out of all the toys both boys loved to play with the spoons. This is about the best picture I could get. Honestly I think it took all of us just to get this one. It so awesome to me that one day the boys will look back at this picture and will not believe that they both fit in the same wagon. Crazy.

My new favorite thing

Ever day Ryan does something new or discovers something. A couple of days ago we were in the car and he was getting a bit fussy, so Rex turned up the music and started to sing and dance. Ryan laughed, so than I started to sing. Before we all knew it we all were singing, well Ry was yelling and laughing. It was pretty funny, we used shoes as microphone and continued to sing and lip sing the entire car ride. Yesterday I was driving and Ry started to get fussy so I turned up the radio and started to sing. It worked, he started to laugh again. I was quite dramatic in my singing and facial expression. Ry was laughing really hard. Then I got the feeling someone was looking at me. We were at a red light and Ry and I were singing. I looked over and there was a big truck, with an older man he was laughing at us singing. I looked up and smiled and he continued to laugh. So I might not have the best voice in the world, but at least I can make people laugh. Ryan also has he head nod down. When Rex and Ry are in the truck they bop their heads to the beep of the music. Most of the time when Ry hears music he will bounce his head. I love it. He seems to be so proud of himself when he does it.
The other new thing that Ry is doing is running, he gets really excited and tries to run. Well his little legs can not move as fast as he wants them too, he usually falls. Also he loves when Bunker our dog chases him. It is pretty cute to watch their interactions.

Rex is out working in the yard like a mad man, which I am so thankful for. He is so creative and has done an amazing job. I cannot wait to post before and after pictures. Ry and I have been inside baking cookies and playing for most of the day. My mom, Ryan and I went to Home Depot to get plants for the yard. I am so excited to plant them. I got some great pictures of Ry tonight. He has been really funny lately, he thinks everything he does is funny so he laughs at himself constantly. He is always talking to something or someone. Tonight I chased him around the house before bath time and got theses pictures. While I was finishing up the blog I looked down and Ryan had sat in this green container. Of course he had to have a cup of tea while in the container!

Happy Mother's Day

Today was an amazing day. I woke up this morning to my little guy giving me a homemade card that him and his Daddy made. I love homemade cards, they are the best. After some wonderful kisses and loves from my boys I got to head to Target, by myself (every mothers dream, no seriously). After I got home we headed to Seattle to the FC Sounders Soccer game. Ryan, Elisha and Johanna spent the day with their Nana (Leroy's Mom). Mom, Dad, Julie, Leroy, Bri, Amber, Rex and I all headed up North. It was a beautiful day in Seattle. We parked at Metro where our chariot awaited us to take us to the game (a Metro Bus). We had our own private bus driven by Pappy or Patrick or Pat. You never know their real names my dad is the nick name king. We had amazing seats and well no kids so the drinks were flowing, and flowing and flowing. Then came the hot dogs and garlic fries. Rex bought a blow horn, big mistake. Well not really it was totally entertaining. After the game we headed down to the water front for more drinks and appetizers. It was so great to relax and enjoy my family. It is great to get a break, but it is the best to come home to little hands around your neck and slobbery kisses. Here are some pictures from the game!!!!

Thank you so much Cindy for watching the children. You are an amazing Nana, we all love you very much!!!!!