Independent

We have never lived by family and at the rate things are going, probably never will.  We've learned to be independent and enjoy having lots of close friends that feel like family.  However, having both sets of grandparents out for Marcus's baptism made me realize just how great family can be and we even celebrated Ethan's 6th birthday before everyone left so he could experience a real "family party."
Dad and Kathy came out for a few days and since the boys were on spring break we played hard.  It also gave me the chance to get to know Kathy better and I realized how happy I am that she married Dad.  The night before they left the three of us sat on the bed talking and laughing, just like I would've done if my mom had been here.  It felt so good and so normal.  My dad quickly won over Landon and spent hours playing ball with him while Kathy helped me in the kitchen and finished up my recent craft project that would still be unfinished if she hadn't stepped in.  Turns out I still need a mother to do certain things for me after all!
Randy's parents wasted no time being productive, entertaining the boys, and staying out of the way while I got ready for our trip.  Reed fixed our leaky faucet, which turned out to be no small task, and Pam really took one for the team by staying with the boys so we could go to Boston.  We came home to a very clean house, a refrigerator stocked with food, and boys sleeping peacefully in their beds.  I've never felt so pampered in all my life.

Flying kites at Gasworks Park

The Birthday Wreath - finished by Kathy (and matches perfectly with my colorful front doors that I despise)

Riding the Snoqualmie Express - a very old train

squeezing in a quick birthday party - don't judge the cake too harshly;  I was in a rush

taking the birthday boy out for giant root beer floats