Colorado is just days away!

My son shine

My Love - My Life

We leave for our family vacation on Saturday morning. I can't wait to see Colorado again! It has become my all-time favorite place to visit. When we went last year Lincoln had just turned one and hadn't started walking yet. This year is going to be so much fun! We have plans to visit the Denver Zoo, the Aquarium, Estes Park, Red Rocks....so much to do! I want to do so much more but I also want to find time to just relax and enjoy hanging out with our friends...I feel like 10 days is a nice vacation, however, probably not long enough to see all I want to see. I really do wish we could just up and move there...that would solve it all!
This month is flying bye so fast...in a few weeks my baby will be TWO years old! He is reaching a giant milestone - the "terrible" twos. I like to refer to this age as the "curious" twos. In my opinion two year olds are only labeled terrible because they are curious and becoming more independent. I am so excited that he is turning 2. This is one of my favorite years. I just love to watch as they evolve into toddler hood and become "little people" and talk non-stop and become independent little munch kins that rely on us to cheer them on and teach them all we know. I am a patient person, anyone who knows me will tell you this, I can be in the biggest hurry and be late for the most important event and if I have to wait for Lincoln - all things will be put on hold as I give my toddler the most important thing of all - my patience. I try not to rush him. If he wants to walk to the car and he drops his blanket or if he wants to brush his teeth extra long on this day, I let him. If he doesn't want my help and resists it, I give him his space. If I don't let him do it his way, then I know that I will have a tantrum to deal with and it will take just as long as it would have to let him do his own thing. He is in the phase where he will ask for help when he needs it and if he doesn't need help - he gets so frustrated if anyone helps him. He has always had a stubborn side - it has become even more so. Now, some will tell you that I am just spoiling him. I on the other hand am a firm believer in NOT spoiling a child. I am just letting him be himself...letting him do things on his own...letting him learn. After all, one does learn through trail and error and plenty of practice, eh?
Anyways, in addition to getting ready for Lincoln's 2nd b-day party when we return from our trip and getting ready for the trip...I also have a funeral on Wednesday. My 2nd cousins lost there mom a few days ago (my cousin's ex-wife). She has fought cancer a few times and was prepared to fight it again - and win the battle again - but after the surgery to remove the cancer, Kim became really ill with a staph infection. She remained in the hospital for 3 weeks, had surgery after surgery after surgery to try and remove the infections and then her bowel burst. She past away on Saturday evening with her family by her side. It is a very sad time for everyone...she was such a young and otherwise healthy 40 year old with so much life ahead of her. She had a son, my cousin Devin, in the Air Force (newly engaged), a daughter Amanda who is still a newlywed with a beautiful little baby...Kim's grandson Ayden, and then she had a lively young 10 year old, Avery. Life is so unexpected and tough at times. It just reminds me to live each day to its fullest.