Just the two of us

It's taken me a while to get back into the swing of things-mostly because I am still in awe of this past week. Our vacation was perfect. It was everything I hoped it would be an more. I feel so lucky that we got to be a part of this amazing campaign. I want to go back and enjoy every second just a little more-but the truth is that Jake and I lived every second to the fullest, soaking up vacation and each other the way vacation should be. I purposefully relaxed and didn't over plan but went with the flow much more than the normal Russell vacation. :) I truly wanted to just be with Jake and watch him enjoy time just the two of us. And he did. He loved being the only one but I know he was missing his dad.

A group of us went out to dinner on Thursday and I had an amazing realization-I was so inspired being around those beautiful littles with special needs and their amazing mommies that I think I need to find a local community here in Denver. It was incredible. It's a wonderful thing to be surrounded by families who spend countless hours in therapy, hundreds and hundreds of dollars on doctors appointments-not to mention the time and scheduling of it all, test, surgeries, tears, tantrums (from both kids and parents!), celebrations, fear, pain, sadness, but unwavering and continuous deep love for their children. Not that parents of typical children don't do all of this too but there is something special about the community of special needs children and their families. It is an amazing connection that we have-thousands of miles separate the moms I met and me but we all spent an inspiring night together, laughing and talking about what wonderful things had transpired the last two days. I am so incredibly thankful that we were invited to experience it all. Looking for a support group was never something I avoided but instead something I didn't think I needed. The truth is, I am missing that kind of support. My family and friends have been rocks through our journey but beyond our little family, no one has ever truly understood the day in and the day out. I am ready. I am excited. I am inspired.

Aunt Kathy was beyond incredible. She was so thoughtful, generous, and did everything to make us feel so comfortable. Jake sure does love Kathy! I am so thankful that we were able to spend time with Kathy and that Kathy could meet Jake. Next time we see her will have to be in CO or an entire family trip to San Diego again. I am officially obsessed.

One of the things I was looking forward to the most was meeting Kelle Hampton. She was even more unbelievable than I imagined. She is so warm, welcoming, and real. She gave me one of the most genuine and heart-felt compliments I have even been given-even though I could have said the exact same thing to her. She is someone I look up to. Her cousin Joann came with Kelle to take care of her little boy Dash and we were super lucky to have her sit right next to us. Jake-to put it mildly-LOVES her. He was hugging her and kissing her-and she was the best because she was so great letting Jake do it a million times. She is friends with Jake and I am super lucky because I get to be friends with her too!

 

20 minutes after take-off I was out of my tricks I brought so reading the safety pamphlet and playing with the barf bag and cars were a life-saver. 

Jake loved the zoo. He was quite the trooper. We stayed for hours and still didn't see everything.

He loved the elephants, pandas, and flamingos the best. 

Every stop he held on to the bar and stood up to get a better look. Good thing he's so tall.

We walked by a stand with panda souvenirs and he picked out his favorite.

The best day! (After I finally found the exit when I was having heart palpitations because I didn't think I would ever freaking get out of that damn maze of a zoo.)

What did we do without FaceTime? Avery was happy to see Jake and Jake was happy to see Daddy. Brooks wasn't sure about any of it. 

New day. New adventure.

We saw the seals in La Jolla. 

He really did love it but thought he was falling off even though I had a death grip on him. 

We had a great little breakfast too. Outstanding view. 

It warmed up and we I walked for hours on the beach and boardwalk. I was a little jealous of his stroller seat when we had to turn around and do it again on the way back. 

Finally! This is it!

Handsome little man in his train conductor hat-and they let him keep it too. :)

Everyone was so patient with us. Jake was dying laughing when we started clapping for him. This will forever be a picture I treasure. It was a great afternoon and I am so happy I had the opportunity to meet Kelle. 

I lugged my Bloom book from home so she would sign it. As if it wasn't my favorite book before!

The sunset was breathtaking on our last night.

Sitting next to Joann and Dash--and drinking cars from a cup--what a great night!

These are my inspiration. A night I will always treasure in my heart. 

A lady on the plane made Jake two birds, two balls, and a cube-all made out of newspaper. 

Jake just about jumped out of his stroller when he saw Bobby pull up at the airport. The boy was so happy to see his dad and it was a great moment to witness. Thanks for letting me go on and on about our wonderful trip. It was just perfect.