10

On August 26, 2000, I slept in with my two cuddling dogs, Abby and Lindsey. I was sleeping in my old room at my parents' house, and when I sat up and stretched, I smiled. I was marrying my best friend later in the day. By day's end, I was going to be Mrs. Jason Baine Seabolt. I wasn't the least bit stressed or nervous. I can thank my mom for the lack of stress--she took that on all by herself. As far as the nervousness--why would I be nervous? I knew what I was doing, and I knew wholeheartedly it was the best decision I had ever made. I can remember a woman who was attending the 5pm mass that evening. As I was walking around with my hair all done and veil in place, she asked if I really was the bride because she had never seen a bride so calm. I told her that the only thing that mattered that night was marrying the love of my life. If that was the only thing that was accomplished, then it was a very successful day in my mind. I admit a bit of nerves struck when it was my turn to make that long walk to the alter. I wasn't prepared to be the center of attention without Jason by my side. I smiled while my sweet dad walked me to my waiting groom. My father shook his hand, and once I grabbed my love's arm, all was right again with the world. Bye, bye nerves. He's by my side now, so I can conquer the world. That day was definitely successful because for ten years now, we have been husband and wife.

In honor of our ten year anniversary, I wanted to give Jason ten reasons why I love him.

1. He puts up with me, my moodiness, my need to have things in a certain place, and my anal personality.
2. His eyes and the way they look at me and let me know he thinks I'm beautiful.
3. His ability to pull me out of a funk. He probably doesn't even realize he does this, but he does.
4. He is still my favorite person to laugh with. I can't help but smile when I think of his boisterous laugh.
5. He remembers the girl I used to be, respects that she isn't out as much as we both would like, and loves the woman I've become.
6. He is so giving--to me, to our children, to family, to friends. He's so much better at this than I am.
7. He plays with my hair. (Can I list this one twice because it really is a big deal to me...)
8. He is an amazing father to our children. He knows them as individuals and loves them accordingly.
9. He let me have another dog when he knew it probably wasn't the best decision I've ever made. On top of that, he loves the dog (although he won't admit it).
10. In the past year, he has shown me how amazingly strong he is, how much he loves me, how he will never give up on us, and how he will do anything for his family.

Jason--these have been the best 10 years of my life. Thank you for giving me you so completely. I love you with everything I am.

August 26, 2000--dancing on our wedding night.

Here we are ten years later...

A First Grader?!?!?!

He's in first grade. Someone tell me how this happened. Wasn't Landon just born a couple of months ago? Well, maybe not months, but years? I personally thought the summer went by too quickly, and I believe Landon thought the same thing. However, he's loved being back. He seems happy to be around his friends again--kids his own age. He doesn't complain about how hot it is and is already all about learning. He's happier. I guess he got bored at home. For me, I was still enjoying the lack of a schedule, the times at the pool, no homework, and sleeping in. Landon and Noah played so well together this summer, so I was okay. But...we move on, and it's back to a schedule, it's time for homework, and I set the alarm every night before I fall asleep. It's life, I suppose. I will say, I'm proud of my first grader. Always proud.

Max insisted on being in the picture.
Our not-so-good attempt at getting a picture of Landon and Lilah together.

Landon and his biggest admirer

Now that Landon is back in school, I'm ready for all of them to go. Lilah begins her first year of preschool next month--attending the same school as Noah. She'll only go twice a week while Noah goes four. Their start date cannot come soon enough. They are making me CRAZY! They don't start until the Tuesday after Labor Day, and at this point, I'm not so sure I'm going to make it. ;) I try to convince Landon to take them with him. It's a no-go so far.

Summer ending already?!?!?

The beginning of Landon's First Grade school year starts tomorrow, and I'm in disbelief. I can't believe the end of summer is upon us. The problem is that the weather is telling us anything but that, so my mind can't wrap around the idea that things are going to change around here in the next few weeks. Most years I am more than ready for the kids to get back into school. But not this year--summer went too fast. I wish we had more days to do whatever we feel like--no schedules, no homework, sleeping in, staying up late, etc. I guess our time flew by because we had exciting vacations to take, fun days at the pool, trips to the zoo and to Six Flags, time at the lake, and time spent in the sand box. Here are just a very few things that happened this summer...

A little girl of mine decided she finally liked hats (well, just a little).

True artists must work shirtless.
Master pieces take serious concentration.

Noah's artistic skill is...well, it is.

Landon let Mommy help a small bit on his.Mommy has learned these two are going to be trouble with a capital "T".

Even our 20 month old is part fish.

Landon playing a little football in the pool.

Noah learned to swim without his vest this year.

Lilah loves the pool as much as her brothers.

Here is a little video of Noah swimming on his own. Not bad for a three year old!

Although school is officially back in session, I think we'll be visiting the pool a few more times. This mommy isn't ready to say goodbye to our lazy days of summer.

Our saving grace

We had a 3 hour layover in Chicago on both legs of our trip. We knew the wait was long, but we also knew that we couldn't risk having to run through an airport with 3 kids and lots of luggage (we had several carry-on items since they charge for checked baggage) to catch our second flight. As we were landing in Chicago on the way out to South Dakota, the flight attendent mentioned that the airport had an indoor play area for the kids. God bless that woman. Both times, we first grabbed some food, and then we headed to our saving grace...the airport's indoor play area!

Noah peeking over the curtains.
Crazy-haired Lilah having some fun.

Landon hiding out in the big plane

Noah telling Lilah to join him in the maze of fabric.

Whoever came up with this little wonderland needs a raise. I personally think of him/her as a savior!

Fish Hatchery

The day after the reunion, we headed to the Fish Hatchery that is in Spearfish. It's such a cool place, and it's FREE (besides the food you buy for the fish, but when you have lots and lots of coupons for free fish food--it's really free). The grounds are beautiful, and in the tanks, there are hundreds and hundreds of trout. It's fun just feeding the fish, but in general, the area is so calm and relaxing. It's a place that we'll probably go to each time we go back because it's pretty and peaceful. Oh yeah, and it's free. ;)

A sample of the natural beauty of the area

My nephew, Davis, my cousin's kid, Nathan, and Landon check out the underwater viewing tank.
The boys and Lilah feeding the fish in the bigger pond.

More fish feeding...

Pete, Hannah, Sally, Mom, and Aunt Linda

Uh....