Tag Archives: travel with kids

On our visit to Atlanta

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Last July, we went along on a work trip with Scott to Atlanta – WonderBOY and I got to explore and swim during the days while he was at his conference. In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day today, I thought I would share some pictures and experiences from the very birthplace of such an important leader in our history.

My most memorable moment(s) of the 3-day trip was taking WB to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights – many recommended it to me but also noted “but it’s probably pretty boring for a teenager.”

But WB was SOOOOO engaged the entire time. He took over 100 photos on his camera, asked a million questions, read almost every display and talked about the experience with Dad forever at dinner that night.

Reading about children who died during this time – this boy was only 13, the same age as WonderBOY.

Some quotes and questions I don’t want to forget him saying and asking:
“I know if I look more native (he’s a registered member of Choctaw nation but presents as very Caucasian), I might get treated differently and that’s not okay.”
“I don’t understand why we don’t learn more of THIS information in school.”
“Are there any jobs after high school I can do to keep this work going?”

Other impactful displays at the Center.

We also participated in a simulation of a diner “sit-in” protest with the Freedom Riders – with headphones on and sitting at the diner counter, we had sounds of horrific abuse in our ears as our chair and counter rumbled beneath us. It was only 40 seconds of the experience (and I did not know what we were getting into when stepping in line) and because of WonderBOY’s history, I was worried about trauma triggers during the whole thing…..but he was so moved by it, rightfully angered by it, and had so many questions – I knew it was worth it.

Just this week, he watched a movie in class about Dr. MLK Jr. and the Freedom Riders and I know he was 100% more engaged and curious, because he had this experience in his realm of knowledge in a variety of forms (music, physical touch, vision, physical, etc.).

WB loved this image so much, we bought a canvas for his room to always remember this visit.

So, long story short….if you’re ever in Atlanta, GA, I would HIGHLY recommend this tour. Even if you have children, even if they are “hard to please” teens and even if other tours or tourist attractions seem more flashy. It will be time WELL SPENT.

2 years together as TBD

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It started as a monthly tradition to celebrate living together because truly, we did not know how long we would get with our two amazing little wonders. We wanted them to know how honored we were to share in their journey and ride this crazy roller coaster together – what grew out of it was some fun anticipation each month and now yearly about HOW to celebrate our team’s growth and milestones. Scott and I have a fun time planning something special each year (added bonus that we then DON’T have to worry about planning Valentine’s Day shenanigans which neither one of us was ever stoked about).

This year, we planned some special events in Seattle to be touristy, see our closest friends and two very loved uncles, and enjoy some days off school – here are some snapshots from our weekend.
img_3943 Seattle must have known we wanted to go up to the Space Needle because as we drove down, the weather was perfect for taking the elevator to the top. We especially enjoyed spotting Qwest field, the ferris wheel we went on last summer, and our friend Taryn’s house in Queen Anne!img_3963 img_3999 As most of you know, WonderBOY is an avid basketball lover and player. We thought taking them to the Harlem Globetrotters show would be an exciting event. Turns out this show is quite entertaining for all ages but the kiddos especially loved the antics and humor. WB bought a special basketball with his own money and has been showing off his “routines” and tricks since we returned home (if anyone would like a live show I’m sure we could arrange this).img_4013 img_4024 Along with my besties, we explored the Seattle Children’s Museum on Valentine’s Day. This exhibit with a real live “eye doctor” chair was a big hit. As was the firetruck for little man (big man Scott was less enthused but went along with it – love him for that).img_4041 img_4043 img_4045 img_4047All in all, it was a lovely weekend. A few minor bumps included WonderGIRL getting sick (oils to the resuce) and WonderBOY completely going crazy after a missed dose of medication (long car ride with a screen to the rescue) but thus is traveling with kids. Something we are getting pretty good at navigating in year two I’d say!

And to you family and friends that have been riding alongside us on this journey now for two years – thank you. Thank you for the prayers, meals, and toys at the starting line and for the continued check-ins, prayers, and babysitting (Mama needs a break ASAP, hurry!!!!) throughout our time together. Scott and I truly value our “village” that is helping us raise these two precious ones and we are constantly pointing out how grateful we are for many of you during our nightly talk times with the kiddos.

And most importantly to Scott, thank you for saying yes. Thank you for taking on this challenge with me and learning and supporting and pretending saying that I’m right with me day in and day out with these two loveable monsters. I love that they get to watch our marriage grow in love and patience over the years. I appreciate that daily, they see a man of amazing character shower them with love and nurturing, filling in years of questioning and misunderstanding of what a real father should do with their children. I know I don’t always say it or show it, but I can’t imagine choosing anyone else to do this life with and God must have known what He was doing when He plunked us down in Haiti together 6 years ago to meet – I love you completely and forever.