Washington State Fallen Firefighter Memorial.

7 firefighters from across Washington were being honored today, 2 from Seattle.  It was the final memorial after a long year of various services.  Jeff would have loved this service.  

Here is the news clip from the day.

Governor's conference room 

"This table is set for the many members of our profession who are missing from our midst today..." 

Seattle Chaplin, Seattle Chief, Axel & gramps. 

Pipes & Drums entrance

Motorcycle entrance

Governor Gregoire

Governor's final ff memorial speech after 8 years in office.  

Very symbolic having Jeff's brothers standing above us watching over Melis & the kids during the service...

With every bell, the honor guard would kneel representing a fallen ff.  

Adding Jeff's name to the flag at the Capitol.  

Birt 5

I found L outside the Capitol dancing here solo a few times.  

Even with such a long, emotional day - these little ones did great.
It's a complete understatement to say that Melissa has done a wonderful job this last year!  

Lucky me.

Feel completely blessed to get to head to this view for a swing with the kids before bed.

Love.

Hike.

We invited ourselves to join my sister's family on a hike (thanks A-K for letting us crash your party!)  I didn't think I would do the whole loop with my kids in tow but, they did great (thanks to massive help from all members of the Bazan fam-dam).  It felt so great getting out in nature.  I'm now inspired to get my kids on that trail at least once a week this summer.

Ax did great (even with 2 left shoes on!)  

Gram.

Just 2 weeks after back surgery & mom is still in a neck brace but, doing great!  We paid a visit to Fran's with Grandma Fran for some treats.

Axel's birthday party.

Because there are 9 (soon to be 10) cousin's total, we kept it as a family party for Axel.  It turned out to be a beautiful Seattle evening.

Thanks for all your love towards our sweet boy.

Everyone helping with gifts.   

2 years old!

If you're reading this blog, chances are you know what a cuddly, sweet, tough, loud, kind-hearted, solid, lovey, teddy bear our son is.  Most of my girlfriends call him their boyfriend.  He's a mama's boy that can hold his own.  He loves reading, running, copying his sister, eating, singing Jesus songs, swinging, trucks & our mailman.  Following the traumatic illnesses of earlier this month we were especially grateful to have our healthy little man back.  For L's 2nd b-day we visited the zoo & fed the giraffes.  Ax also wanted to spend his special day at the zoo.  We fed the penguins & birds, & rode the carousel.

feeding penguins

feeding birds 

White wolf just above shoulder.  

picnic lunch.  

our little b-day geek.  

Evening at Edmonds beach.

First visit of the year.  

L ran up to this store ooo-ing and awww-ing at the window decorations of this candy shop that was closed at the time.  The owner was walking by, went inside & came out with special treats for all.  "Anyone that appreciates the window display that much deserves a free treat!"  What a fun way to end a special family day.  We LOVE Nama's!!!  

Our son.

Our car has been on auto-pilot to Seattle Children's Hospital.  What started out as a slight barky cough, quickly turned into severe croup, (striders with him barely able to breath), & me frantically calling family & 911 at 11:30pm (as I was home alone with the kids...) Unfortunately, this reaction to croup has become all too common for our little guy.

When I hear other friends tell me that their child has/had croup I assume they had to call 911 too.  "Oh did the medics get there quickly?"  I never realized that most croup isn't serious and is treatable from home.  Sounds blissful.  Axel has now been at Children's (in & out) 4 out of the last 4 days.  He knows to stick out his finger on his own when he sees the O2 Sat machine pulled into the room & he knows to freak when the nebulizer mask is brought in... This little guy has been through a lot & we are happy to report he's on the road to recovery.

Trying to get some rest...

He's been such a trooper from the ride in the Aid Car the first night, to going through all the treatments.  As usual, he's melted the hearts of every nurse & doctor, & waves at other cutie-pie patients as he passes them in the hall.

We were bummed to miss out on Easter service & celebrations & are now praying he's well for his 2nd birthday.  So many of you have been covering us in prayers.  That has truly been the only thing holding me together the last few days.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your love & prayers.

Our most recent trip to the hospital revealed that he's now recovered from croup, but has bronchiolitis & a small area of his lung is collapsed.  We are completely believing in Jesus for speedy healing in his body.

Where's Waldo?  What a blessing to have such a great view of the construction site for this typical boy!  (Every day the construction workers move around a Waldo mannequin for the kids to find. ) 

Thanks again for your love, prayers & support.