Spring is Here

We've been having a great time playing outside in the sun. Owen is definitely an outdoor boy - he brings us his shoes after breakfast, as if to say, "C'mon guys! Let's get moving!" He also stands at our back door and points to the backyard making his "I want that" sound.



We've been doing lots of biking lately - Charlie is still practicing with his training wheels, I'm training for a triathlon and Evan and Owen have been enjoying O's new bike seat. He wasn't a huge fan of the helmet, but once Evan got going he had a blast!

A Visit with Grandma & Grandpa

We all had a great time with Grandma and Grandpa this weekend . . . especially the boys!

Flying high with Grandpa & Daddy




Hanging out with Grandma


Taking a break to smell the flowers

Tool User

Owen's been having fun practicing with spoons lately . . .

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

Our Very Hungry Caterpillar Turns 1

After seeing some absolutely adorable Very Hungry Caterpillar plates and napkins at Target, a theme began to take shape for Owen's first birthday party. Omi & Opu came up to celebrate and we had a lovely party, although it the theme was perhaps taken a bit too far. Peaked your curiosity, eh?

Resting up for the festivities


Getting the cupcake and icing recipes together


Party prep: Reading the Very Hungry Caterpillar with Omi


Cupcake caterpillar, plus a wee cake for Owen


Balloon caterpillar


Caterpillar casual wear




We also dined on food from the book - here are the pickles, salami, swiss cheese, cherry pie, as well as fruit salad of pears, apples, oranges, strawberries and watermelon


Owen and Hazel check each other out


Getting ready for cake


This was as close as he got to his cake . . . I managed to squeeze in a few bites later on, but he was decidedly uninterested. I should have known something was awry.


The big kids decorate their cupcakes


Tanisha reads the pop-up VHC to Charlie and Thulani


And here's where our story takes a dramatic turn. You may recall that after eating the pickle, swiss cheese, salami, sausage, cupcake, watermelon, lollipop, chocolate cake, cherry pie and ice cream cone, the very hungry caterpillar had a tummy ache. And so did Owen. After napping with Opu for a few minutes, our little caterpillar threw up. He took it very much in stride, as did our guests.



Post-vomit costume change, and opening presents with Eleanor


The next day was Sunday again. The caterpillar ate one nice green leaf, er, Cheerios, and after that he felt much better.


Enjoying one last birthday hug with Omi and Opu

Random February Tidbits

Ah, February . . . last week we got a dusting of snow, and this weekend, we're expecting 70+ degree temperatures. What gives? Not too much going on around here, beyond anticipating Owen's first birthday.

Miracle and Sons


Face-to-face chat


Emphatic, no?


Owen inherited my pickle-loving DNA


Ready, set . . .


. . . walk!


Owen "kisses" his Valentine's Bear from Omi & Opu


More snuggles for his favorite buddy - Woof, the giant stuffed dog


Valentine's Day - fruit valentines courtesy of Twig & Thistle


Charlie was so excited to take his cards to school, where they made special mailboxes for their valentines


Lover Boy shares his Cheerios

Stealth Walker

Last week, Owen's day care teachers reported he had taken steps around the infant room - but only when he thought no one was watching him. If Ms. Samantha tried to encourage him to take steps or looked directly at him, he wouldn't do it. He was less inclined to walk at home, with three people gawking at him and analyzing his every more. Finally, yesterday, I caught this on video:



As he's much faster on all fours, he defaults to crawling when he really wants something. But all that wobbling around is just adorable!