Owen's Birthday: Part 3 (Cupcakes)

The day was not complete until we sang Happy Birthday to Owen and ate our monkey cupcakes. Owen really didn't get any of his cupcake into his mouth on his own. He did have a great time mashing it up and smearing it all over! I finally got some into his mouth for him, and he really didn't want any more. Could it be that he doesn't love chocolate like his sister? Regardless, it was a good warm up for the family party coming up in a couple weeks.

Owen's Birthday: Part 2 (Gift Opening)

Owen didn't know what to think of opening presents

He loved his new steering wheel

Owen got to open his presents from us today. He seemed to enjoy playing with his new toys, very focused on studying each one. His favorite seemed to be the steering wheel that made all kinds of fun sounds. Ava loved the toys just as if it was her birthday! She couldn't have been more excited to show Owen the ropes on how to handle birthdays!

Happy 1st Birthday Owen: Part 1

Standing Alone (for a brief moment)

Our little boy turned 1 today! So hard to believe! We had a nice relaxing day at home since that is when he seems the happiest and gets his naps.

Leaf Pictures....

I took the kids to the park by myself to try to get a nice picture of them in the leaves. Let's just say, I got a workout! The first 20 pictures or so, Owen was outright crying. I finally got his mood turned around and did some hysterical jumping up and down! I don't think I could be a photographer...I was exhausted!

Children's Fair...

By the firetruck

Train Ride!

Even balloon animals!

Ava with her BFF Hannah Kempema from preschool

The community education office of Luverne put on a children's fair at the school last week. Outside, they had a firetruck, a police car, a schoolbus, and train rides. Ava was thrilled and managed to hook up with quite a few kids she knew while she checked things out. Inside the school, they had balloon animals, painting, and even a puppet show. It was certainly a fun evening for kids.

Our Busy Boy...(11.5 Months)

Owen's favorite two kitchen items to scoot across the floor

Yes, he can reach the door handles already!!

Ava's shower is great fun he would never miss!

At 11 1/2 months, Owen is not walking quite yet. However, he really doesn't need to. He can get wherever he needs to and very quickly. He can hear the shower running from across the house and will instantly be in the bathroom pushing the curtain aside to see how wet he can get. I just strip him down to his diaper right away now because I can't keep him away from Ava's shower.

Owen has taken a single step a couple of times and can stand on his own for a few seconds. He loves to walk while holding onto your hands. It won't be long....

Siblings...

My best attempt at a together shot (many, many tries)

She is obsessed with her Halloween costume glasses from last year!

This is Ava & Owen having a crawling race across the floor. Ava is so sympathetic to the fact that Owen can't walk yet, she's happy to get down on all fours and join him. It's pretty comical!

Dad & Mom Fun...

While evenings after we've both worked all day can be quite hectic, we always try to make time to play before bed. Owen never lets us down and usually ends up giggling hysterically! He's so much fun!

So Much Fun...One Little Balloon...

Who knew how much fun these two could have with one balloon. Shockingly, neither of them popped it!

The Boom Truck...

Against my wishes, Brad took Ava right out to try his new "toy", the boom truck. He loaded Ava right into the bucket and began ascending into the air. She didn't cry or scream like I would have been. She loved every minute of it, even when I was screaming that they were up to high from the ground. Owen was especially amused with the entertainment!