Birthday Week

Owen started out his birthday week by opening cards from friends and family 

who live out-of-town.  He kissed every card he opened (really, he did).

On his actual birthday we spent lots of time outside - 

because that is his favorite place to be.

Can you tell?

Then we went out to eat and played outside again at this fountain

He really loved the fountain

Can you tell?

On Saturday we had a little family party at our house.

The boys dressed up in their halloween costumes.

We did a little finger painting

Wore funny party hats

And blew on party whistles

Ethan actually blew two at the same time.  I was impressed!

I made my Grandma's famous chocolate sheet cake.

It's my favorite cake in the whole world.  

And since Owen doesn't have a favorite yet, I made mine.

Owen opened presents - THANKS EVERYONE!

He especially loved the ball Ethan picked out for him

And the fishing pole from cousin Cara

Owen liked his cake.  He ate a few bites and then was done.  

I guess he's not going to be a chocolate addict like his mom.

We had a silly string fight

Baby Elinam slept the entire time

Cara and Ethan rode their bikes

And Nana pulled everyone around in the wagon

Owen had a great time, but his partying wasn't over yet...

The next weekend Grandma and Grandpa came from Raleigh.

Grandma brought some great outdoor toys,

so we spent more time playing in the yard.

Our neighbor's rooster, Merle, even came over for the party

Owen opened more presents

And ate another cake, of course!

Ethan blew out the candles for Owen

He got a little too close to the candle and burned his nose.

I didn't realize until I was looking back through, 

that I actually got a picture of it happening.

Thanks to everyone who celebrated with us!

I can't believe this little boy is ONE!

Birthday Boy

A year ago today this beautiful baby boy entered our lives

I was so happy to be a mommy again,

and so amazed to be blessed with another perfect baby boy

Today, a year later, I am still amazed by our busy little Owen.

In fact, I often say that I could sit and watch him play for hours.

Owen is definitely a busy boy.  

He loves to get into the pantry and pull everything out that is within his reach.

He loves his big brother tremendously

I mean, REALLY loves him.

And one of his favorite times of the day is when daddy comes home!

You may remember his favorite spot in the house...

he now likes to lick the glass, which is what he's doing in this picture.

He gets into everything he's not supposed to get into

and when we say "no," that just makes it even more fun!

He likes to help me around the house

like pulling all the clothes out of the laundry basket, 

so he can get in and play

He's usually a happy, friendly boy

Likes to wave and say, "hi" to random people in the grocery store

But he can also be very serious,

sometimes wary with strangers and even people he knows.

And when that's the case, he furrows his brow just like this

And just when I think I know everything about him,

he does something to surprise me.

Like sitting in one place for 5 whole minutes holding a 6-week old baby.

He likes doing silly things that make his brother laugh,

like putting the potty on his head

it really does make a good hat

He LOVES being outside,

playing at the park and crawling in the grass

Did I mention how much he LOVES his brother?

I'm beyond thankful for our sweet Owen.

Happy 1 YEAR Birthday!

We love you!