Christmas 2009

Another Christmas has come and gone. Here are a few highlights. If only Owen understood that this was his last Christmas as an only child ... he may have pushed for more presents.

"Grandpa, I can't believe you bought a 5 drawer jewelry box for Grandma. She totally needs 7 drawers. Now hold this while I fix it."

Another successful cousin picture.

And an unsuccessful one ... which one can be trusted to hold the next cousin?


Owen is beginning to develop his own decorating style. When it comes to Christmas trees he prefers 6 ornaments per branch. Could he be a trend setter?

It's Finally Happening!

Owen has "helped out" a lot in the past. But tonight was a first for the big guy. With the storm of the year dumping over a loads of snow on our driveway, Owen was hard at work shoveling with his brand new snow shovel. Unlike most projects, Owen was really moving some snow! Granted, Owen wouldn't have his own shovel if Nick hadn't lost his in the move, prompting a late night visit to the hardware store (who could resist the kid sized shovel).

If only Owen could wash the dishes ...

Engineering Feats

Owen has developed a fine attention to detail, a love of building things, and a fascination with all things that move. Here are a few highlights in the past few weeks.

Owen was in his element at the Olbrich Gardens Holiday Express. Big electric trains are much better than the little wooden ones at home.

What goes up ...

... must come down.

Owen saved the day in Little People land. He finally completed his life-long dream of connecting all his buildings. Unfortunately he was stuck inside the ring.

Thanksgiving 2009

Owen had a fairly traditional Thanksgiving this year.

He took a nap.

He played football.

What more do you want out of the little guy?

Trip to the Zoo

Owen made a short trip to the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison this weekend. He loved watching the Orangutans, Chimpanzees, Polar Bears, Giraffes, and Buffalo. Here are a few highlights.

I knew turtles were slow, but we're not even moving here!

The giraffes were so tall that Owen needed a boost to get a good look at them.

The Big Event

This was Owen's first official Halloween. During previous years, Owen was an Innocent by-stander throughout the festivities. This year, he was right in the middle of the action. This is how the day went for the little guy.

Owen and Cooper were busy with Pre-Halloween preparations the night before. Everything had to be perfect ... that included ironing the clothes and vacuuming the carpet.

All that preparation was exhausting. Better take a quick cat-nap before the big event.

Owen and cousins Billy and Mya posed for a quick pre-trick or treat photo.

Since this was Owen's first experience with trick or treat, Mya took him under her wings and made sure Owen knew what he was up against.

Hurry up! Or they'll run out of candy and start handing out healthy stuff.

After being under Mya's tutelage for several houses, Owen was ready to go it alone.

A Little Man In Uniform(s)

Owen loves dressing up for the job. Whether it's his jumpsuit with a tool belt or his fireman Halloween costume Owen really gets into it. Here are a few highlights.

What's that? A cat is stuck in a tree? I'm on it!

Owen was very upset that his tool belt was not designed to hold his crescent wrenches.

Pumpkin Picking

It's October - which means it's time for pumpkin picking. We brought Owen to Stoughton to visit Eugsters Farm Market. Owen had a lot of fun going on a hayride, picking out pumpkins, runs through a silo maze, eating a candy apple and petting the animals.

A burlap bag man with a pumpkin head? Now this looks like a fun place!

Mommy insisted we look for pumpkins 3 weeks early because they might "run out".

Did you find one!?!

Look out I can get it!

Okay, maybe just a little bit of help. Just spot me.

Owen was excited to find the best pumpkin in the whole patch.

It may seem like Daddy is the hard worker - but it's not easy riding on a wagon with two pumpkins. Owen just makes it look easy.

I don't know what Grandpa is complaining about - this seems pretty easy.

Seriously, what is this thing?

CHOO CHOO!!

The Conversationalist

Early this week Nick was away on a business trip. When Owen came home from school he searched the house looking for him. We're not sure where he learned this ... but he repeatedly called out "You Who, Daddy" "You Who, Daddy". It was very cute. Thanks daycare!

He is also developing very active hand gestures while explaining things. It's actually more "arm gestures". Again - not sure who he learned it from.

New Digs

Owen scored some new Elmo pj's last weekend during a trip to Grandma's house. Owen loves them so much that on Monday morning Daddy had to practically tare them off the little guy. His entire world came crashing down when we told him he can't wear them to school. The next two nights were Elmo pj nights again ... maybe tomorrow we can wear some clean ones again.

Birthday Party

Owen and cousins help Grandma and Grandpa celebrate another birthday. Every time they get together it's fun to see how much more they can play together. Owen and Billy had a great time riding in the Pink Jeep. Hopefully their driving skills improve by the time they start driving real vehicles.

Billy led the "Flying V" attack on the cake

Let's get out of here before Mya realizes we took her pink jeep.

"I've got a great idea! I'll turn the wheel and you tell me when to turn."

That was awesome!!

What do you mean this thing is only rated for 2 people?

September Enrichment Activities

In our quest for parenting excellence, we exposed Owen to new and exciting activities recently. Here are a few highlights:

Owen and Grandpa checked up on a tree they planted earlier in the year. Owen was disappointed it wouldn't be big enough to use as a Christmas tree this year. Maybe Grandpa should have used more Miracle Grow.

Owen visited ANIMART's Pet Fest this past weekend in Madison. Normally Owen is not a big dog fan. But when they are in cages it's okay apparently.

Really, I was just trying to pet the fish!

Owen had a lot of fun climbing on the excavating machines at the Monster Machines In Motion event in Janesville. The event was held in a quarry and dozens of large trucks, diggers, tractors, and other large machines were available to sit in and check out.

We were especially proud of Owen for climbing into the giant excavator. While Mommy waited in line for nearly an hour, Daddy warmed Owen up to the idea of climbing into it by checking out the other machines. We also watched other little boys and girls climb in the excavator and sit on the operators lap. When it came time to walk the 50 yards to the excavator Owen was very uneasy. It took a lot of courage for him to climb into the cab and sit on a strangers lap. After a couple minutes of working the excavator came to a stop and Owen waited patiently to be led out of the cab. He was clearly the youngest participant and clearly out of his comfort zone. We are so proud of Owen for not taking the easy way out and for being very brave. The rest of the morning was all "digger this and digger that".

Fresh off of conquering the excavator, Owen jumped right on the "choo choo". Plus someone had to hold Daddy's hand.

Badger Tailgate

The best part about living so close to Madison is the easy access to Badger Football tailgates (and games we're told). We brought Owen to his first tailgate this weekend. The large crowd was a lot to take in but Owen did a great job. He insisted on carrying his toy hammer with him, eliciting several comments about "getting hammered". Creative bunch down there.