End of Summer Fun

Summer is coming to a close. Although the boys didn't get to spend too much time at home this summer they still managed to get their share of fun in.

It isn't summer without rock picking with Grandpa.

Owen got some practice in for his upcoming Wipe-Out audition. He likes his chances!

Since the NASCAR sponsorship fell through Owen and Mommy had to settle the carnival ride race.

You want me to feed what to what?

Time for the big race! Obviously Daddy gave Owen a head start. Physics worked in Daddy's favor at the end as they reached a tie.

First day of schoo! Owen and Cole chose a more casual look - obviously they don't feel the need to impress anyone.

Cole 18 Month Update

At 18 months Cole:

• Has dozens of words - some of them we can understand


• Knows a few sign language signs


• Loves going to daycare


• Eats and eats and eats


• Doesn't cry much - even when teeth are coming out


• Loves to rough house and wrestle big brother


• Not a big fan of slides, swings or anything that doesn't let him have two feet on the ground.


• Loves tractors and trucks - he plays with them all the time and points out every one when we drive to school


• Loves playing with trains


• Adores his big brother, but has started to hit back when necessary. Scuffles have started.


• Is a bit of a biter, even drew blood once (luckily it was Owen and not someone else's kid)


• Has to be part of the action - he gets very upset when Daddy and Owen are outside and he isn't.


• Is more interested in TV than Owen was at this age.


• Is very easy to put to bed. So much easier than Owen.


• Has been given the nickname "Mr. Giggles" by Owen.


• Is generally a very happy kid

The Rout

Yet another example of athletic dominance - defeating Uncle Brandon in less than 8 minutes in a croquet match - twice.

Happy Birthday Owen!

Owen turned the big 4 this weekend. We celebrated with a John Deere tractor themed party.


Prior to the party he was convinced that if he did not have a Thomas birthday party, he would not recieve any more Thomas trains. Of course this would be devastating for the big guy. It took us a while to explain to him that not all of his presents will be tractors and that a theme has nothing to do with the presents. In the end he understood (we think).

Cole - 1 Year Update

With Owen there were regular monthly updates, complete with pithy comments. Cole on the other hand has only a few updates. At this rate, if we have a third child one of the parents will probably forget to come to the hospital for the birth.

It's been a whole year and Cole has grown so much!

At one time he was the same size as the green rabbit.

At 1 year Cole is:

• An avid crawler


• Pulls up on furniture, big brother, chairs, or anything else that seems sturdy


• A great eater


• Loves to eat blueberries


• Is slightly taller and slightly shorter than Owen was


• Loves going to daycare and is looking forward to the 1's side of the room


• Likes to rough-house with Owen and Daddy (Mommy is not a big fan)


• Doesn't have much of an issue with playing by himself occasionally


• Is not much of a snuggler - once the bottle is done and the story is read he's content with being placed in the crib. Much better than the 45 minute ordeals someone else put us through.


• Loves to laugh at Owen


• Walks endlessly around the house using his Fisher Price Stride to Go Dinosaur


• Associates his green rabbit with sleep time - instantly. If we sees it he hugs it and curls up on the floor.

Little Climber

Not only is Cole getting very close to walking, he loves to pull himself up on things. One of his favorite places to pull himself up is the kitchen table. Not only is it a big stretch for the little guy, but there are always so many things to reach for on the table.

Big reach

Cole's future past time??