Get That Kid A Dog Already

We're back from camping and we had a wonderful time. It was nice to get out of the city and the heat. We spent the night in Oak Creek Canyon which is just north of Sedona. We'll post photos from the trip shortly but until then, here are some showing what Owen did most of the trip. If he wasn't playing in the dirt or throwing rocks in the water, he was sitting next to a dog.







Owen's fondness for dogs was universally noted by the camping group. They were surprised we didn't own a dog. If Owen wanted to guilt us into getting a dog, this was a smart way to do it.

Gone Campin'

For those of you who don't know, I have been extended an offer from Teach for America to teach middle school science here in Phoenix starting in August. In preparation for my being able to do this, I have been cramming like crazy for the tests I'm going to need to pass to do so. Carrie has been gracious enough to forgo our vacation plans in order for me to do this, but we're going to sneak in a camping trip this weekend so we don't all go crazy. We'll be up in Sedona AZ for the weekend and we're hoping this trip helps us find a center for all the hard work to come.

We thought we'd put up the cutest picture we've gotten of Owen recently to tide everyone over.


Anyhoo, say goodbye Owen.


Goodbye Owen!

Children's Museum

When Tejas and the gang came into town, we thought it would be a perfect time to check out the new Phoenix Children's Museum. That place is a blast. It has a mini grocery store, restaurant, and ice cream stand for the kids to pretend play. They can paint a castle or play with clay. There was a giant noodle forest and car wash to run through along with interesting things to look/touch/play around every corner. Very cool place and one we plan on taking Owen to again.


Painting a castle.


Reading about monsters with grandma.


Baking a pizza.


Hanging out in the noodle forest.


Going through the car wash.

Outtakes

While everyone was out we got a few shots we thought were pretty funny, but didn't really have much to do with anything. We thought we'd share them here.


That thing threw me in like 3 seconds. I suppose I'm just lucky I got out of there with life and limbs intact.


Ooh, I wanna see some balls.


When you visit the Wilhemes, you are truly living the high life.

The Six

Something doesn't feel right about me doing this post. I mean Carrie, not Ed, doing the car post. But alas, Ed is incredibly busy/stressed right now and it has been too long since we posted something. So here it is... our new car. This car was Ed's dream family mobile. I'm told few were made so when he stumbled across one in the Phoenix area that met his criteria, needless to say he was excited.

We traded in the Honda so no more 2 door car. Owen seemed sad to see the red car go but I think he enjoys being put into his car seat without having his head slammed into the car ceiling as we fumbled to get him in.


Owen enjoys nothing more than helping his dad work on the car.


The proud owner and his son. I won't go into any details about the car because I am sure I would get them wrong and Ed would lower his head in shame. But I will say I like the color, it smells good and it's fun to drive. It's nice having a husband who knows how to find just the right car and it's nice having a kid who loves to wash cars.

The Boys

After a long day of playing in dirt, riding bikes, crashing trucks.. you know... boy stuff... they decided to end the day with a nice bubble bath. Tough guys like bubbles too.

Lil' Rebels

There were a few photos we took over the last couple weeks that we though would be fun to put up. Owen and Bella decided they were going to go ahead and ignore convention and trounce through the public fountain in the park by Carrie's work. All-in-all, I'd say they made the right call; I mean, you can really only get away with this for so long before you start to just look crazy.


I think Bella may have had some reservations at first.


Before deciding playing in the fountain was fun.


Mischief, mischief and a little more mischief.


These guys are going to be buddies when they grow up.

We've Been Bad Bloggers

Wow. I think this is the longest we have gone without posting. Shame on us. We'll get our act together soon. Until then, here is a cute picture to use as a filler. Nothing cuter than babies in a bathtub. (Can I still call them babies even if they are both almost 2?)

Gabba Gabba Party

Well, Owen's birthday week is coming to a close. It was a wonderful time and we feel very thankful we were able to celebrate it with so many people. Here are a few pictures from the birthday party, with more pictures to follow shortly from the past week.


On his actual birthday, we went to the daycare to have a mini birthday party.


The cupcakes turned out pretty good considering they were made after consuming a magnum of wine.


Calming down and enjoying his cupcake after freaking out when people started to sing happy birthday to him. The pressure of parties can be intense when you're two. Overall, though, he handled it like a trooper.


As what is probably normal for a two year old, Owen was overwhelmed by all his presents and became fixated on the matchbox cars that he opened first. He received so many wonderful presents including a bubble mower, keyboard, t-ball set and his first bike. He is a very happy little boy.

Owen's Second Birthday

We can't believe how much Owen has changed. He's gotten bigger, which I have to admit, we kind of saw coming. But he's become a little person too, which I also have to admit, we are more in awe of the process than we thought we would be. He's becoming his own person and exhibiting his own personality traits. It's a pretty impressive process. It has its challenges, but being a parent is probably one of the most rewarding challenges anyone can undertake.

We thought we'd put up a couple of photos to show how far Owen has come. Thank you all for sharing the journey. We're just getting started.


April 22, 2008


April 22, 2009


April 22, 2010

Happy Birthday Owen.

Great Grandma W.

Boy, when it rains, it pours. We went through a spell where visitors were fairly sparse, but now thats changed. This is actually out of order, but my grandma was in town until the other day and we had her and my great aunt Ellie and uncle Dick over to the house. Owen really took to her and when we gave her a lift to the airport, they solidified their relationship over some ice cream. I don't know who enjoyed the treat more, Owen or her; suffice it to say, they're best of friends now.


Owen warmed up to Grandma pretty quickly. She has a way with little ones, as well she might after the endless cycle of children, grandchildren and now great-grandchildren whose lives she has graced.


And speaking of grace, you would be hard pressed to find two women who personify the word better than these two.

The Coopers Arrive

C.J., Alexis and Bella have arrived to spend a week in the sun and help us celebrate Owen's big oh-two. To commemorate their arrival, we cracked open the pool for the season. It was a little chilly, but we all had a very good time.


The Coopers enjoying the sun. Didn't take long for C.J. to jump into the pool.


Owen and Bella are getting along great. They share, they play, and they have already gotten into mischief together. But that's what cousins are for, right?

All In A Row

Owen will hang out by himself for a good 30 minutes, just lining up cars and then staring at them with pride and happiness. It's the simple things.

Funny Guy

Owen's physical therapist, Diane, comes to the daycare every Tuesday for Owen to have a physical therapy session. Diane writes us a note every time he has therapy to tell us what they did that day and any comments or observations. We loved the comment she left this week. It so describes Owen's personality:

"What a language explosion! Also, Owen was so excited to see me today - that is a first. He was in a great mood and even showed off for his friends, making them laugh by putting bean bags on his head and making them fall off."

Ahhh yes... the old things-on-your-head-that-shouldn't-be-on-your-head gag... never gets old.


Owen at 10 months

This Is How We End Up With Pictures Of A Nekkid Toddler

Hey guys, I thought I would be helpful and skim the pool.

Wow, Owen, That's really nice of you. Thanks!

Hey, no problem. It's the least I could do for all you guys do for me.

Oh man, you know what? My flip flops and pants are chafing me a little. Can you believe that? I'm just going to kick them off for a sec and dangle my feet in the pool.

This is nice. But you know what? Now my shirt and diaper are chafing me. What are the odds?

I bet if we kicked them off and took a walk in the pool I'd feel a whole lot better.

I was totally right, this is nice. I loves me some being nekkid in the pool.

And there you have it. Helpful little guy to nekkid in the pool in three smooth steps.