Daily Owen: 12.31.2013

Last day of 2013: we hit the gym, even though we were both tired and Justin has a sore throat. But. We did it. At the end, Owen hopped up and started squatting. Hilarious! He might be a little gym rat down the road. 

Cheers to 2013 and the new year, 2014! 

Daily Owen: 12.30.2013

Before mama got a wild hair to put away all the Christmas decorations today, Owen was playing with the Christmas jingle dog...then drilling its mouth. Because, why not? (Such a boy).

Daily Owen: 12.29.2013

Hike back at home! Happy boys even though mama tripped on a nasty root and fell. Always an adventure!

Daily Owen: 12.28.2013

After a godawful night with Owen (cold? Maybe?), he awoke a totally different kid this morning. We expected to end up at urgent care or even change our return flight home to Seattle, but nope he was a ok this morning....and mom/dad were wiped! We made it to the plane and O even slept two hours, awesome! We are now back home after such a nice two weeks in KC...always bittersweet to leave! 

Daily Owen: 12.27.2013

Early this morning we had a date with our friends, including Owen's sweet girlfriend Stella. They were so stinking cute together this time since they were moving all around and interacting. So much fun! (Sort of unrelated: happy 70th birthday to grandpa Baker from Owen!)

Daily Owen: 12.26.2013

Still loving the new vacuum! 

Daily Owen: 12.25.2013

(Christmas edition). 

This might be a little more than a "daily Owen" post but it is Christmas and who knows when I'll actually post about it otherwise. 

Santa came to visit!

After a bit of a rough night with the little guy and a subsequent late wake up call, Owen found new toys from Santa! They were a big hit.

Santa also visited Justin and Oliver.

They were also spoiled by everyone else/ guess they made the nice list!

So did Owen but he liked to climb on his presents more than open them. Except for his fake dyson vacuum and drill set he got- now THOSE were winners, hands down. Too bad the vacuum doesn't work for real because after today the floors here would be spotless.

Justin modeled his special present. 

And Owen tried out his great uncles rocker- another big hit!

At the end of the evening after presents, a meal, dessert, hysterical laughter at a new game we played, we got a family shot....love them all so much! 

We are truly blessed beyond measure. I keep thinking about that today...it's not the gifts, the food, or really even the traditions. The love, laughter and family are the overriding "gifts" of this season. I feel so humbled by the love of the incredible people in my life and by how amazing this life is that I am living. My hope would be that everyone could find this feeling, remember the true reason for the season, and find a way to reflect on it all year long. 

Merry Christmas from our family to yours! 

Daily Owen: 12.24.2013

Merry Christmas Eve!!

Daily Owen: 12.23.2013

Who needs Christmas when you already have so many toys to play with?!

Daily Owen: 12.22.2013

Playing in the snow at Grandma and Grandpa's today...looking like it's going to be a white Christmas!

Daily Owen: 12.21.2013

Yesterday poppy and Oliver made it to Kansas City...yay! But, barely. They had a 3am alarm wake up, fresh snow in Seattle (always a nightmare!), but made it to the airport by 4am for their 6am flight. 1.75 hours later they were FINALLY able to get their baggage checked due to understaffing by the airline, got through security in 5 minutes and made a mad sprint to the plane with minutes to spare. After all that they ended up just sitting at the gate for 2.5 hours waiting to be de-iced (again, Seattle is totally inept in snow!) 3 hours later, they made it to KC....BUT their bags didn't. Why? We don't know since they were sitting at the gate for hours, but that will remain a mystery. At 10:45 PM last night, the bags finally arrived so we headed up to the airport again this morning to pick them up. Owen had a blast walking around and waving to everyone- too cute! 

Daily Owen: 12.20.2013

All mommy wants is a silent night? YES (pretty please). 

Daily Owen: 12.19.2013

Guess who is 16 months old today?! (Boo hoo, my big boy is not a baby anymore!)

In contrast, a year ago....

Daily Owen: 12.18.2013

Making cookies with grandma in the same spot mama and uncle Jon spent a LOT of time over the years....

Daily Owen: 12.17.2013

Shopping with grandma in his own little car! 

Daily Owen: 12.16.2013

Day one in Kansas City- LOTS of playing, a walk (and subsequent nap), shopping and a visit with Santa!

Daily Owen: 12.15.2013

Tales of traveling to grandma and grandpas house with mom alone: running through the airport, a photo with tired mom, blissful sleep for 2.5 hours (!!!) on the plane, then done self portraits to round out the flight. We are here and all went swimmingly well, really! 

Daily Owen: 12.14.2013

Mmmmm soupy! 

Daily Owen: 12.13.2013

Bad mom didn't take a picture today, SO, here is Owen playing in a tractor at the place where we bought our doors. He LOVED this thing (he is all boy).