Where's Owen?

Owen is turning in to quite the adventurous little boy. We're pretty convinced that the reason he spent his first year of life screaming, was because he couldn't move around as freely as he wanted. Now that he's able to explore his environment, he seems to be much happier. We have learned that Owen is terribly quick...yes, we lost him the other day.

We saw him one minute and the next we were searching all over the house until savvy Kailey spotted Owen. Yep, he managed to squeeze himself in between the Christmas tree and the window. While we were all overwrought with fear, he was having a great time.

Gingerbread Houses

A group of us all took our little ones to create gingerbread houses at the local dairy farm, Moomers. Moomers is known around town for the amazing ice cream...it's almost as good as Graeters ice cream, which was a local college favorite. However, Moomers, unlike Graeters comes with real cows for your viewing pleasure.

Anyhow, when we arrived, we were all set with a blank slate of a gingerbread house. While all the other families let their children have fun and create beautiful works of art, I found my OCD kicking into high gear with our house. As you can see, I created neat little rows for Kailey to place like types of candy. She didn't seem to mind and I actually think she preferred it that way. She was very patient and had a great time. She did sneak a few pieces of candy, but that's what it's all about! The culminating moments were a chance to look at the cows and a big cup of homemade ice cream...just what we all want in December!

Holiday Happenings

We have had an amazing holiday season so far! We've kept ourselves very busy between school, cookies, gingerbread houses, sickies (yes, we all got colds...again), and just the usual holiday mayhem. I will try to post as many pictures as possible to update what we've been up to for the past few weeks.

Enjoy!

Okay, okay, we're back!

I'm sorry we've been gone for a while, but it's been a loooong few weeks around here! We were all set to see my entire family for the Thanksgiving holiday, until Kailey came down with bronchitis and pneumonia. While Kailey was on antibiotics, both Owen and I got incredibly sick and were down for the count. It's taken almost two weeks to get over our sickies, but as Paul always says, normal has never felt so good! Needless to say, we didn't make it to Thanksgiving and I'm so very sad about it! I never get to see my nieces because they live in Texas and feel extremely disappointed. I hope everyone understands our absence, but I still feel sad. Anyhow, we have recovered and went to our annual CG Christmas party yesterday. The CG has quite the connections, as Santa flew in via the helicopter. If you look closely, you can see him sitting in the door as it landed. Unfortunately, everyone got quite pelted by the rotor wash kicking up a nice snow cloud. Ooops! Kailey has been asking Santa for 'Beauuuuuutil Shoes' (And yes, she says it just like an intoxicated Anna Nicole Smith at some awards show a few years back). However, once she saw Santa, it took a while to warm up to him, and well, Owen never did warm up to him. Finally, Kailey was brave enough and passed her wishes on to Santa. Only time will tell if Santa was really listening!

Homage to the Homeland

Ah, how sweet it is! I am a true band geek at heart and nothing gives me goose bumps like script Ohio and the dotting of the I. Fortunately for me, THE Ohio State Marching Band is known as "The Best Damn Band in the Land." Even better is that
OHIO STATE BEAT MICHIGAN today!
What a great day to be a Buckeye living in Michigan!

GO BUCKEYES!

Owen Walks

Owen is starting to get his balance with his walking. We're not expecting anything too soon, since Kailey didn't walk until she was almost 17 months old, but it sure is fun to watch him practice!

Kailey's First Slumber Party

Last Friday, Kailey got to experience her very first slumber party. 'The Girls', as Kailey refers to them, got to spend the night because their Mommy and Daddy were at the hospital with their new baby brother!

Everyone seemed to have a good time after a dinner of Chicken Tacos, dancing, The Jungle Book and popcorn. All the girls were very well behaved, well mannered and delightful, except one little pesky Kailey. She was the youngest of the bunch and was especially ornery. The major complaints were that she would steel the popcorn bowl or jump in to the girls sleeping bags when they weren't looking. It was an adventure for all (including Paul and I...five kids! WOW!) and I think they all had fun, even though Sarah kept asking (even the next day), "When are we going to have the slumber party?"

Kailey Sings

Kailey Sings

We often have dance parties in our house to pass the time on our long, gray days. Kailey has taken a liking to various sorts of music, from Justin Timberlake to Johnny Cash to Journey (Yes, I wrote Journey...'Any Way You Want It' is a HUGE hit according to Kailey). We really need to work on her dance moves because right now they consist of shaking her booty and walking in circles. Owen is starting to enjoy the dance parties as much as Kailey, as you can see by his percussion contribution.

Happy Halloween

Even though we had a hail storm right before Trick-or-Treat, it was by far, the best Halloween we've ever had! Kailey was beyond excited to show off her Pirate costume and practice her Trick-or-treating skills. She did get confused and would say 'thank-you' before receiving any treats. Eventually, she got the hang of it and now likes to walk around the house knocking on doors saying 'Knock, knock, trick-or-treat!' Owen was basically along for the ride and was happy as long as I kept giving him crackers. Later, both kids had a blast watching the trick-or-treaters come up the walk to knock on our door!

Owen Deere Green

This ride-on John Deere Green tractor was one of many fantastic birthday gifts Owen received from his friends and family. This nifty toy can be ridden, pushed, used as storage for the farm animals it comes with and as a tool to torment your brother/sister. Both kids LOVE this toy because they can push each other on (off of) it which provides lots of fun. Uncle Matt, Aunt Nancy, Hannah and Maddie provided the perfect "Aunt/Uncle gift" because of it's fun factor and that it makes even more noise! In my pre-child days, I can only imagine how many of these type of gifts I gave to Hannah and Maddie. You know the ones, the best part about them is the bright red button that plays Old MacDonald over and over and over again. No worries here though, I can get over the noise, but am always thrilled with the smiles and laughter!

Happy Birthday, Toosie!

Pumpkin Pickin'

Pumpkin Pickin'

Before our trip to Ohio, we decided to take the kids on a truly fall, harvest event...pumpkin picking! Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate accordingly and it was 90 degrees outside. Instead of sipping hot cider with warm pumpkin spice doughnuts, we ran through the corn maze with sweat dripping everywhere. After the tractor ride and the corn maze, we did sample apples, pick out pumpkins and ride around on the mini-tractors. (They even had a pink, girlie one!) Kailey and Owen liked being pulled around in the pumpkin carts and Owen even sat still while we put him on the pumpkin scale to find out his weight!

The idea was good and on a much cooler day, it would have been perfect. The kids had a good time which ultimately is all that matters.

Happy First Birthday, Little Man!

It's hard to believe a year has gone by since Owen entered this world. It hasn't been the easiest, or the most restful year we've ever had, but it's been one of the greatest! We had a fantastic day filled with first haircuts, shopping and parties with friends. I have many, many pictures to post, but will only be able to post a few tonight. We have a big week planned and will update when we return.

The big 1st birthday gift from Mommy and Daddy was an incredible tent/tunnel/ball pit that we really wanted for both Kailey and Owen. It was a hit and Owen loved playing peek-a-boo behind the tent walls. We did try to do the traditional smash cake, however, he hated it, just like his sister. I guess some things do run in families!

Happy Birthday, Owen! We love you!

Quack Quack!

Kailey from the Block

Kailey loves hats and dress up. Here is a shot from a flimsy old hat of mine that just doesn't quite cut it anymore. Kailey noticed it in the 'to go' pile and snatched it right up. It's now one of her favorites...I think she and J-Lo are the only two who can get away with this look. Well, maybe just Kailey!

I swear I'm not that mean

I promise I'm not completely cruel to post a picture of my child screaming. However, this was the only photo today that captured this excitng development. If you look closely, you can see it.

Yep, Owen finally sprouted a tooth! After 11 1/2 months, it was worth the wait. Now, we're hoping with the growth of his new tooth, his runny, stuffy nose will clear up too!

For anyone who was concerned, immediately after this picture he received lots and lots of hugs and cheered right up!

More Cute

Seriously, could they get any sweeter?

Just Cute

No description needed!

Visit from Toosie!

Grandma Toosie came for a visit this weekend and boy did we have fun! We mostly just played and ate then played and ate some more, but it was great to catch up and show off the new additions to our home. The highlight of Friday night (while we stood outside and froze) was the fly over that Paul provided! Kailey LOVES the helicopter, but Owen just cried from the noise. It was great seeing you Toosie, you have to come back more often!

First Day of School!

Kailey and Miss Ramona

Yesterday, Kailey started her first day of Pre-School. She only goes two days a week for 2 1/2 hours a day, but that seemed like an eternity to me. I couldn't believe how much I missed her while she was at school.

Kailey didn't cry at all when I dropped her off or when I went to pick her up. Some of the other kids were so overwhelmed that their moms actually did come back, that they burst in to tears when they were picked up. Not Kailey, she seemed to have other issues on her mind.

Let me set the stage. Rewind a few years when Paul and I were both teaching. I taught at a school where every student had been sent there due to severe discipline problems. The school where Paul taught sent the most kids to my school. Are you seeing a pattern here? As parents who are former teachers, our biggest fear is a behavior problem.

Okay, back to Kailey. As we prepared to leave, we went to say goodbye to her teacher, Miss Ramona. I asked how Kailey's day was, and Miss Ramona replied, "Fine, she just needs to learn the rules." Oh boy, I thought to myself, here we go.

Kailey bounced out of school, talked gibberish all the way home and really didn't have too much to say on the subject, other than she was ready for a nap. Well, as we were eating lunch, Kailey pipes up, "No Kailey, we never color on the walls!" WHAT??? Yes, my kid busted herself out and was the one coloring on the walls the first day of pre-school. While my initial instinct is complete horror, I must admit I am pleased at her honesty.

I'm telling you, Karma's a bitch. I'm quite certain this is for all those students who I made practice behavior skills over and over and over again by doing push-ups in a sand pit. The bottom line of course, is that Kailey seemed to have a wonderful time and this is exactly what Pre-School is for...learning NOT to color on the walls!

Nope, Still No Mini-Me

I keep looking at old pictures trying to see if either of my kids resemble me. They don't. Owen's hair is getting lighter and lighter with each passing day. Before I know it, I'm going to have two blonde, blue-eyed children. I KNOW they're mine, they just don't look like me.

I found this cutie picture from a stack that Bubbie is always sending to me. I assume I'm close to Kailey's age, maybe a little younger. I do think that Kailey and I have the same nose and eye shape, but that's about it. I definitely had a lot more hair and fortunately for Kailey, she didn't get to experience the rockin' 1970's knit bikini top. Lookin' Good!

The time has come...

Most woman/wives don't look forward to football season. Rather, they see themselves as football widows. Not me. I'm thrilled, ready for action, redemption, excitement...brainwashing!

O-H...anyone?

Hey Batter Batter

Wednesday night was Coast Guard Appreciation Night at our local baseball park. This baseball team is literally in a league of its own...nope, not a farm team for anyone, just a 'professional' team of wannabe's. Regardless, it was a beautiful park and SO incredibly fun for all of us. We had fantastic seats so the kids were able to be up close and personal with the players. Owen was fascinated by the ball going back and forth as well as the huge score board. Kailey had a great time dancing with the mascot, named Sun Burn and even got him to shake it and spin around! She also 'befriended' some poor seven year girl old who ended up having a little blonde shadow for about an hour. There was a wonderful family area in the outfield complete with tables and a playground for the kids to romp around. I guess it's safe in the outfield because again, these guys probably wouldn't be hitting it over the Green Monster if given the chance. The fun and games ended for Kailey when she went down a slide and got a mouthful of sand. However, a little pink cotton candy, or sugar, as Kailey calls it made everything MUCH better!

Piano Man

This happens to be the toy of the week. Both Kailey and Owen have been rockin' and rollin' to this sharp little piano from Grandma Karel. This piano is WAY better than my synchronizer circa 1988 that I earned from my ONE summer filing community band music for my dad. (That's a WHOLE other story for those of you not familiar with the Sousa/Community Band...someday, someday). Back to our piano. It has great beats, a microphone and a turn table. Owen often surprises himself with the noises he can make with the piano (well, he surprises himself with all of his noises, but again, that's for another day) and Kailey just dances.

Such a big boy

We've had a few chilly mornings these last few days therefore, I've had to dress the kids accordingly. I've been slowly shopping for cold weather gear, so we wouldn't break the budget come fall. However, I didn't expect to break out the jeans this early. We are keeping our fingers crossed that it's only a temporary cold spell and we can return to some nice, warm August temperatures soon.

Owen sure does look cute, but certainly not like a baby anymore which makes me sad. I can't believe he's ten months old already, where does time go? He loves to stand and cruise around anything and everything. Soon he'll be standing on his own, he just needs to get the balance thing down!

Oh, I went to the animal fair...

The birds and beasts were certainly there! As a kid, we always went to the Medina County Fair which was a real humdinger. It featured tractor pulls, demolition derbies, dunk tanks and my 8th grade favorite, New Kids On the Block. This fair wasn't quite the caliber of my childhood memories, but it did live up to expectations in terms of animals.

However, never, ever did I think a trip to the fair could bring tears of joy to my eyes as this one did. Kailey tends to be a little scared of most things. She always exclaims, "I'm fine, I'm fine" which is code for "Get me the heck out of here." Well, she spotted a real pony carousel and wanted to immediately ride. Paul and I thought for sure, she would get close to the pony, flip out and then want to leave. We were wrong, so wrong. She got on Lumberjack the pony, yelled to all of the other pre-school riders, "Come on Cowboys, Yeehaw!" and had the time of her life. Owen watched her with pure glee and giggled the entire time. Absolutely worth the price of admission!

Blueberry Picking

Last week, we indulged ourselves in one of TC's finest crops...blueberries! We traveled with our buddies to Buchan's Blueberry Hill to pick the most luscious, delicious, plump blueberries I've ever tasted. Okay, okay, maybe I've been a bit sheltered as this was the first time I've ever picked blueberries, but I was in Heaven! Kailey enjoyed picking the berries for about five minutes until she realized eating them was much better.

The best part was since I was flying solo (Paulie had to miss it due to work), my friend Krista and I got to straddle and creep under the bushes, while her husband Jerod wrangled five, yes five children! In the end, Krista picked nine pounds and I picked six pounds. (She's a more experienced picker...I guess). I now have a freezer full of blueberries to enjoy for many months to come. Pure Bliss!

Owen- Loo-Who

One of my favorite things to purchase for the kids are jammies. I've always had a thing for jammies and now I am passing it on to them. Kailey is in a nighty-princess phase and won't change out of her 'princess' all day long. We have to use bribes and the like so we can go in public without her good friends "Sleeping-rella" and "Cinder-beauty." (I could correct her, but why?)

In Owen's case, I didn't realize this little romper would create a Seuss character in my very home! It's the blue eyes and the big smile that add to the charm.

Paul's Look-alikes- Ha-cha-cha!

Jenny's Celebrity Look-alikes

http://www.myheritage.com

Owen's Celebrity Look-alikes

http://www.myheritage.com

Kailey's Celebrity Look-alikes

http://www.myheritage.com

Swinging and Playing

These were from a favorite playground close to the hotel where we spent a lot of time swinging and playing on the train. Owen is a big fan of the swings and Kailey just loves to run around. Of course they wouldn't like the same things, that would be too easy!