Fish

As promised, proof of Owen's first BIG catch.

Lazy River

We haven't been in quite awhile, 

but the lazy river was quite a hit with O earlier this summer.

This video is compliments of our friend Casey.

He's the only one we know who may love the lazy river more than Owen.

PS - Please excuse the farmer's tans and extreme mid-summer paleness...it's one of the many trade-offs of parenthood.  Don't worry Owen, you're completely worth it. 
That's why they make bronzer. :)

 

Chi-Town Fair

  Kechi, that is.

It's crazy how great sloppy joes can sound on a Friday night when it means you don't have to cook, do dishes, or go any further than the park.

When we arrived, the fishing derby was already in full swing. 

We caught the best dressed pet contest.
Owen still has a fearful love of dogs.  Has this little laugh/cry when he gets the courage to pet.
Also has the cutest little bark when you ask him what doggies say.

 

The park is really the best dining establishment for us at this stage in his life.
We cannot contain this wild man for too long.
I think we need a parenting book.

We had a good time, a really nice start to the weekend. 

Nate's cousin Tiffany and her husband Craig stopped by on Saturday.  It was great to see them!
Had fun at a Dress for Success event Saturday afternoon and then hit up the pool with the Winchell's after church on Sunday.  Summer is definitely in full swing.  The heat just zaps little O's energy.
He crashed after the pool...completely missed Sonic Happy Hour.

I could stand to miss a few...I have been drinking so many Arnold Palmers I have canker sores.

Painful, but worth it.

 

Dad's Day at the Lake

Dear Dad,

I was so excited I got to spend Father's Day weekend with you at the lake.

Even though I missed pizza day at school, it was totally worth it!

As always, I had lots of fun with you.  I can't believe you let me feed you lake water.

I don't even drink that stuff...

Had fun with the old folks too.  

Gramps helped me catch my first fish.  I'll be sure to post a pic.

 And who could forget Uncle Brian, I always have fun with that guy.

 We had the best time floating around.   But you know me, I don't like to just sit around.  

I had even more fun when we floated to the shore, splashed around, and threw rocks in the water. 

Now that's what I call a good time.

 When you went golfing, you thought all we did was play.

 And we did have lots of time to play. But...

We worked too.  Went on a hunt for rocks and then got crafty.

Why?  

Well Dad, you rock, that's why.  I wanted to make sure you knew.

Mom says we are soooo lucky to have you in our lives.  She thinks you're pretty awesome.

You get me ready every morning.  You make sure I get my vitamins, brush my teeth, and you even read to me most mornings.  A boy couldn't ask for more.  

Mom doesn't even hear when I cry at night.  Can you believe that?!  She sleeps right through it!  But you don't, and I'm so thankful.  You're the best!  I have tons of fun playing with you and can't wait for the years ahead.  I love you Dad!  

-Owen

PS - Mom hopes you like the new gym bag we got you...she said that you've had that old ripped up thing for almost 20 years.  That's just crazy.

Bring Your Kid To Work Day

I'm not sure if they still have bring your kid to work day, but I sure hope they do.

I still remember getting to go with my mom.  I always thought it was so exciting.  

I was probably one of few my age that got to observe a Colonoscopy.  

Though I can't offer O that same excitement, he did get to tag along to our Annual Sports Challenge.  When you have a work commitment on the weekend and your husband is busy elsewhere, by default, it becomes, bring your kid to work day.

Owen did pretty well.  Had lots of fun playing with all the interns and new hires.

Made several new friends.  The closest to his age was cute little Norah, who took great care of him...

she broke off pieces of Cheetos and fed them to him one at a time.  Such a good little momma!

Volleyballs, basketballs, footballs, and bocce balls, Owen was in heaven.  

The key was keeping him out of the games.

:)

His new friends were nice enough to invite him into the group shot at the end of our final competition.

The same group shot that ended up on our intranet site at work.

So now, in case I happen to miss that cute face on my office wall, desk, or computer background, I am sure to catch him when I go online.

Big belly and all.