2-year photos

We love our photographer! Here is a peek at some of Owen's 2-year photos.

Two!

Well, here I am again...catching up to what happened. August was a very busy month for us. I think we only had one weekend day that we didn't have something going on...and of course we took full advantage of that and had a relaxing day at home!

Although we attended many fun events over the month, our hightlight had to be Owen turning 2! We had a fun construction-themed party for him and were very happy to celebrate with those that could attend. Here are a few pictures from the day.

Owen and his "God-siblings"...Dawson and Kylie. Owen's friends were helping him open presents! :)First time sitting on his tractor!And this is how he likes to use the tractor...daily...as he watches Mickey Mouse Clubhouse! I guess this is more comfortable than the couch.Oh and he loves to "ba-shoom"...he is a little fearful of the real vacuum, but I actually think this is helping.

July 4th, 2010

We had a nice "5-day weekend" over the fourth of July this year...spending Friday, July 2nd as our get ready and pack day...then July 3rd we travelled to Warrens, Wisconsin...and finally travelled home on Tuesday, July 6th. We stayed at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Warrens and were fortunate enough to be able to rent a cabin with our friends. We chose this location because it is about an hour closer than Wisconsin Dells and had heard that it was a fun place to visit.
The cabin...
The kiddos (Owen ,22 months and Tatum, 19 months) did fantastic while travelling...I think we made 2 or 3 stops on the way there...and only 1 on the way home. Here are some pictures of our playtime.

July Events/Parties!!!

What would July be if it weren’t filled with events and parties?!?!

On July 10th, we celebrated Rachel’s (Jake’s cousin) 21st birthday…of course this included lots of people, lots of delicious food, and lots of FUN!
We celebrated my parent’s 30th wedding anniversary!!! What a better way to celebrate than to have a little cookout…we made them some “Surf and Turf” (Salmon and Steak) along with zucchini (from our garden) and asparagus (not from our garden) on the grill. Owen and the dogs (Jade & Colby) played in the pool while we watched. It was a great day!

On July 17th…My dad’s cousin, Tanya, and her family were visiting Minnesota for a while (they live in Alaska) and had some time to swing by my parent’s house. We were able to visit with them for a couple hours. Always a treat to see them!
Then later in the same day…We celebrated Jake’s Grandma’s birthday…she will be 80 next month. SURPRISE! A celebration was planned a month in advance. Kids, grandkids, and a few others were invited and we all just showed up at her house and brought all the food. Another great day! Owen enjoyed seeing his cousin Nathan…and giving him ‘knuckles.’
Later that evening Jake and I had a "date night" planned...unfortunately it was cut short by bad thunderstorms and tornado warnings. Once we got home we found our gazebo didn't make it this time...such a bummer!
On July 21st, I participated in the Torchlight 5K in Minneapolis. Below is a group picture of my co-workers. I opted to walk the race and finished in 49 minutes. It was quite the night! I am looking forward to next year...and improving my time!

Finally a few other miscellaneous photos from July...

I finally found a hat that Owen likes to wear! Playing at Big Lake beach...

Target Field

I also found these pictures...we went to a Twins game on May 27th...Twins vs. Yankees. We enjoyed getting to experience the new field. Outdoor baseball, weather permitting, is AWESOME! Here are a few pictures from the night.

The view from our seats...we were on the main level, in Row 2!!!

Twins WIN!!! Of course that made a great ending to the night!
Group photo...our wonderful friends that brought us along. (Yes, there is a lack of Twins garb...we will try harder next time!)

June - at the park

I just ran across these pictures and couldn't resist posting them. These are from back in June and we were just having some fun at the park in our neighborhood.
Getting ready to climb up...
And a few moments later...he's almost to the top! An easier way up to the top...(and one that makes mom and dad not so worried!)Whoops...somehow he got turned around in the slide...look out below!!!Feet first...much better...he loves the tall slides!

Ears!

Owen had his 1-year follow up appointment for his ear tube surgery on July 8th. We were very hopeful, since Owen had not experienced much for ear infections and one of the tubes had fallen out a few months back, that this would be our last visit with the ENT. Unfortunately this is not the case...it was not our time to say "Goodbye forever" (as our ENT said). Owen's hearing was not where they want it to be at this time...which could have been related to the fact that he was a bit upset during most of the hearing test. However, this makes them want us to return for another follow up. If Owie's ears stay mostly clear of infection we can wait until December/January to go back...if they begin the infection cycle (I call it a cycle because in the past they seem to clear up while he is on the antibiotics, then just come right back afterward the meds are gone) again we will need to return in October.

At the time I am writing this we have already had another ear infection and were on antibiotics...we are praying this is not the start of the cycle!

In other "ear news," Jake also has gotten the pleasure of visiting with an ENT twice this month. It seems the guys have their own little ear infection club...ha ha! I kid, but I definitely feel bad for them.

As of now, neither of them will require surgery...please let us keep it that way!!!