Rockin' to Relient K

They may not look a lot alike, but Owen and Lewis share a love for music and rocking!!

He Sleeps

In his bed

on his changing table

on my lap

in his high chair, midway through lunch

CUTE

Just like old times - sort of

The big boys and I used to go to parks all the time. We know the best parks in Ames and Ankeny, and we have been to all of the Slater and Huxley parks a million times. This year, with Carter in kindergarten, we rarely get to spend a morning just swinging, playing and collecting rocks and other treasures. This week Carter has three days off because of kindergarten round-up, (which Owen had today) so we spent yesterday at one of our favorite parks, Brookside, in Ames. It has multiple play areas, an old fire truck to play on and a suspension bridge that crosses the river.

It was 78 degrees and sunny. Perfect Park Day! Corey even joined us for lunch. This was Lewis' first real trip to the park, and he had a great time crawling around and putting things in his mouth. Who needs graham crackers when you have wood chips?

O-R-E-O

On My Own Two Feet

This is the first time I've seen Lewis pull himself up onto his feet.

Mud!

What I want to know is how he kept his shirt so clean when his face is speckled and his hands are covered!

A Moment for Bragging

If you don't like it when mom's brag about their kids, skip this post because that is what I'm going to do. We had Owen's preschool conference was yesterday, and his teacher said he is very artistic with skills well beyond most kids his age. That's my boy! He is always drawing and coloring and making crafts, and he is very particular about his work. Here are some samples (He drew the Super Heroes last spring, and they are framed on my family room wall.) Watch out Uncle Keith, Cousin Kenny and Cousin Noah - there's another brilliant artist in the family! Now, if we could only get him to have learn a little self-control when something doesn't turn out just exactly the way he wants. It's hard living the life of a perfectionist (and it's hard living with one!)

A Chef I am Not

I have never claimed to enjoy cooking, nor to be very good at it. I cook out of necessity. In fact, if I had the choice of hiring a maid or a cook, I would go with the cook hands down! That said, I do make some meals that my family likes. One of the few things all of us enjoy is pork chops. (I found this great marinade recipe that makes me feel like I can cook).

I usually buy thin chops, and I have figured out the timing to getting them done just right. Last week, however, I bought these really thick chops and had no idea how long to have them in the oven. I didn't quite get it right. The flavor was pretty good, but after Owen took his first bite, he asked me very innocently, "Are we eating wood for supper?" I don't know, maybe a good soft cut of cedar would have tasted better.

Starsky & Lewis

Oh The Places You'll Go

Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You're off to great places!

You're off and away!

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go...

I don't think Dr. Seuss was talking about Lewis when he wrote that book, but it sure seems to fit. Since learning to crawl, he has been finding very interesting places to go and things to do, and always leaves quite a mess in his wake.

Yes Sir That's My Baby

After a long winter inside, the CUTEST 11-month old in the world is enjoying the great outdoors!

Lewis had a great time today watching the big boys jump on the trampoline while he feasted on rocks and grass.

Telltale signs of spring - Green Grass & the Trampoline

Corey put up the trampoline this afternoon, and the boys and some neighbors had a good time with their "new" toy. Lewis wasn't so sure about it though.

I'm Leavin' On a Jet Plane...

Owen misses his big brother like crazy when he is at school. I guess I'm just not as much fun as Carter. I am continually trying to think of things to do to keep him occupied. Yesterday, we made a jet plane out of a box and some tape. All three boys are ready to fly away in the picture. They are probably headed to Hawaii, since that is where Owen seems to think all planes go.

Snow, Snow GO AWAY!!

This was the view of our backyard this afternoon. SNOW! It's so pretty in December. It's expected in January. It's tolerated in February. It's a nuisance in March. It is depressing in April. Bring on the sunshine and spring temps. My boys and I are more than ready!

Preach It Brother

He sure knows what he's talking about, but I haven't got a clue.