Sunday, June 19, 2011

Luke Learned To Ride His Bike



Luke was so proud of himself. He learned to ride his bike for Daddy on Father's Day. Yeah Luke! There is video but it won't download tonight for reasons beyond me so it will have to wait until tomorrow. But the pictures are cute.

Happy Birthday To Our Baby

One year ago today I was introduced to the smiliest little boy in the world. He came when Ben was the busiest he could be at work, but nonetheless Ben was there by my side to welcome our fourth child. Owen came home to join our busy household just a few weeks into summer vacation so I got to have several weeks of just me and four beautiful children, Ben had to work very long hours because of major flooding. I wouldn't say that I remember it being the happiest time of my life, for the first time I experience post partum depression a little (or a lot). Thankfully I had three great kids that played non-stop and only came to ask for meals while I rocked and cuddled with my bundle of joy fighting off the negatives.
That month went by so fast as have the following months. My baby is the biggest one we've had. He didn't want to be a baby, he has done everything early. He wants to be one of the big kids, but he still cuddles and needs me all the time. He's a hilarious little boy, his antics have always kept us laughing. He would spin on his bottom from the time he could sit up and jabber non-stop. Now he is running and still jabbering incessantly. He refuses to go down steps backwards, but can climb up them way too quickly. He loves swinging and anything that makes his stomach drop. Owen Benjamin is really living up to his name, he has no fear, he tries everything and the boy loves to eat. He lives to go outside, if someone doesn't take him out he will beat the door down until he gets his way. He plays with balls all day, he kicks and throws and chases them all over. Give him a golf club or baseball bat and he will walk around the yard hitting and chasing. There is no shortage of fun when Owen is around and there is no rest, but we are so thankful to have him. He makes us laugh, he keeps us busy, and he has shown me just how wonderful his older siblings are in the way they love him and take care of him.
Happy Birthday to our Owen, we love you.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

One Year In Pictures


Owen's Birthday June 19, 2010


6 Days Old

July - One Month Old

August - 2 Months Old

September - 3 Months Old


October - 4 Months

November - 5 Months

December - 6 Months

January - 7 Months

February - 8 Months


March - 9 Months

April - 10 Months

May - 11 Months

June 18 - One Year

Owen's Cake and the Why Behind It

The kids insisted we make Owen a cake for his birthday.
Today was my grandmother's 93rd birthday and we had a party for her.
But we couldn't ignore that tomorrow (almost today, its late)
Owen turns one. So we made him a cake too.
Owen loves balls, and his siblings were more than helpful in the design
and carrying out the cake decorating.
Beau did the green for the soccer ball and tennis ball, Anna did the orange for the
basketball, and Luke did the blue. They critiqued my technique along the way
and they were all very happy with the end product, although
Beau said we should have had a red "1" on a green pentagon.


This is why Owen had a cake of balls.
He loves balls. He really enjoys golf, but I didn't want
to try to decorate a cake with dimples.





Look Who's One










Where I've Been

Life afforded me an opportunity I'd never expected last week. I got to go spend a week with my husband and no children in paradise. I headed to the U.S. Virgin Islands last Wednesday to meet up with Ben where he was working. We snorkeled, hiked, and remembered what it was like to just be a couple without kids hanging from us, interrupting or requiring something. It was fabulous. It was a trip where thousands of memories made, and our love glowed and grew and we just got to breathe.

Cinnamon Bay at sunset on St. John's.

Driving down the road in St. John's.

Buck Island in St. Croix, where one of Ben's main projects is located.

Proof in a picture, that we were really there.


There are lots more stories to share about our trip. Jellyfish, no-see-ums, flights
humidity, sunsets. A fabulous time and I am so overwhelmingly thankful to have had the opportunity.


Hanging Around

The kids love to play.
Monkey bars are a family favorite.
Owen just isn't quite able to join in but a football can keep him happy.




Eagan Cousins

Ten cousins...
Lots of fun...
Hard to get them in one shot.
Family keeps growing.




We got to have my side of the family all together a few weeks ago, minus Uncle Ben :(
Next week we will get to have Ben's side of the family together with Ben :)
We only have to get 5 in that picture. Can't wait.