Happy Birthday, Baby!

Today marks the one-year anniversary of little Owen's debut! This year has been a whirlwind of change, new adventures, and lots of love.
Here's out little guy the day he was born.
It was love at first sight.
Here's out little man on his first birthday. Can't believe it's been a year already!
We love you, O-boy!

Owen's First Birthday Party

This past weekend we had some company to help celebrate Owen's first birthday. My mom came up from Oklahoma and Steve's dad came up from St.Louis. It was really a nice weekend; so fun to have family around! On Saturday we had Owen's party. It was a laid back, yet official, affair.First we set the gifts out on the mantel. Lots of out-of-town relatives sent well wishes and presents.We put up some decorations in the kitchen for the occasion. It turned out to be a beautiful evening, so we had dinner on the patio. Owen danced on the table. Please feel free not to post comments about pole dancing. : )
The kiddos played outside with grandma for a while. This has always been my favorite time of day.Then the party moved inside for Ava--I mean, Owen--to open his gifts.
Much frolicking ensued.Owen adorned his new winter hat.Then we brought out the cake! He was mildly interested in the glowing candle at first. Interest turned to enthusiastic amazement once he got a taste of that blue icing. yummy....speaking of which...I may need to go get some of that leftover blue icing and cake out of the fridge right now...
Owen likes cake!
Happy Birthday, Owen! We can't believe you're already turning a year old! We love your happy countenance, your sweet spirit, and all your snuggles! We thank God for you!

a boy and his dog

Indian Summer Festival

Last Saturday we went to the Indian Summer Festival held on the Summer Fest grounds downtown.
There were hundreds and hundreds dancing. It was really neat to watch.
A and O were mesmerized.
She was really excited about the little kids who were dancing.
Here are some other groups singing.
It was all very fun to watch and listen to.
These flyers were also there. We saw a similar performance when we were in Mexico 3 years ago.
That pole is 30 feet high!
Like the other festivals we've attended downtown, there were plenty of vendors selling alcohol. But unlike the others, you were not permitted to carry any alcohol into or around the main area holding the ceremonial dancing. There were barricades at the entrances to these places with officials checking your belongings. The signage asked that attendees honor the sacredness of these ceremonies.
We had some tired kiddos on the way home, but I'm glad we were able to go down and see it all. It reminded me of the events my sis and I would go to when we were younger.

watching and waiting

Wait for it...
Waaait...
for...it...
(aren't these the cutest feet ever?)
Here he comes...
Steady...
Look, mom!
There he is!
Did you see my dad? I LOVE that guy!

More pics from Kohler

Ava is hiding out from the paparazzi.

Owen really wanted some food. please.

Much better.

Aunt Carol braves the sea weed. in the lake. lake weed?




Coop dug a fox hole for their entertainment.

Owen LOVES playing in the sand!

Walt built the best sandcastle...see previous post for amazing photo!

Kohler State Park

Summer came back!

For the last week and a half, it has been beautiful and in the upper 70's every day. Back out with the flip flops and tank tops! Also occurring during this heat wave: The Steiners came to visit over labor day weekend! It was such a fun and encouraging time with them! Together we spent some time on the lake shore, the guys played golf, and the grown ups went out to eat TWO nights in a row. WOW.
Many pics to follow!
But here's a random one for today...
Steve wore this hair piece during his company's golf tourney. The event was billed as a 70's dress up affair, and a few others also took the costume portion to heart. Coop didn't wear it the whole time, but throughout the back nine and the dinner following. You go, Coop.