Briggs & Al's Run

Today Steve competed in the Briggs and Al's Run. The whole family registered to participate, but that fell through. I was planning to walk the 5k with the double stroller while Steve would run the 8k, but it was freezing and windy, so we scratched that plan. Plan B was for Steve to go by himself, but Ava was really excited about the race. This is because she had her own xs t-shirt and racing number to pin onto that t-shirt, so plan C prevailed. Ava braved the cold and rode in the jogger stroller for Steve's 8k. She cheered "Go Daddy, go!" starting from the 5 mile marker to the finish line. Thanks to all that encouragement, Coop completed the 8k in 36 minutes and 39 seconds, placing 369 out of 3,185 runners. Good job, Coop!

Apple Picking

Last Sunday we went apple picking while Papa Cooper and Grandma Smith were in town. We lucked out on the weather! It was a sunny, warm, beautiful day! Ava really got into the process this year, and Owen really got into eating an apple. He worked that thing for an hour and a half! Here are some pics from the day!

Free Standing!

Owen has been free standing briefly for a little over a month. At first he would only do it on accident when he was busy looking at a toy. But recently he's been standing for longer amounts of time, and digging it. When he's done, he slowly bends at the knees to lower himself to the floor. He's pretty stable. The little guy also cruises all over the house along the walls, like someone learning to roller skate. It's cute!

Hello, October!

Here are some pics from a pumpkin patch/apple orchard we went to on Oct. 1.
This place had some animals we could feed.
We also learned that for $5, one of these baby bunnies could come home with us. We quickly said "No, thank you."The pumpkins liked the pumpkins.
I'm pretty fond of this pumpkin.
And this pumpkin.
O-boy likes this pumpkin.

I love how much they love each other. Watching them together has been another unexpected blessing of parenthood. And here are some apples from our very own apple tree in the back yard. We ate some for lunch. yum. We also made a trip to a local pick-your-own apple orchard last weekend when grandparents were in town. Pictures of that outing to come!

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