Here I sit. Overwhelmed after months and months of neglecting the blog. Ashamed that I can't make time to do something I love to do. Saddened by the number of pictures that haven't been taken and the number of things Owen has said, done, and experienced that are gone from my memory and not recorded anywhere. What once was the ideal scrapbook and keeper of all my thoughts has gone as far back as you can go on the back burner. I know I will never catch up on resizing and uploading pictures, and because of that, I am quite sad. On a pink-lined post it note to my right, I see "Things to blog about" and on that list, there are 24 things. I believe I made that list in March. Other than Owen's 2nd birthday party in November, a Christmas craft in December, and his last day of Little Wings in April, there has been ZERO activity.
I have thought about going back to November to start from there, but instead, I am starting with a quick June and July update ~ minus Father's Day, classes update, job update...sheesh. I will go back and fill in the blanks if I can. When I can.
Owen's engine collection continues to grow. Austin and I celebrated anniversary #8 last week, but since neither of us wanted or needed anything gift-wise, we chose to spend what we would have on gifts for each other on an accessory for Owen's train table. It's not pictured here, but it's called Tidmouth Shed. It's a little 5-door garage type playset where Thomas and his Steamie buddies rest their pistons at night. We love the collection as much as Owen and were excited to add to it last week. Grammy has given him several engines recently, some in the mail, some as surprises planted around her house, and others as bribes so Owen wouldn't cry during his most recent hair cut in Odessa. (The bribe worked for half the haircut.) God has a real sense of humor giving us a kid with a TON of hair and a dreadful fear of haircuts. :(
Look at that big, handsome boy. LOVE him to pieces!!!
On June 9, Owen went to Jacen's Curious George 3rd birthday party at Rock Solid Gym. We forgot the camera and only managed one cell phone picture. Mmmm. Cupcakes!
On June 14, we went to the Science Spectrum with Owen's second cousin, Taight. (Taight's dad and Austin are first cousins.) They had a fun time playing in the various areas. We went to the SS a few times last year when Owen was approaching two, so now that he's a year older and more interested in everything, we bought a year-long pass (good from June 2012 through June 2013). We've averaged twice a week this summer so this trip with Taight was one of those times. Needless to say, buying the pass was money well spent! Of course I didn't have my camera this time either, so the cell phone came in handy... again!
Taight and Owen at the water table
Here's what SIX Owen's would look like. That's a whole lotta cute, wouldn't you say?
Straight for the produce in the "Market." He knows what's best!
On June 16, Owen went to Abi's 3rd birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese. Abi and Owen were in the same class at Little Wings so it was fun to get to see some of his cute little classmates there! We had never been to Chuck E. Cheese before, and although there were several games Owen's not ready for yet, we all three had a good time! We remembered the camera this time!
Abi, the birthday girl!
Austin, my sweet little arachnophob, helping his little boy kill spiders with the laser gun.
Up high in the play equipment. Of course he wouldn't go up alone. Thanks to Abi's teeny tiny little mom who crawled into entrance to help him up.
Several weeks ago, Austin and I got Owen this little inflatable pool with spraying giraffe and slide. At first, Owen would have nothing to do with it, but once he warmed up to the idea of having a little fun in the hot sun, he had a great time. We have used it a couple times since this, so it should be getting some good use throughout these hot summer months! We put him in a Little Swimmer diaper the first time in the pool, just because we have an entire unused package, but since these pictures, we have just put him in his little swim trunks and a white tee. (Hooray for being completely potty trained the past few months!!)
After our yummy 4th of July breakfast this morning, of which there are no pictures, we took Owen's new kite out for a test run. He picked it out at Academy the other day!
I know you may be curious about our breakfast...so here's what we had! Fruit and marshmallow kabobs on toothpicks (strawberry pieces, blueberries, and marshmallows) and pancakes with red sprinkles and white chocolate chips. Wal Mart was out of blue sprinkles. :( Tonight, we are going to our friend's house for a cookout and fireworks. Because bringing hamburger buns is not that exciting, I just took a dessert called Carmelitas out of the oven. Mmmm. I've tasted them before and loved them so I hope mine are just as good. Caramel, chocolate, heavy cream, oats, brown sugar, butter...what's not to like!?!?!
Happy 4th of July everyone!!
Carianne
