Fun at the Y Carnival

Our Y always has a Fall Carnival and the other Friday, we took the boys to it. Obviously there wasn't much for Gray to do, so he just took notes from the stroller!

Owen had a great time. He bowled, fished for treats, popped balloons, got his face painted and did spin art.

We all went on the hayride and it was so much fun! What a nice way to kick off Fall.

Mabry Mill & Pilot Mountain

Every Fall, we love going up in the mountains to see the leaves changing and to pick out some pumpkins.  One Sunday in October, we decided to head up to the Parkway. 

We first went to Mabry Mill where Owen got to see the grist mill in operation and the tinsmith making tools.  We always love going up there, it's like a step back in time. 

Next, we rode on the Parkway and checked out the leaves.  We stopped at a country store and picked out pumpkins and had lunch.  There was a candy store that had about anything you could imagine.  We all got a couple of treats. 

On the way home, we stopped at Pilot Mountain.  The view was amazing.  We put Gray in the Baby B'jorn, which was perfect (I couldn't imagine pushing a stroller on the trails). 

Owen loved walking on the trails and he did it all by himself.  We walked to the base of the pinnacle and walked all around it. 

 We were beat when we got back to the car.  It was such a fun day and the weather couldn't have been better!
 

Bright Sunshiny Days

The YMCA in Kernersville has an outdoor kiddie pool and this year they opened a second outdoor pool, that is geared for older kids.  They have several water slides and other obstacle type things in the water.  It's four feet deep, so Owen has to get in with one of us. 

We had not gone to the pool very much until about sometime in July.  Then, it seemed like we tried to wear it out.  We would go on Saturdays and Sundays and would meet Cameron/Liam/Noah there during the week some too. 

O loves the water and had a lot of fun.  He really enjoyed getting in the"big" pool with Brent and watching B go down the water slides.  Owen was a little sad when the pool closed Labor Day.  The indoor pool is open year-round of course, and sometimes on Saturdays, we'll all go and let O get in the water with Brent.  O likes to jump in off the side of the pool to Brent.  His favorites are belly flops and what he calls underwater jumps (Brent catches him and his head goes underwater). 

Meanwhile, Gray checks everything out from the stoller.  He must have a lot of ideas in his head for when he gets older!

Five Months Old!

Since Gray has gotten bigger and heavier, he really enjoys his bouncer.  We'll catch a glimpse of him and he has that thing going to town!  If he's just sitting in it still and hears music, he gets to rockin like you've never seen. 

This month, we introduced vegetables.  So far, he seems to like them and has tried green beans, squash, peas, and carrots.  It's funny to watch him open up, it reminds you of a little bird!  We usually sit him in the Bumboo and feed him.  It's usually not too messy until he wipes him mouth with his hands and then touches his hair and face!  Then we have a little bit of a mess.  On many occasions, we get the bathtub ready and give him a bath after he's finished eating!  We continue to give him oatmeal in the mornings and usually in the evenings too. 

Owen had a cold this month and of course brought it home to Gray.  Poor fellow was all stopped up and even had to have a couple of breathing treatments.  He is fine now and back to his happy self. 

He is sitting more by himself and has almost got it down.  He plays each day in his activity center and spins all around it playing with each thing.  Of course, he stills checks out Owen's every move.  Owen still plays a little too rough with him at times, but he is such a sweet big brother.  He will give him kisses and covers him up if he thinks he may be cold. 

We have the sweetest boys!

The Many Sides of Owen

Owen is such a neat kiddo.  You never know what he is going to say, do, or what imaginary story he is going to create!  His imagination is so active at this age.  Just wanted to share a few of the many things he gets into.

Back to School

For the last two years, Owen has been going two days a week to Fountain of Life Preschool.  This year he is in the 3-4 year old class and loves his new teachers, Miss Chrissy and Miss MaryBeth.

This year he goes three days a week and is able to go to Lunch Bunch too.  Lunch Bunch is offered a couple of times a month and he brings his lunch and they have a craft and play.

We went to Target to let him pick out a lunchbox.  He picked out a a fire truck one.  He is so proud of it and goes right on in with it when I drop him off.  I am so glad he is still liking school.  It is such a nice feeling to see him go right on in without me compared to two years ago when he cried and I had to come pick him up!  He's come a long way!  It's happy to see him well-adjusted to preschool, but a little sad to know that he's growing up!

Four Months Old!

Gray continues to be a very happy baby.  He is constantly smiling and gets excited when he sees both of us.  He is getting used to his big brother.  At first, I think Owen's loud noises and constant hugging (or smothering) scared him and he would start crying.  Now, when O is being the entertainer, Gray just smiles and goes along with it! 

It's funny to watch the interaction between the two.  Gray watches his every move.  When Owen is playing with his toys, Gray does not take his eyes off of him for a second.  I guess he's taking notes so he will know what to do when he gets a little older. 

His back and neck muscles continue to strengthen and he can sit for a short period by himself.  He is sleeping pretty well, usually from about 8 until 6:30 in the morning.  We introduced oatmeal to him this month and he seems to be getting the hang of having it spoon-fed to him. 

He usually takes a morning and afternoon nap.  If we're at home, he takes them in his bed and if we're out and about, he usually knocks off in his carseat.  So glad our little man is such a happy baby!

Fun at Tweetsie!

Last year, the three of us went to Tweetsie for the Day out with Thomas.  Owen had the BEST time and loved that Thomas was there.  We wanted to wait until closer to fall to go back this year, which meant Thomas would not be there!  We thought Owen would be so disappointed, but we explained it to him before we went and he was fine with it. 

We went the last Friday in August.  It was not very crowded and the weather was perfect!  We didn't know what to expect bringing Gray with us, but as usual, he was absolutely perfect the entire time.  We were able to take in all of the attractions and got to ride the big train two times. 

We stayed at the park until about 5 and then headed to Downtown Boone.  We went to the Mast General Store and let Owen pick out some things.  After we walked around some, we headed to Blowing Rock and had dinner at Woodland's Barbeque. 

It was pretty late when we got home, but we had the best time.  Already looking forward to it again next year.

8 Year Anniversary

Brent and I have been married for 8 years!  Wow, it seems like it was only a few years ago, but at the same time, it seems like we have always known each other!  We have been so blessed to have each other and our two precious boys.  So glad I'm on this journey through life with this special guy!

Hawaii 2007

Dancing at our wedding - July 24, 2004