Museums

We love going to the Children's Museum. We usually go about twice a month. I took Caroline, Owen and Tim there one morning before Tim went to school. Caroline is able to play on her own all over which is good since I spend my time chasing after Owen. 

Owen playing in the baby area.

"Here I come Mom!"

Tim showing Owen how to send the balls down the slide.

Climbing on the blocks.

Caroline loves the big bubble area.

Paul and I got the kids out early one Saturday morning to get to one of our favorite breakfast places before the rush. We learned we have to get there around 8:15 a.m., this is not easy, but worth it! After breakfast we took them to the Public Museum which has a really cool Mars exhibit right now. Owen missed his morning nap, but was a trooper and had a lot of fun. Caroline loved running around the museum and seeing all the exhibits.

Ready for breakfast.

So happy to be having orange juice!

Caroline loved the "Old Streets of Grand Rapids" exhibit.

especially the grocery store

Checking out the old trolley car.

Awesome view of the Grand River and downtown.

Seeing what it would be like to walk on Mars.

Seeing how close she would have to sit to daddy on a spaceship.

Owen was in the stroller most of the time, so he was super happy to find a place perfect for him.

Owen LOVED his first carousel ride!

He held on like this for the whole ride. Although towards the end his facial expression changed a bit,  I think he was getting a little queasy...he spit up on Paul about 10 minutes later.

Owen's 1st Birthday

Owen turned one on February 24th. We had a family party for him on the 18th. My mom, grandma, Amy's family and Uncle Alan celebrated with us. It's hard to believe how much has happened since Owen was born. We were living in Texas a year ago! He is such a sweet, happy baby. He has been getting a lot of teeth lately, very quickly, and that is the only thing that makes him fussy during the day. He loves eating all table food now, but if he doesn't like something he lets us know by throwing it on the floor which is also his way of telling us he's done eating. We're working on other ways to tell us "all done"! He loves playing with Caroline. Some of their favorite things to do are wrestle (i.e Caroline tackles him), play kitchen, musical instruments and read books. They also like to laugh at each other while we're driving in the car, this is so adorable.

Ready for the party.

Owen's "Happy Birthday" sign. We'll use this every year on this birthday.

Hanging with Grandma while Caroline tells her a secret.

Saying "Hi" to Nana.

First present. Caroline was very helpful.

Ben showing Owen how the Weeble treehouse works.

He loves his trampoline!

Checking out the musical table from Uncle Alan.

Happy Birthday! Ready for his homemade smash cake.

Testing...

hmmmm

Caroline having a taste. She now wants a smash cake for her  birthday, we told her she's a little too old for that!

Digging in.

Yum! Ready for a bath.

Will wanted a turn to "smash".

More trampoline jumping. He really has the hang of it.

We had a pretty low key day on Owen's actual birthday. We spent the day watching the snowstorm from inside our house. Since Owen was born in Texas, I never really thought about him having a winter birthday. When we brought him home from the hospital we barely needed a blanket! But now I realize he will probably have snow on most of his birthdays, just like his dad!

Homemade waffles with raspberry syrup for breakfast.

He learned how to drink out of a straw on his birthday. Look at those cheeks!

Birthday cupcake after lunch.

Caroline was very happy we were still celebrating Owen's birthday.

Happy Birthday Owen!

January Happenings

Caroline got an easel for Christmas. She loves to paint!

Waiting for the snow. Owen noticed the camera(and me) so he's on the move.

Owen stands everywhere! He holds on with one hand now, moves from chairs to couches to tables etc. He also stands alone for several seconds.

Tomato soup and grilled cheese lunch. I dipped Owen's grilled cheese pieces in the tomato soup and he LOVED it!

Caroline loved that she was having the exact same thing as Owen. Of course Chuck E Cheese and baby doll had to be at the table too.

This is what I've been waiting for! Playing together! Caroline is learning (slowly) how to share her toys with Owen. Owen loves when Caroline is in the room with him playing.

Owen loves playing with both of Caroline's dollhouses.

We say a lot of "no's" to Owen especially when he's in the living room and we have a fire going.

This is one way to keep him from going up the stairs.

Paul turned 34 on January 26th. Caroline made him a card and a picture and was excited to celebrate.

Showing daddy the card while Owen looks on having his dinner. 

Helping daddy open his presents.

Paul is not a big cake person, but loves my apple pie so I made him a birthday apple pie with candles and all!

Crab cake dinner. Caroline loved the crab cakes. She even tried both sauces, liked the red pepper one best. We're finding out she loves seafood (shrimp, salmon, crab cakes).

Playing outside in January!

Owen's first time in the car, it might not look like it, but he had fun!

Caroline loves to ride her scooter, so any chance we can get out we take it!

First time having ice cream, he squealed after this bite. 

Tim likes helping out with Owen and he's really good. Giving him his bottle before bed.