Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with family (some we see often and others we haven't seen in a long time). We started in San Antonio with Erik's family, where we had lunch. We got to see everyone (and they're hard to get all in the same place at the same time). Additionally, we saw Erik's cousin Burt and his Uncle Brooks, who we haven't seen in about five years. That was a special treat. We should get together more often. After, we came back to Kyle to my parents' house where Bobbie & Allen had Thanksgiving with Mom & Dad. The Schwethelms (my dad's sister and her entire family) were able to come up for a few hours in the afternoon. It was so great to see all of them as well (especially Peter who is finally back in the great state of Texas after many years coaching college basketball on the East coast). We had great picture taking plans, and totally forgot all about them in the frenzy that is Thanksgiving and family conversation. I'm kicking myself over that one. Who knows when we'll have the same groups together again. (Plus, I didn't get pictures of Owen in his cute Thanksgiving outfits- and he did have an outfit change mid-day, after all, the kid gets dirty). So now I'm hoping for a reunion sooner rather than later so we can get some great family pictures. In the meantime, I'll post the family picture we had taken for the holidays the day before Thanksgiving. Owen was such a champ, even though the pictures went well into his nap time. I should also mention that Owen said grandpa last week for the first time (although is does sound more like pawpaw). And he'll now say it to my dad if you prompt him. We're so happy dad was able to hear Owen say grandpa while he's still aware of what's going on. All in all, we had a great Thanksgiving. The tree and decorations are up, and we're singing Christmas carols!

Vincent's 7th Birthday Party

We had a great time in San Antonio at Vincent's 7th birthday party. Although I cannot believe he's seven already. Owen loves seeing his cousin and playing with him. They had a great time. It was good to see Erik's family and spend some time with them. We'll be down there for Thanksgiving in not too long as well.

New Pictures

Owen's Fall Picture

So cute! (And we finally got a smile.)

Owen Loves His Elmo PJs

Owen's Animal Sounds

Halloween

We had a great Halloween! Owen trick-or-treated for the very first time (he was only six months old last Halloween). We went to the carnival at his school, had an early dinner, then Owen got all dressed up as a penguin, gathered Percy the penguin and his candy pumpkin, and we went to three or four houses. He really enjoyed it. He didn't get much candy, but that's okay. He doesn't really eat candy, so it was no big deal. Next year I'm sure we'll be in for tons of candy. Then we hung out on the porch with Lucy in her costume and handed out candy. He really enjoyed himself (and was especially fond of his Halloween pajamas). I took the day off today, and we took Owen to his 18 month well visit. He did well and got his seasonal flu shot. His pediatrician also offered us the nasal H1N1, so we took her up on it. (They don't have the shot for little kids, and he's too young for the nasal.) He actually didn't even cry once with the visit or the shots. We were very impressed. He's up to 31 1/2 inches tall (25th percentile), 26 pounds (50th percentile) and his head is 19 1/2 inches (90th percentile). So he's doing very well.

He's singing all the time. Last night he danced all around his room in circles for 20 minutes while we played "Head and shoulders, knees and toes" over and over again. He's hilarious. He also laid himself gently on the floor, then placed his head on the ground, and started crying, holding his head as if he'd hurt himself... until we started laughing at him (because we'd both seen it from the beginning). Then he started laughing too. He's definitely into the drama. He's such a character. We're counting down the days around here... two and a half weeks until we're off for a week for Thanksgiving! We can't wait!!!