Ringing in 2009!

Unlike last year, this new years eve Owen won't be staying up to watch the ball drop, but he will be celebrating all the great things 2008 brought us and the start of a brand new year. So much to look forward to!

Best wishes for a very happy and safe new year!!

Christmas... is over.

We have enjoyed a wonderful Christmas celebrating with family and friends, and now, as Gramp and his family always said so solemnly every Christmas night, "Christmas.. is over."

This past week we enjoyed lots of great meals with the Normans and the Smiths,

Pho night with the Tangs,

good stories,

gift opening and giving,

new toy playing,

and fun games.

Thank you everyone for such a great Christmas!!

Santa was here!

Owen was very excited to see that Santa found us at Grandma and Grandpa's this year and brought him his very own chair.. and lots of other fun things!

But most importantly, we are happy to celebrate this special holiday with our families. Merry Christmas!!

Happy Christmas Eve!

Best wishes for a magical night!

Daddy's the champ!

After many Sundays spent in this "football watching position"...

Daddy has won the fantasy football season! Yay!!!

Now about that prize...

Happy 1st Birthday Reed!

Our best wishes to a special guy on his special day!

We've loved watching you grow this past year!

Have a wonderful day!!

One shopping weekend til Christmas!

As you rush to get those last minute gifts, remember..

Babies are surely the best, but don't forget that diamonds, jewelry, and cash also fit in small packages. Happy shopping!!

Here comes Santa Claus! (or not)..

Today Owen met the big man in red and proved he's following the "Santa is scary" trend that has been so popular among his friends this season! He IS very large and red...

No worries O, I have it on good authority he'll still bring you lots of presents!

Living strong

Owen discovered a new favorite toy when Uncle Chris showed him his "Live Strong" bracelet.

He tried to put it on his foot..

and on Tucker's paw.

But mostly he liked to crawl around with it in his mouth.

And now, Uncle Chris has given him his very own bracelet. O is quite pleased!

Happy Birthday Mackenzie!

This week our friend Mackenzie turned 4!

Today we celebrated with her at Sport Bounce in Ashburn. What a great place! Owen and Reed loved crawling around the moon bounces and exploring every inch of the place.. literally.

They were quite excited to help such a big girl celebrate her special day! (Though they both had to be told to stop lifting Mackenzie's adorable tutu.) Thank you to the Olivers- we had a great time!

Finally... the weekend is here!

Let loose!

Little Ruskie

Gramp went to Russia and brought Owen home a new warm hat. Thanks Gramp!

Crocs from St Nick

Mommy forgot to put Owen's shoes outside his door on Friday night so he could get some treats on St Nick's day, December 6th. (St Nick's Day is a holiday that Mommy's family celebrated growing up... aka more gifts!) Fortunately, he GOT some new shoes- ok slippers- but it's the same idea!

Owen is thrilled with his crocodile kicks, especially when he kicks his legs to make them rattle! And then he likes to pull them off to play and hide them for Mommy to find.

Happy St Nick's Day!

Happy Birthday Addie!

Wishing Addison a wonderful 1st birthday!

What a year it's been!

Baby, it's cold outside!

Owen bundled up in his hand knit sweater and hat and stayed toasty warm on this super cold day.

The weather forced us to change our outdoor plans, so we enjoyed a lazy afternoon inside watching the snow flurries.

Stay warm!

Chief Owen to the rescue!

A great long weekend

We enjoyed a restful and fun-filled long weekend kicking off the holiday season with family and friends. Uncle Chris was still in town from Hawaii and gave Owen his first guitar lesson.

Miss Katie was in town from NYC and joined us for brunch..

where Mommy's god-son Sawyer gave Owen tips for pie eating... because he is the cutest champ!

We joined the Alexanders for the annual Christmas tree lighting at Reston Town Center.

Owen and Reed were most impressed by the lights. Santa who??

It was a cold but fun night!

We tried to burn a few calories and broke out Owen's wagon for some walks around the neighborhood.

We love long weekends!