Halloween 2008

Halloween was so much fun this year. Owen really got into it. The night before we carved pumpkins. Owen wanted to help but he didn't want to touch the pumpkin "guts". He's a boy, you'd think he'd love it. He didn't even want to touch the seeds because they were sticky. He didn't mind using the ice cream scooper. He was very good at mixing the seeds and "guts. He told daddy he wanted a scary face. No happy faces for him.

He was a little firefighter and he was so cute. I had originally ordered a costume on line but found out a week later that they no longer had it in stock. So this only left me the choice of making a costume (or spending $60 plus shipping - no thanks). Yes, I actually had to make a costume. It turned out pretty good though, I thought. He wore it to school where all the classes went trick or treating to each others room. I passed out the candy for Owen's class so I got to see all the cute little costumes. They were so adorable and so excited. They each got to have a sucker when they were done. You would have thought it was Christmas.

Owen was so excited at all the candy he got. It was hard for him to choose which one he wanted - because he only got one thing that night. He chose skittles. He protected them like they were diamonds. Don't dare try to touch. Daddy did and he was not very happy. What was he thinking.

Then when Shaun got off of work we headed to St. Marks trunk or treat. It was in Sam's parking lot and was all fenced in so we didn't have to worry about walking on the street. There were a bunch of cars that had their trunks decorated really neat. And Owen got really good at holding his bucket out to collect candy. He would say trick or treat but he was so quiet you could hardly hear. Can't wait till next year. Who knows what he'll want to be then. Hopefully I won't have to make it - although I secretly did enjoy it. Reminds me of when I was younger.

San Francisco & Nicole & Phil's Wedding

Still trying to catch up...

Shaun and I went to San Francisco for a week in October and had a blast. Owen was in St. Louis so it was just the two of us. Shaun had a conference there so in the mornings he attended that but then the rest of the day we would explore. We went to Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, Alcatraz, Chinatown, and ton of other districts. We also rode the trolley a couple of times but the lines were crazy to get on so most of the time we did other forms of public transportation.

The only thing we missed was the Ghirardelli Factory and I really wanted me some chocolate. I did see it from afar though.

He also talked me into riding tandem across the Golden Gate Bridge. That sure was an experience. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of the ride though because I accidentally erased them. That's so something I would do. Shaun did most of the work of course. I tried to help but my feet were pretty much just moving with the pedals. It was awesome there, expensive, but awesome. Luckily, Shaun's portion of the trip was paid for.

After San Fran we flew to St. Louis for Nicole (Shaun's cousin) & Phil's wedding. All 3 of us were in the wedding and Owen did an awesome job as one of the ring bearers. He walked down the aisle and even bowed at the end. It was so cute. He looked so handsome in his little tux.

Our week with Papa & Memaw

The last week in August we spent with my dad (papa) and Stephanie (memaw). Owen had such a blast reconnecting with them. We went to the Transportation Museum, Purina Farms, the lake, and spent Labor day with the family.

We were all in Nicole (Shaun's cousin) and Phil's wedding so while we were in STL, we got Owens tux. He's so handsome.

I think Owen was a little in awe at the Transportation Museum at first but he soon got over that and was all over the trains. He loves his choo choos.

We went to the park one day so he could get some energy out. He always loves the park and he had lots of fun with papa.

Then on to Purina Farms. He had a blast especially since he got to sit on the tractor. The driver was really nice. He got to play with tractors too and we drag him away otherwise we would still be there. He also got himself a fat lip when he was running inside and fell. But we got him an ice cream to make it feel better.

We went to the lake where my grandma used to live. We went swimming, he saw a police car (and the policeman turned on his lights for Owen), he "drove" the boat, and he even tried fishing.

We spent Labor day with the family. Owen had a ton of fun. He got to sit on a real motorcycle (my cousins) and he was entertaining everyone with his dancing. Oh, and he ate 3 ears of corn. He loves him some corn.

I'm having trouble loading pictures so I'll load some later.

Owen Goes To School

Sorry it's been awhile but we have been traveling fools. This first post will be for Owen.

He started school at the end of August and he loves. Well, for the most part. Sometimes I have to pry him from my leg as we enter his class room. That mainly happens when he's tired. He seems to be learning but he's also picking up some bad habits. What are you going to do though. They play outside and inside, they have music, and they usually do some kind of art. In December they have a Christmas program and I bet all the little ones will be so cute and adorable. Although, I could not image trying to coordinate that with a bunch of 2 and 3 years old. I help out there occasionally which is nice because I get to see what really goes on during the day. I don't help in his class though because that could cause problems. I would probably end up hurting a child - whether it be my own or another one picking on my own. JK. I can't wait until after the holidays because that is when they will start the potty training process. We'll see how it goes.

In "The Lou" Part II

So I'm finally posting about the rest of our trip in St. Louis. Here it goes:

My sister Rachel, my mom and I braved Six Flags with a 2 year old. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be although we didn't even make it to the kiddy rides the first time we went. We spent most of our time in the water park area where Owen loved the lazy river more than anything - that's my boy. He went down the little slide over and over and over again thanks to a girl who was helping all the little ones but he was NOT fond of any waterfalls. Every time he saw one all he would say is "no, no, no, no" until we were past it. He doesn't like to get splashed either. He's a boy - you would think he would like the splashing but apparently not. One ride we did make it to outside the water area was the Colossus (huge Ferris wheel). Owen loved it.

We had a wedding July 26, Erica and Brian. It was in the same church Shaun and I got married in so it brought back some great memories. The reception was fun and Owen had a blast. He was out on the dance floor the whole time we was there, except for the little break to eat - you have to refuel.

We just hung out the rest of the time. Visiting people and taking it easy. It was a long trip especially since we were away from Shaun so long. But we reconnected with him before we left. He was in a friends wedding the first weekend in August, so he flew in Aug. 1 and we came home together Aug. 3. It was a fun trip but I don't think we will be spending that much time apart anymore.

In "The Lou" : Part I

Just a little (or not quite so little) update since Owen and I have been in St. Louis. We flew in July 1 for the 4th of July and decided to stay the whole month. Between the El Paso heat (100+ degrees), Shaun working late hours, and friends being out of town, Owen and I were going crazy. So here we are. Okay - the break down:

July 3-6 we went to The Lake of the Ozarks with a few Wilds, Wards, and Neckermanns. Went swimming in the pool, fishing in the lake, rode on Greg's boat (friend of Shaun's from high school), shopping (awesome outlet mall), and saw the fireworks. Oh, and we fed the ducks. A LOT. Fun, fun, fun.

July 6 went to my uncle Denis' house for a pool party. My cousin John (on my mom's side) and his family came into town from Oklahoma so we had a little Niederhoffer family reunion. Owen loves his little cousin Bobby.

July 6 evening-9 Owen had a fever so we just had some down time. He then developed a rash July 10 that lasted a few days so we're pretty sure he had Roseola. Something that most little ones get by the age 3. Who knew. My poor baby. First fever he's ever had.

July 7 went to see the big trucks at grandma Wild's work. Loved them but didn't want to touch them. Fever had subsided because of Motrin but we thought it was gone gone.

July 9 went to the St. Louis Mills playarea with grandma Wild where my little boy wore himself out. Then later that evening we met up with his papa, aunt Angel, and uncle Tim at Playtime Party Center where he wore himself out again. (Didn't have my camera)

July 10 we went out to a private lake that my cousin and his family were staying at and hung out with more family and watched my grandpa Niederhoffer fish. Owen had fun with all the kids. Then we met up with Owen's nana, aunt Rachel, uncle Ben and future aunt Kristine for a little birthday celebration dinner. That's when I decided NO more going out to eat with Owen. EVER! I love my son but not in a restaurant.

July 11, Rachel's actual b-day, I went with her and Jenny to see the Sex and the City movie. It was so much fun. Great movie.

July 13 was Rick and Angel's birthday so Andrea had the Ward family over for a birthday celebration. I finally got to met little Steve, Owen's new cousin. Owen had a blast in his little pool.

July 14 the Magic House. An unplanned visit so no camera. I guess we'll just have to go again. Owen had a blast and wore himself out as usual. Meme (my mom) and I were also wore out from following him around as he bounced from one thing to the next. I think he may have a little ADD.

More to come.

Owen's Birthday & Shaun's Graduation

My baby turned 2 last weekend. Boohoo. It's official. He's a toddler. What happened to that little 7 lb. 1 oz., 20 1/2 inches long, sleeping beauty. How fast they grow. He was not very happy when we were singing Happy Birthday, as you can see from the picture below. But he did have fun with two grandma's in town to celebrate with him. And of course he was lavished with gifts. Thank you to everyone who wasn't there but sent a gift. You will be receiving a thank you card soon. We also had Shaun's intern graduation last weekend. He was awarded "Intern of the Year". We're so proud of him. I'm so grateful that he is so passionate about what he does and he is able to balance both work and family. It has been hard this past month with his long hours and with friends out of town but we're coming home next month so we'll have lots of family to see. Can't wait to see everyone.

Camping with a Toddler

Little late but here it is - We decided to go on an adventure - camping with a toddler. We were nervous but we're brave people. We thought "we can do this." Shaun took his step 3 boards on Friday - good luck - so we didn't leave until about 4:45p for a 2 to 2 & 1/2 hour trip up to the Gila (pronounced Hee-la) National Forest. We stayed at Cherry Creek campground which is about 20 min. north of Silver City, where my grandpa use to live. We got to the campsite about 7:15p so it was still fairly light out. Owen did pretty good on the ride but he did get antsy. He does not like to be confined for long periods of time.

So we set up camp and of course Owen is ready to venture off and explore new territory so we took turns keeping him close by. It didn't take very long to set up so that was nice. We then decide to build a campfire so we could have s'mores (yummy). We thought this would keep Owen still and mesmorized - the pretty, flickering light from the fire. What were we thinking. He didn't just want to sit there after being stuck in a car for over 2 hours. So we walked around for a little bit, justs around our camp area and decided it was time for bed. By this time it was about 9 - 9:30p. We thought he might go down easy since he only took half his nap earlier in the day. Yeah right. Not with all the new things going on around him. New noises, people talking, kids yelling. I think he finally fell asleep about 10p and he was out.

We had 2 mats, 2 sleeping bags, and 2 heavy blankets since the temps were supposed to be in the 40's at night. The first night was really cold. We opened the sleeping bags up instead of keeping them closed and zipped up around us. But the second night we made sure to keep the sleeping bags closed and we just put Owen in one of ours. That was much better; although, mister wiggle worm didn't stay in them very long. Much warmer and we slept a lot better.

Saturday Shaun got up about 6:45a and he got me up about 7:15a. Owen didn't wake up until about 8a so Shaun and I got to actually have a sit down conversation instead of running after Owen. We cooked breakfast (eggs, bacon, and toast) and then headed off to the Gila Cliff Dwellings. Fun but Owen was not happy he had to stay in the hiking pack. We had lunch by the Gila river so Owen and daddy decided to dip their feet in and throw rocks. Headed back to camp and took a hike. Then we headed to Wally World. What's a camping trip if you don't go to Walmart. Since it was freezing the night before Shaun wanted to get a sweatshirt (he forgot to bring one). Owen watched a little Ratatouille, had hot dogs for dinner, s'mores for dessert and off to bed we went. Much better night sleeping.

Headed back home in the morning since we were dirty and out of water. Once we got home it was nothing but couch.