Hawaii

We just returned from an amazing family vacation to Maui, Hawaii...just the three of us! We feel so blessed to be able to have this special week away together, just in time for the holidays!

At the airport, getting ready to board our flight.

(I'll always remember this moment!...I said "Owen, Smile!" and he turned to look at me, propped his arm on Brian's shoulder, and smiled! Coincidence?...maybe! But he responded as if he understood, and it was precious!)

Reading books, one of our many attempts to keep Owen happy during the 6 hour flight. Yikes! He did remarkably well, not really fussing at all, and sleeping for about an hour two different times.

We've arrived! And with enough lugage that it appeared as if we were moving to Maui. :) What's amazing is that Brian & I shared one suitcase (and a laptop bag) and the rest of the luggage is Owen's. Toys, clothes, food, stroller, carseat...incredible what it takes to travel with a baby!


Yay! We are in the hotel room and Owen is thrilled to streatch out and roll around for the first time all day. Let the vacation begin!


View from our hotel room balcony. We spent many hours each day enjoying this balcony as Owen took his naps.

Hawaii was Owen's first experience at a beach...not a bad way to start!

...and as you can see by his smile, he loved it!

Owen enjoying a bottle on the beach...or a "picnic" as we like to say!

And of course there was plenty of pool time!

one of Owen's favorite pool activities

watching in amazement as other kids run, splash, & play

And some of our favorite moments...cozy towel snuggles after fun at the beach or pool!

Throughout the week, we enjoyed:

wonderful walks each day...

...dinners at fun beachside restaurants...

...stunning sunsets...

...and cozy bedtime moments.

Hard to say goodbye! But it was a wonderful week, and we have holidays with family to look forward to upon our return.

Mele Kalikimaka!

(Hawaiian for "Merry Christmas")

7 Months

7 months old and on the move! Well....sort of, anyway! Owen isn't crawling yet, but he "rolls with purpose" as we like to say. He does a great job pushing up on his arms, pivoting toward something he wants, and then rolling to get there. It is so amazing to see his mind working as he as he maneuvers his way toward a particular toy. Great 'problem solving' skills being developed! He has 2 teeth on the bottom, and one about to break through on the top. Owen is enjoying the sound of his own voice - and participates in our conversations with all sorts of squeals and shouts. He is doing great with solid food....tolerating the cereal and enjoying fruits & veggies. His favorite toy remains to be "Mr. Monkey" (who you can spot in previous blog postings) and his favorite activities include jumping in his “jumparoo” and giggling in a mirror. Owen is very good natured - with a contagious smile, great facial expressions, and a wonderful laugh. He is such a blessing and gift...bringing us so much joy! We love him to pieces!

Thanksgiving

During this season of Thanksgiving we cannot help but reflect on our gratitude for all of God's goodness and faithfulness. And one of his greatest gifts is family! We enjoyed a wonderful weekend in Portland - full of special times and delicious eating :) We hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday as well!

Family Time

The month of October brought many opportunities to spend some wonderful time with family. Along with our earlier posts which were dedicated to some of these special events, we wanted to share a collage of photos from these additional family times. We are so blessed to be surrounded by such a wonderful and loving family.

(click to enlarge)

Visit to Work

Owen gets to spend "workdays" with our wonderful nanny, Diana.

But sometimes Owen wonders (or I like to think he wonders!) "where are mom and dad while I'm at home with Diana?" So...Diana brought Owen to visit mom at work!

Linnea's wonderful coworkers - so supporive and interested in all the "happenings" of our little Owen!

I like mom's work! I'm nice and cozy...can I stay all day?

6 Months - Firsts!

Our Sweet Owen is 6 months old...

and the celebration is full of firsts!

6 Month Photo Shoot

If you look close you'll catch a glimpse of the first 2 teeth which just peeked through in the last couple of weeks!

First Solid Food!

Not so sure about this texture, guys!

First Halloween
Happy Halloween our sweet Pumpkin!

Giggles

Owen has the most wonderful laugh and giggle! Here he is getting ready for bed, and was in a very silly mood. We couldn't help but get a little video clip - for memories, and for sharing!

Arizona

Owen took his first plane ride! We headed to Arizona for a fun-packed weekend visiting Linnea's parents at their new vacation home. We had a fantastic trip, and already look forward to future Arizona vacations with all the special family memories which will be made!

At the airport...preparing to board Owen's first flight

The home is absolutely lovely and the pool is very inviting!

Pool Time?

Yay! Let's Play!

Owen enjoyed swimming and splashing with his Saba & Safta

(click collage to enlarge image)

Cozy in dad's arms after a big afternoon in the pool

Sleeping through dinner...exhausted after an eventful day!

Following dinner, Brian and Clark headed to Tempe for the Arizona State vs. University of Washington Football game!

Go Huskies!

***

Sunday morning: Saba & Safta played with Owen, letting us sleep in!

Hanging out in Saba's favorite spot on the couch

Thanks for sharing, Saba! This is a great place to watch football! :)

Off to a nice brunch to wrap up our weekend

Cozy (and sleepy!) with mom

Sleeping through yet another meal.

All the excitement sure makes a growing baby tired!

Thank you for a wonderful visit!
We'll be back soon!