First Time Camping

We took Owen camping with friends Brian & Michelle and their daughter, Madeline. We went to an Oregon state forest campground about an hour west of Portland.

It was so much fun, and Owen did great. He seemed to really enjoy the whole camping experience, including sleeping in a tent with the see-through top open to the starry night sky. He loved the fire (who doesn't?) and running around the campsite, but what he liked the most was throwing rocks into the creek on our hike. We went twice on the hike down to the creek and each time, he stood and threw about 100 rocks.

Here are a few photos. Quality is not great because they were all taken with a phone which I had trouble holding steady.

Happy Birthday!!!

Owen turns 2 today!
We knew that having a child was going to be awesome, but we couldn't have imagined how amazing Owen is and the feeling of being truly blessed to have him as part of our lives. He is a smiling, happy, energetic, and sweet boy who has filled our lives with so much love and joy.
Happy Birthday, Owie-O!!

Bike Riding

A few months ago, we bought Owen his first bike. He had already been pretty into riding in the trailer behind our bikes, so we had a feeling he'd like it. We bought a balance bike, which is a low bike without pedals. The idea is that he uses his feet for power and he can stay balanced, then when he wants to he can pick his feet up and just glide.
The bike was still a little big for him when we got it, but now it's getting to be about the right size. And he's starting to venture outside. Here's a somewhat long video of some of his early bike moments that also shows some of the other things he's into these days: Talking, bugs, taking off his clothes (he went swimming at friend/neighbors' house then ditched the swimsuit), and dogs.

Bike Riding from Kevin Skurski on Vimeo.

First Ballgame

Owen attended his first baseball game on Father's Day this past Sunday. In the interest of full disclosure, he actually showed after his nap, just in time for the bottom of the 9th. Fashionably late like a Lakers fan. Anyhoo, he seemed to enjoy it. He started cheering as soon as we walked out into the stands. Then, within 5 minutes of being there, I got a foul ball and gave it to him. He thought that was pretty cool. And after the game, Owen got to run around the bases with me (they let dad's run with kids for father's day.) So, he might be a little spoiled now in thinking that going to a game means getting a foul ball and getting to run on the field.
 

An awesome visit!

Nana, Papa, and Aunt Tanya came for a week in early June, and they and Owen had a blast. Hikes, trip to the zoo, and lots of other small adventures. And plenty of conversation as Owen is talking up a storm these days. He was completely fascinated with Aunt Tanya - to the point where they were at new seasons market and Tanya went to a different aisle from Owen and Nana and he started calling out very loudly, "Aunt Tanyaaaa!!!"
GREAT visit, and we can't wait to see them all again!

Mr. Personality

Here is Owen's report from daycare today:
"Good morning, James. Good morning, Tina. Good morning, Yaya (Laura)." Owen made sure to greet everyone this morning. He painted for a bit, but much preferred getting down and dirty on the playground. He lay down in a puddle on his stomach and blew bubbles. Soon all his friends followed suit."

Messy toddler

For the last few Sundays, we've been taking Owen to the "Messy Toddler Class" at the Children's Museum. For the toddlers, this is awesome - they get to play with dirt, sand, pain, water, goo, shaving cream, and all kinds of other things. For the parents, this is wonderful because their kids get to play with all kinds of messy things and then we don't have to clean it up!

Messy toddler fun from Kevin Skurski on Vimeo.