28 March 2011
The Dude Can Ride
It sorta happened by accident. Cousin Nora was giving the no-training wheel thing a go and Owen asked if he could try...
He rode away from Papa like he had been riding a bike for years.
Ugh... what happened to our Little Boy? The Dude can ride a bike!
11 January 2011
BIG Trouble
Owen and Nora were "playing so well together" behind Owen's closed bedroom door. So well, that Mama and Auntie were enjoying a nice chat with each other and commenting on how we so rarely get to do that these days.....
We started to get suspicious. Auntie peeked in the cracked bedroom door and made a loud gasping sound... we opened the door to this:
They had colored themselves with markers... washable markers, thank goodness...
AND they had colored the walls...and the bed...and books... and the carpet(!)... and just about every surface in Owen's room.
After a bath and some brief damage control, the kids had a BIG talking to. Stern parenting voices were put forth... But, Auntie and Mama couldn't help but laugh. Seriously? How could two little kids do so much damage in 20 minutes...?
Thank you Crayola, for making washable markers.
We started to get suspicious. Auntie peeked in the cracked bedroom door and made a loud gasping sound... we opened the door to this:
AND they had colored the walls...and the bed...and books... and the carpet(!)... and just about every surface in Owen's room.
After a bath and some brief damage control, the kids had a BIG talking to. Stern parenting voices were put forth... But, Auntie and Mama couldn't help but laugh. Seriously? How could two little kids do so much damage in 20 minutes...?
Thank you Crayola, for making washable markers.
02 December 2010
Sunday-Fun-Day
We've started a new Taylor tradition.
We've declared Sunday to be renamed to:
Sunday-Fun-Day
On our most recent Sunday-Fun-Day, we drove up the mountain to the snowy sledding hill.
We've declared Sunday to be renamed to:
Sunday-Fun-Day
On our most recent Sunday-Fun-Day, we drove up the mountain to the snowy sledding hill.
Owen got to try out his Zipfy... a sled he got for Christmas last year. We hadn't had the opportunity before now to try it out. Needless to say, it's fast. And he loved it.
We're not exactly sure who had more fun.... Owen or Mama & Papa.
Probably a tie.
11 October 2010
John Deere Birthday Party
Owen asked the "Birthday Fairies" for a John Deere Tractor birthday.
Man, did they ever deliver.....
The good news is - that everyone knows Owen to a "T".
"T" for Tractor, Trailer, Truck, Trains.... you see the pattern.
Since about 6 months ago, he has had this thing for John Deere tractors and has mentioned to just about everyone that he wants to be a Pumpkin Farmer when he grows up and wants to have John Deere tractors to do all the work in the fields.
Where does he come up with this stuff?
So, needless to say... now that the birthday party has happened and all the presents have arrived, we now have a lot of green and yellow tractors in our house. And an orange, kid sized excavator... and lots of things with trailers and big wheels. He also got some other really cool things like books and puzzles, games and a Stomp Rocket! (thanks aussies!)
And, in typical Dude fashion... he took it all in stride. There were more adults than kids at his party, and he couldn't have been happier. He didn't get overwhelmed with all the attention, and he didn't have any meltdowns. All in all he did awesome. As usual.
Mama didn't really have time to take any photos at the party... (wonder why?)
But here are a few photos of Owen before the party - in all his Three Year Old glory.
Man, did they ever deliver.....
The good news is - that everyone knows Owen to a "T".
"T" for Tractor, Trailer, Truck, Trains.... you see the pattern.
Since about 6 months ago, he has had this thing for John Deere tractors and has mentioned to just about everyone that he wants to be a Pumpkin Farmer when he grows up and wants to have John Deere tractors to do all the work in the fields.
Where does he come up with this stuff?
So, needless to say... now that the birthday party has happened and all the presents have arrived, we now have a lot of green and yellow tractors in our house. And an orange, kid sized excavator... and lots of things with trailers and big wheels. He also got some other really cool things like books and puzzles, games and a Stomp Rocket! (thanks aussies!)
And, in typical Dude fashion... he took it all in stride. There were more adults than kids at his party, and he couldn't have been happier. He didn't get overwhelmed with all the attention, and he didn't have any meltdowns. All in all he did awesome. As usual.
Mama didn't really have time to take any photos at the party... (wonder why?)
But here are a few photos of Owen before the party - in all his Three Year Old glory.
10 October 2010
Happy Birthday Owen!
Dearest Owen,Today, on October 10th, 2010 (10/10/10!) you are THREE.
What an awesome day to turn three...the stars are definitely aligned for you today.
You are amazing. Still our Little Dude... our Little Buddy....
our Little Man.
Each day you surprise us with something else, make us laugh, test our patience, and make us proud. It's hard to keep track of all the amazing things that you do, all the while keeping you happy, challenged and well nourished.
But, that is our favorite job. It is what keeps us going. Makes us get out of bed everyday and make those hard decisions that help us to be good parents. We are trying. Really hard.
We love you Duderoo. Happy Birthday!
-Mama & Papa
06 September 2010
Kitty Red Update
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| The Mighty Hunter... |
He and Owen are still best friends... although the "Kitty Olympics" that occur nightly on Owen's head, are getting old. But usually, they aren't too far apart.
Trains! (Part 2)
We got up (very) early today to take Papa to the airport.... we were then left with thinking up something to do with ourselves all day. It was a holiday afterall.
A little research on the internet (thank god for the internet... it is a mother's helper) led us to wanting to visit the zoo, which we haven't done for some a little while. And, to keep things interesting, we decided to take the Max (which is our city commuter train).
Usually, we try to avoid the crowds and go on the off days of the week... so what in the world possessed us to want to go on a holiday?
Whenever we go to our zoo (which we have a membership to - Thanks Grandpa & Grandma!) we usually only pick one or two of the animals to visit, ride the train, and then head home. It keeps it simple... not a whole day event. That is what is nice about having a membership.... for us.
So the train is a big deal to Owen - obviously one of his favorite things in the whole world - and we've only heard rumors that there was an antique steam engine that would come out on special occasions. Today was one of those special occasions... lucky for us!
Built in 1959, this little engine was built as a replica train for the Oregon Centennial... AND it is painted in Owens favorite colors! How nice of them...
What was especially cool was, because we caught the train on it's first run of the day, the engineer had to stop the train, throw it in reverse and chug backwards about 100 yards. They put sand in the boiler to clean out all the pipes, and it blows out all kinds of black smoke... they go backward to make sure that none of the nasty black smoke goes in the riders teeth!
Owen's face was priceless.
What a day. We boarded the Max downtown, rode thru the tunnel up to the Zoo, rode the regular zoo train around the loop (35 minutes round trip), caught the steam train for it's first run around the loop, had lunch, rode the Max back downtown, stopped into the best toy store downtown, then drove home... exhausted. No wonder Owen fell asleep a half hour before his normal bedtime.
The boy loves trains.
A little research on the internet (thank god for the internet... it is a mother's helper) led us to wanting to visit the zoo, which we haven't done for some a little while. And, to keep things interesting, we decided to take the Max (which is our city commuter train).
Usually, we try to avoid the crowds and go on the off days of the week... so what in the world possessed us to want to go on a holiday?
Two words: Steam Train.
Whenever we go to our zoo (which we have a membership to - Thanks Grandpa & Grandma!) we usually only pick one or two of the animals to visit, ride the train, and then head home. It keeps it simple... not a whole day event. That is what is nice about having a membership.... for us.
So the train is a big deal to Owen - obviously one of his favorite things in the whole world - and we've only heard rumors that there was an antique steam engine that would come out on special occasions. Today was one of those special occasions... lucky for us!
Built in 1959, this little engine was built as a replica train for the Oregon Centennial... AND it is painted in Owens favorite colors! How nice of them...
What was especially cool was, because we caught the train on it's first run of the day, the engineer had to stop the train, throw it in reverse and chug backwards about 100 yards. They put sand in the boiler to clean out all the pipes, and it blows out all kinds of black smoke... they go backward to make sure that none of the nasty black smoke goes in the riders teeth!
Owen's face was priceless.
 |
| On the way toward Washington Park |
 |
| Waiting for the Max in the Zoo Tunnel |
What a day. We boarded the Max downtown, rode thru the tunnel up to the Zoo, rode the regular zoo train around the loop (35 minutes round trip), caught the steam train for it's first run around the loop, had lunch, rode the Max back downtown, stopped into the best toy store downtown, then drove home... exhausted. No wonder Owen fell asleep a half hour before his normal bedtime.
The boy loves trains.
Trains! (Part 1)
When Great Aunt Linda sent an email saying she was coming to Portland, AND she was planning to go on a train ride up to Mt. Hood.... we were ecstatic! So with a little schedule juggling and a super-fast drive (uh, perhaps lighting-fast is better... and yes Tom, Mama was speeding!) to make it on time, we joined her in Hood River to board the Mt. Hood Railroad .
If y'all didn't know, Owen has a deep love of trains. It started with the hand-me-down train set (the motherloade, actually) from his cousins, and has been a fast and furious love affair. Obsession, really. There have been times when we have had to put the set away.... tried to get him to do other things... anything. accept. trains. Really.
So the thought of riding a "Real Train" was a tad bit overwhelming. We've taken rides on the commuter train here in town, but nothing like the big engines and passenger cars we read about in books and see in shows. And the Mt. Hood Railroad is one that we have been wanting to share with him... our love of the Hood River Valley is reason alone.
Here are some shots from the trip. What an awesome little journey it was.... Owen would definitely recommend it to anyone who has a similar love of trains.
If y'all didn't know, Owen has a deep love of trains. It started with the hand-me-down train set (the motherloade, actually) from his cousins, and has been a fast and furious love affair. Obsession, really. There have been times when we have had to put the set away.... tried to get him to do other things... anything. accept. trains. Really.
So the thought of riding a "Real Train" was a tad bit overwhelming. We've taken rides on the commuter train here in town, but nothing like the big engines and passenger cars we read about in books and see in shows. And the Mt. Hood Railroad is one that we have been wanting to share with him... our love of the Hood River Valley is reason alone.
Here are some shots from the trip. What an awesome little journey it was.... Owen would definitely recommend it to anyone who has a similar love of trains.
21 July 2010
Summer, Summer, Summer Time!
We've finally hit summer in Oregon... well, with the exception of this week - it's been 65 degrees and cloudy (and misty) the last few days. Ah well... at least we've been acting like it's summer.
Owen completed his first round of swimming lessons last week. He is now a "Starfish". Very exciting stuff. He learned how to get in and out of the pool safely, do the "monkey grip" (holding on to the edge of the pool and moving his hands and feet to get places), blow bubbles in the water and how to deal with a locker room full of women. All in all it was a great success. So great in fact, we start another round of lessons next week (in the summer they go for two week sessions). We are keeping our fingers crossed that the weather warms up because these lessons are at a different pool... an outdoor pool.... yikes.
We also just returned from a nice trip to the beach. Cousin Lee Lee was visiting from Maryland and we all got some sand between our toes in Netarts. Was a nice trip... the weather was mostly ok, but the kids got some beach time regardless.
Owen and Kitty Red have become fast friends. They play together, sleep together and yell at each other (yes, the kitty talks back). And Owen has started a new game... it's called "leave the screendoor open and see how long it takes Kitty Red to escape". Kitty Red has become a master at this one.
Other than that, the only new and exciting news is that we grew a frog! From a tadpole, that is... Nonna lives near a pond where she and Owen caught some tadpoles. We put them in a fishbowl to see what would happen.. and low and behold, one of them became a frog! Owen and Papa went and bought a special habitat for it and flies to feed it and everything. Not sure if Owen is as excited as we are about it, but it's all in the process, right?
Here are some photos for ya! Cheers!
Owen completed his first round of swimming lessons last week. He is now a "Starfish". Very exciting stuff. He learned how to get in and out of the pool safely, do the "monkey grip" (holding on to the edge of the pool and moving his hands and feet to get places), blow bubbles in the water and how to deal with a locker room full of women. All in all it was a great success. So great in fact, we start another round of lessons next week (in the summer they go for two week sessions). We are keeping our fingers crossed that the weather warms up because these lessons are at a different pool... an outdoor pool.... yikes.
We also just returned from a nice trip to the beach. Cousin Lee Lee was visiting from Maryland and we all got some sand between our toes in Netarts. Was a nice trip... the weather was mostly ok, but the kids got some beach time regardless.
Owen and Kitty Red have become fast friends. They play together, sleep together and yell at each other (yes, the kitty talks back). And Owen has started a new game... it's called "leave the screendoor open and see how long it takes Kitty Red to escape". Kitty Red has become a master at this one.
Other than that, the only new and exciting news is that we grew a frog! From a tadpole, that is... Nonna lives near a pond where she and Owen caught some tadpoles. We put them in a fishbowl to see what would happen.. and low and behold, one of them became a frog! Owen and Papa went and bought a special habitat for it and flies to feed it and everything. Not sure if Owen is as excited as we are about it, but it's all in the process, right?
Here are some photos for ya! Cheers!
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| So serious.... |
 |
| Eatin' ice cream at the Tillamook Cheese Factory |
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| Look! It's a frog! |
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| Red and Owen = BFF's |
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| Discovering seaweed with Nora |
27 June 2010
Kitty Red
We are very pleased to introduce the newest member of our household... "Kitty Red"
He came to us by way of the local feed store, and we fell in love instantly. Especially Owen, who has been asking us incessantly for a "red" kitten (red is his favorite color, in case you didn't know).
He fits in perfectly, and Owen has been so loving and gentle with him... we all didn't realize just how fun kittens could be.
24 May 2010
05 May 2010
"Cheeky the Chipmunk"
This morning we had a visitor... right outside the sliding glass door.
She wasn't the least bit shy - brave, in fact. And she was hungry.
Owen named her "Cheeky the Chipmunk".... even though we explained that she was in fact, a squirrel.
He kept saying, "Oh, hi sweetheart! Do you want more nuts?"
We are pretty certain we will see her again... very soon.
Ya think?
She wasn't the least bit shy - brave, in fact. And she was hungry.
Owen named her "Cheeky the Chipmunk".... even though we explained that she was in fact, a squirrel.
He kept saying, "Oh, hi sweetheart! Do you want more nuts?"
We are pretty certain we will see her again... very soon.
Ya think?
21 April 2010
"Gak!"
It's said that children are little sponges, and they are always listening....
a lesson that Mama and Papa have had to come to terms with lately.
Case in point - Owen's newest "word" is - gak.
He uses it as an expletive... for instance:
Papa: "I'm gonna tickle you....!"
Owen: "Gak!"
Mama: "You have jam all over your shirt...."
Owen: "Gak!"
Mama: "Owen! Come here right now!"
Papa: "Owen! Listen to your mother!"
Owen: "GAK!"
We weren't really sure where it came from, until the other day...
Mama was making dinner, something was boiling over on the stove, her phone was ringing,
Owen was screaming....
Mama: "GAK!"
a lesson that Mama and Papa have had to come to terms with lately.
Case in point - Owen's newest "word" is - gak.
He uses it as an expletive... for instance:
Papa: "I'm gonna tickle you....!"
Owen: "Gak!"
Mama: "You have jam all over your shirt...."
Owen: "Gak!"
Mama: "Owen! Come here right now!"
Papa: "Owen! Listen to your mother!"
Owen: "GAK!"
We weren't really sure where it came from, until the other day...
Mama was making dinner, something was boiling over on the stove, her phone was ringing,
Owen was screaming....
Mama: "GAK!"
12 April 2010
New Hat
Future dirt bike rider? We'll see...
Lover of all things from
Grandma Donna & Grandpa Mike...
Definitely.
Five months later.....
Yikes. We dropped the ball we realize, and graciously apologize.
Five months. So many pictures, so many stories, so many things have changed.
We will try to get you up to speed eventually, but for now we are becoming reinvested in this blog. Our goal is to post weekly again. Sometimes it may just be a few pics, or a funny story, or quote. There is so much happening with our Boy that we have to start writing everything down or we are afraid that we are going to wake up and he'll be 15, and we've forgotten the last 12 1/2 years. It could happen.
So, we begin again. A new title. A new look.
Let's do this.
Oh, and he is still The Dude, don't worry... it's just now, he's so much more.
You'll see....
Five months. So many pictures, so many stories, so many things have changed.
We will try to get you up to speed eventually, but for now we are becoming reinvested in this blog. Our goal is to post weekly again. Sometimes it may just be a few pics, or a funny story, or quote. There is so much happening with our Boy that we have to start writing everything down or we are afraid that we are going to wake up and he'll be 15, and we've forgotten the last 12 1/2 years. It could happen.
So, we begin again. A new title. A new look.
Let's do this.
Oh, and he is still The Dude, don't worry... it's just now, he's so much more.
You'll see....
19 November 2009
We're still here!
Update coming soon....
We just returned from a trip to Colorado.
Lots of photos to sift through. Lots of stories to tell.
Stay tuned.
We just returned from a trip to Colorado.
Lots of photos to sift through. Lots of stories to tell.
Stay tuned.
31 October 2009
Happy Halloween!
The evening was filled with all things festive: pumpkin carving, mulled cider on the stove, a nice hearty bowl of soup with the family....
Lion and Bunny practiced their new line ("Trick or Treat!") over and over...
Finally, we headed out into the night...
After 30 minutes or so of knocking on doors and looking out for goblins (thank goodness cousin Nora knew the trick to keeping them away...), The Dude proclaimed that he was done. He was ready to go home.
So that is that. Another occasion of build-up and release...*sigh*
28 October 2009
Busy Busy....
It's been hard to get video of Owen lately. Between his fascination with the video camera (and all it's buttons), and his inclination to clam up as soon as it's pointed at him, it's been a while since we've shared The Dude "in full".
The audio on this clip isn't that great. You can't really hear what he's going on and on about, but that's not really the point. The point of this video is to give you a rough idea of just how busy he is.... and how much he babbles. On his second birthday a switch was hit, and he talks....All. Day. Long.
And, he is on the move. He's got things to do. Trucks to drive. Rocks to move.
He's busy.
And this one is just for all you Lovers of Owen, snot and all.....
The audio on this clip isn't that great. You can't really hear what he's going on and on about, but that's not really the point. The point of this video is to give you a rough idea of just how busy he is.... and how much he babbles. On his second birthday a switch was hit, and he talks....All. Day. Long.
And, he is on the move. He's got things to do. Trucks to drive. Rocks to move.
He's busy.
And this one is just for all you Lovers of Owen, snot and all.....
23 October 2009
Pumpkin Patch
No fall season is complete without a trip to our local 'original' pumpkin patch. Especially now that The Dude is starting to put all this Halloween business in perspective. He is learning all about Jack-O-Lanterns, costumes, wacky spiderweb decorations (thanks to almost all of our neighbors), and trick-or-treating.
The Pumpkin Patch is a quaint little farm that gets pummeled this time of year. They have a tractor drawn hay ride to the pumpkin fields, an animal barn (complete with mini-horse!), a farm store, Big Red Barn for hoe-downs and mud. Lots of mud.
It's a hoot. And we think we got the best pumpkins of the bunch this year...
The Pumpkin Patch is a quaint little farm that gets pummeled this time of year. They have a tractor drawn hay ride to the pumpkin fields, an animal barn (complete with mini-horse!), a farm store, Big Red Barn for hoe-downs and mud. Lots of mud.
It's a hoot. And we think we got the best pumpkins of the bunch this year...
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