Owen Turns 11

Full of requests, this son of mine, does not shy away from making his desires known. He is an easy book to read. Muffins for breakfast, specific gift ideas for specific family members ;), cheese steaks for dinner, red velvet cupcakes for dessert, go-carts (over the weekend) with friends.

Plus a free round of putt-putt for everyone :)

He is officially registered for middle school and has signed up for band (hmm). It was fun going to a few open house events with him and discussing some bigger (than normal) subjects with him. He and I are both nervous about the larger campus with 3 cafeterias !?! He has had such a great experience in elementary school and we are thankful. We are so proud of all he has accomplished and look forward to his 5th grade "graduation."

He is growing up quickly. I am slowly growing accustomed to a later bedtime and more time away for social events. He loves being with others and staying busy which often butts heads with my introverted-self. We have signed him up for an overnight camp this summer with our church youth group. He doesn't seem the least bit nervous and is so excited. I am thankful for his confidence and try not to take his desire to be with others personally ;)

We loved celebrating this boy, Happy Birthday Owen!

Baby Shower

This past weekend my mom hosted (with help from my sister and I) a baby shower for her nephew's wife, Jessica. They are expecting their first, A GIRL, next month. The theme was Beatrix Potter  which was a welcome sight after our snowy winter.

 

The beautiful watercolor painting, above was made by Jessica's mother!

 

My mom (on the left) will be a Great Aunt for the 5th time and a 6th one soon following :) 

Chinese New Year Belated

I couldn't bring myself to dress Avery in her silk (gift from grandma's Chinese neighbor) when it was cold and snowy. But I DID want pictures so on the first warm afternoon she obliged me. She doesn't mind the camera as long as she can see the pictures as I am taking them. Not ideal, but I went with it ;)

This was one of her most natural smiles. I love it!

To the rest of the world she is tiny and petite, but at home she has such a BIG, STRONG personality that she doesn't seem that way to us. I am grateful that she feels safe enough to show us ALL her emotions, but it's definitely exhausting sometimes.

She is starting to come out of her shell more and more in public and with friends. I am still baffled when I hear her string sentences together and sing nursery rhymes.

Dresses really aren't her thing. I am pretty surprised she agreed so willingly. She loves her jeans and if a brother is wearing a jersey she wants to wear one too ;)

She LOVES looking at herself in the mirror. 

I hope she delights in her reflection for always.

We didn't really celebrate Chinese New Year this year. Avery still doesn't eat Chinese food and gets overwhelmed in large crowds. We have plenty of years to learn. I am giving myself grace!

Final Game

The Ducks ended their season with a well played game. They were up against the undefeated team whom they lost to in the beginning of the season by 23 pts. This time, however they only lost by 5. They played their hearts out. It was sad to see the boys sad at the end, they really wanted to play in the championship game.

Owen score a 3 pointer, his first time in a game. That helped ease his pain ;)

We had by far the cutest fan in the stands. Yes, my nephew is really this adorable and he took it all in.

 Owen's fan club

A week later, the boys celebrated the end of the season with pizza, cupcakes and some time playing other games in the gym. Dodge ball against the dads was probably the high light.

Coach EJ and Coach Carl make a great team. I love watching this side of them. It's a sacrifice for the them and the wives, but I am learning (slowly) the positives outweigh the negatives. They have a gift and it is blessing many lives.