Chore Time!

For the first time in over a decade, a growing yard of grass had my name on it. The big debate for the past month has been what type of mower to buy for the task at hand. A rider? Probably not practical. A super-charged-21 inch self-propelled mowing deck with bagger/chipper/mulcher? Probably overkill. An electric mower with a cord? Probably too annoying to pull around. So, at the urging of our friend Julie, the recommendation of frugal Jed, and the support of Brecken, we opted for the lowest carbon footprint available on the market, the "Reel" mower.

Thankfully, we also have a hired hand.

Perched on the deck with a cold adult beverage, I'm able to observe the young yard-hand. As evidenced by the mower being upside down in the picture, we've got some work to do, but at least it is a good start to a summer of mowing and a return to outdoor chores. How long will it be before Owen's "can I mow the grass daddy" turns into "Do I really have to?"

Maternity Leave Excursions

It is hard to believe, but Brecken's maternity leave is almost over. Now that the weather has improved, she has been taking full advantage of her time off with the kids. In the past week they have been to the zoo and the museum. Here is a little glimpse Brecken, Owen, Paxton, and Julie at the Field Museum.

Paxton was hiding in the stroller, but she did get out for at least a little while to enjoy her first visit to a museum.

Aside from the dinosaurs, Owen's favorite part of the Field Museum is the section on Senegal.You may think it has something to do with the opportunity to sit in the front row for a movie, but in reality it is the fun musical instruments that peak his curiosity.

The little guy loves his music, and the little lady was on her best behavior throughout the trip. Good times for everyone.

Bubble Trouble

What happens when you let a two year old call the shots with a bottle of bubble bath in a jacuzzi tub? All bubbles break loose. On Saturday morning, Owen took advantage of the deep tub and his willing parents to have a little fun in the tub.
With the cold weather now thankfully behind us, Owen has been looking for alternatives to his snow fort, and the bubbles appear to be the top choice.Where's Owen?THERE HE IS!

9 Weeks!

At 9 weeks, Paxton is smiling on a regular basis, sleeping in her own crib, and regularly zonking out for 6-7 hours at night. Good girl!Of course, for all of her accomplishments, her guardian angel is never too far away. Just in case you needed to be reminded, Owen requests his "big brother" shirt from time to time.

The two are even playing together on occasion. Here is a quick shot from this weekend following a big game of "dad in cover-up land" on Owen's bed. Owen used every blanket he could find to cover me up on his big-boy-bed. Paxton was added into the mix for a picture or two.

Owen at 29 months and Paxton at 9 weeks.

Spring Fever

Living in Chicago, I'm never convinced in April that the winter is a thing of the past, but this weekend sure made me think twice. With temperatures comfortably into the upper 60's, the windows were open, the grill was going, and we spent as much time outside as we could. For the first time since we moved into our new house in November, the neighborhood was alive with kids in the park and people in their yards. Bekah, Grandma, and Papa C were in town on Sunday to enjoy the weather and time with Owen and Paxton.

At times, it was hard to tell the kids from the adults.

Forecast for next weekend: Snow Showers. Go Figure.

The Open Road

Owen received an unexpected gift this weekend. The little guy next door had outgrown his ride and thought Owen might enjoy some fancy new wheels.

After a quick driving lesson, the boys switched spots and Owen was off to the races.

So far, he has hit the house, the fence, the car, the garage, and more than one person. He's like his mom in that regard. Watch out on the roads.