One Fish, Two Fish

Owen is not the only fish we have in this family. Aubrey can't get enough of the water. Once her tube suit is on, she's off. She couldn't care less if she's the only one in the pool or not. She's very independent in the pool and I am loving the freedom I have to simply watch my children swim instead of always having to be in the water with them. She loves to jump in too! She goes under water with her suit on but it pops her right back up.
There's the other fish

The higher Daddy throws her, the better. She LOVES to be tossed around in the water and as soon as she catches her breath she screams, "AGAIN!"

Swimming with her friend, Evan.

The Guys Go Camping

Ben and I camped every summer until we moved to Kentucky and had to put all of our gear in storage. Since our children came after we moved to Kentucky, they have never gone camping. Well that changed for Owen a couple of weeks ago when he went on his first camping trip with Daddy, his Uncle Jeff and his cousins. He had so much fun! He said he could camp forever. Ben told me that several times throughout the weekend Owen would say, "Thank you so much, Daddy for taking me camping!" I love his thankful heart.
I asked Ben to snap a few pictures of their trip so I could see all the fun they had. I was pleasantly surprised to find so many pictures on the camera when they got home. Here are a few:

Owen checking out the sleeping arrangements
The tent

Breakfast outdoors

Jumping on the sand dunes - it's Daddy's turn.

Going on a hike

More eating - it's what you do when you camp

Fishing

No fish were caught, but one of the boys caught this turtle.

Everyone took a turn holding the turtle.

Relaxing around the campfire.

Brenden with his Daddy

After they packed up camp they went putt putt golfing, rode go-karts and even splashed around on bumper boats. Owen had a great time driving his go-kart all by himself - until he crashed.

Brenden wanted to go on the zip line but then backed out. Ben went instead. I don't think he minded.

Brenden (almost 7), Owen (almost 4) and Cole (8).

I'm so glad these boys each have a good Daddy who is investing in them and raising them to be men. A weekend outdoors doing guy stuff without Moms and sisters around was just what they needed!

Date Night With My Little Man

It's not very often that I get to spend one-on-one time with my son, Owen. So I was thrilled when Ben told me that I could take Owen to see VeggieTales Live last week. Ben usually plans little outings for he and Owen to go on together. In fact, when he ordered the two tickets for the show it was supposed to be for he and Owen to go. He wanted to go, but the day before the concert he suggested that Owen and I have a night out together. I was so excited to have a night out with my Little Man. Heading out the door for our Mommy/Son date!
I know this picture is not flattering but I had to post it because I thought it was so sweet. I told Owen to smile for a picture and without any prompting he kissed me as soon as I took the picture. He's such a charmer!

There were thousands of people who came to hear VeggieTales!

Owen was really excited to see Bob and Larry! He only listens to their music so I'm not sure he even knew what they looked like.

As it turns out, VeggieTales sing a LOT of songs that we are not familiar with. But Owen loved dancing to the songs he did know.

After the concert we treated ourselves to some ice cream. It was a great night!

Bernheim Forest

Our family spent a day at Bernheim Forest - a place with many hiking trails, lakes, trees and natural beauty. It was a gorgeous day and so relaxing to walk on the trails and enjoy God's creation. Many of the trees were labeled and I was reminded once again what creative creator God is. Hundreds of different kinds of trees, fish, turtles, etc all bringing glory to God. I love it! I've also never seen so much holly in my life. This boardwalk is part of the canopy tree walk. At the very end of the walk we found ourselves 75 feet above the forest floor. It was such a great view! I'm sure it will be even prettier in a few weeks when more of the leaves change color. I was a little nervous letting Aubrey walk, but we kept a close eye on her. Little Miss Independent loves to explore!

Your stomach gets a little queasy when you're above the trees looking down!

Our family: Aubrey 13 months, Owen 3 yrs

I love being in the woods. I suppose that's why I enjoy camping so much!

Owen had a blast running around on the trails, climbing on the rocks and feeding the fish.

Watching the fish

Ben is pointing out all the fish and turtles to Owen.

Throwing food to the fish and turtles. The fish would flip out of the water for the food and the turtles quickly gathered around too.

Quick break for a snack

One of the many hiking trails

Stopping (something Aubrey doesn't like to do) for a picture

She's ready to hike some more!

"This is how you do it, son."

Ben loves to teach Owen new things. This isn't exactly something I want Owen to do just yet.
"This is what we call an under dog."

"Think about where to put your foot next and be careful."

Such a good climber!

Daddy and his boy

Owen Performs at WorldFest

There is always something fun going on in Louisville. Today was WorldFest - a celebration of all the different ethnicities in our community. There was a parade downtown, live music, tons of food and free entertainment. It was neat to see the variety in food, dress, music and dance. As an extra bonus it was a beautiful day!!!

Aubrey entertained herself with the phone while we waited for Owen to get off the dance floor

Once the live music started Owen jumped up on this table so that he could see. Of course when you're on a table and there is music playing you feel compelled to dance. (He's wearing my sunglasses).
He then made his way up to the dance floor which was right in front of the stage where the singers and dancers were performing.

We are actually far away. I zoomed in with my camera to get these pictures.

This was the crowd Owen was dancing in front of. I guess he doesn't have stage fright.