Vacation at the Lake of the Ozarks

This past week we got to go on vacation with my family to their cabin at the lake of the ozarks. We had such a good time boating, fishing, tubing, swimming, eating, playing cards and being with family! Our dog Lillibelle (Lilli) also joined us. We were sad though that my sister Mandy was too busy being a new grown up and on a business trip in Phoenix.

This was Owen's first time out in a boat and in a lake - and he really enjoyed it! My parents got him a lifejacket and a fun float! He just chilled out in the float like a rich old man! On most of the boat rides he fell asleep or at least stopped crying because he loved the wind on his face. He did a nice job and I was so proud of him!

It was also special this weekend because I got to meet my youngest cousin, David, and my Uncle Walter and his family got to meet Owen. We also got to spend some time with my cousin Rob and his family. One thing I love about the lake is that there is always some family that we get to see and spend time with.

While there, I found out that Owen's competitive side came out as he loved playing tug of war with me. Needless to say, he wasn't very good. However, today we were playing and he actually won once and I didn't even let him! The sad thing is what that says about me.

Something I love about Owen is all of the faces he makes! I especially melt when he scrunches his forward. I am so thankful for Owen and for seeing his personality more and more as he gets older!

Sneak Peek World Cup 2030: Owen named Captain for USA

Sorry the video is sideways, I didn't really think about that when I was recording.

"I can ride my bike with no handlebars"

The Flobots have a song called "Handlebars" which is a fun song if you ignore the political undertone. A few summers ago Jon was obsessed with it and we listened to it all the time. Lately, I've heard Owen singing it around the apartment as he is quite pleased with himself for all that he is able to do. A few of the lyrics go like this, "I can ride my bike with no handlebars/no handlebars/no handbars/look at me, look at me/hands in the air like it's good to be/ALIVE/ and I'm a famous rapper/even when the paths're all crookedy/I can show you how to do-si-do/I can show you how to scratch a record/I can take apart the remote control/and I can almost put it back together..." In response to his bragging, I've been having to teach him about humility. Even though he can't ride his bike with no handlebars, here are some fun things Owen has been doing lately:

*being in stand-up toys

*riding in the sit-up position in the stroller

*grabbing and hanging onto toys

*grabbing his feet

*and he can roll over from back to tummy (as you can see in this progression of photos, he has yet to learn to roll from tummy to back)

July has flown by!

We have had a great time these past few weeks! July has been a full and delightful month!

Fourth of July - Jon and I had Parker and Trent over for lunch and cards. We all had such a good time that each of us ended up taking naps! I woke up before all of them (my nap also started before theirs) and caught it all on camera. Here is our apartment filled with sleeping boys!

Later that night, Jon headed off to work hard at Nationwide while Owen headed to Jordan Park Camp to the all-church Independence Day celebration. We loved getting to see friends from all of the congregations! I am thankful that even though we don't get see each other all the time that God still unites us and helps us to retain good friendships! Here is a picture from the talent show that night.

Fifth of July - My Birthday! It was such a wonderful day! It started off with coffee at Caribou with Carol and Liz. I loved getting to catch up with them. Then we were all surprised with Ashley and Ava walked in and we got to spend some time with them too. Ava had fun putting stickers from her shoes all over Owen's forehead. Owen had fun watching Ava (I think he might have his first crush... sorry Payton)! Later that day, Jon surprised me with a bike and we took a bike ride in the rain! The night ended with a delicious dinner at Bonefish Grill. I am thankful for everyone making my birthday so special.

July 8th - 11th - We took a trip to Minnesota and got to see so many people we love so much but live so far away!!! Melanie, Katherine and Wesley were in town from Idaho. It was so so wonderful to see them! It seemed like the kids had a fun time meeting their new cousin. We had fun on Friday spending time at "Oma's" house, hanging out and going boating. Then for the rest of the weekend, we had a good time at "Grandpa Scott's" grilling out and going to parks! It was also a special treat having Anne in Owatonna the whole weekend too!

On Saturday, Jon's good friend from high school Beth Standke got married. So, all the boys were back in town! We were so excited that Connaker, Dahle and Emily all came from San Francisco! It had been almost a whole year since we had seen them! Molson and Callie were also around for the weekend and we enjoyed getting to hang out with them!

On Sunday, after we got back from Owatonna, Jon went to work at Nationwid. He is pretty amazing - after most trips he does not get a break! He goes straight to work and never complains! I am thankful for Jon with his work ethic and great attitude that accompanies his working to provide for Owen and I. Since the fireworks were cancelled the week before because of rain, Owen and I went to Ankeny with the Grand View students to watch fireworks. Owen was very interested in them and kept watching them as he drank his bottle. I didn't get any pictures of the fireworks though :(

July 12th - At Jordan Park Camp, our church had a cabin lottery. Grand View got a cabin and this summer we have been working to fix it up. Jon and/or others will go out there a couple of times a week to work on it. It will be such a wonderful blessing to have when it's done to be able for any of us to go out to for a night with a few people or a lifegroup. Here are some pictures from one of the work days.

July 13th & 18th - My sister Mandy moved to Chicago the week of the 13th. She is starting a financial consulting job at Deloit (sp?) and is living in the John Hancock building right on Michigan Avenue! We are so proud of her! It was fun though because on the way there, my dad and Mandy stayed the night to see us! And then on the way back, my dad, mom and Sandy stayed the night again. For some reason I didn't take many pictures, but we had a good time together and had fun having everyone stay in our apartment!

July 25th & 26th - On Sunday and Monday, Scott, Anne, Jon, Owen and I went down to Kansas City to take Owen to his first Twins game! The Twins played the Royals and won 19-1! My dad got tickets on the front row behind the Twins dugout... needless to say Scott, Anne and Jon had an awesome time! My parents, Sandy and Tyler came to the game with us. My parents had a fun time being on Owen duty because we didn't want Owen to sit in the front row. Also during the weekend, the boys played golf, my dad grilled out, we got to visit all of the great-grandparents and got to see a few Aunts and cousins. We had such a good time with family!

Being so close to the game, Jon had a fun time being a creeper and taking a zillion photos of Carl Pavano and his famous Pavanostache. An nbc sportsblog wrote the following about Pavano (aka "Super Pavario"):

But how did this occur? At what moment did Carl Pavano the pitcher and his mustache cease to become separate entities? These questions are far too difficult for someone like me to answer, but as I have mentioned before, do not fear Pavanostache, but it would be wise of you to remain in awe of its power.

Jon and Anne also creeped on Gardy, Mauer and others. :)