Memorial Day

5/30/11

We woke up to a HOT summer day.  We took a quick bike ride to my parents to pick up clear cups for my dessert.  After a quick bike repair (Erik's pedal fell off... again), we headed home to shower and get ready for ER's Memorial Day parade.  Owen loved the parade and clapped and waved at all the "trucks".  Owen was exhausted after the parade and took a nice nap.  After napping we went down to my parents, where he swam in the baby pool (there's is way too cold still), and Zach cooked us his turkey. 

Owen waiting for the parade in his race car

Where is it????

O making faces at Zach

O in front of the Grand River, which is pretty high due to all the rain

Are 3 binks too much?

Trying to help Daddy

Quickly mowing the backyard before the parade

Tasty Desserts

Over the weekend I tested out two new desserts.  Both were a success!  I'm hoping to try out lots of new recipes over the summer... I'll share any successful dishes.  :)

Peanut Butter Brownie Trifle
1 fudge brownie mix (13x9 pan size)
1 pkg. (10 oz.) peanut butter chips
2 pkg. (13 oz. each) miniature peanut butter cups
4 cups cold 2 % milk
2 pkg. (1.5 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup creamy peanut butter
4 tsp. vanilla extract
3 cartons (8 oz. each) frozen whipped topping, thawed

• Cook brownies according to package.  Cool and cut into 3/4 in pieces.
• In a large bowl, whisk milk and pudding mixes for 2 min.  Let stand for 2 min.  Add peanut butter and vanilla; mix well.  Fold in 2 cartons of whipped topping.
• Place a third of the brownies in your trifle bowl, top with a third of the peanut butter cups (cut in 1/2).  Spoon a third of the pudding mixture over the top and repeat layers. 
• Refrigerate until chilled. 
• Recipe from Taste of Homes Magazine April/May 2010

I stumbled upon these Patriotic Parfaits last week.  I tried them out on Memorial day, where everyone seemed to enjoy them.  Super easy to make and a nice light dessert for HOT summer days.

Owen's First Birthday

5/28/2011
We made it to Owen's first birthday!  It's so hard to believe how fast the last year has gone by.  It's amazing to look back and see all the changes he has made.  I can only imagine what the next year will bring!  We are so blessed to have so many people who love and support our family.  Owen definitely has a village raising him!  His first birthday party was a success, filled with great food, family and lots of presents.  Here are a few pictures of his birthday party. 

Birthday boy with his new power wheels 4 wheeler

The guys built Owen a swing set for his first birthday!

He loves swinging!

Owen and the swing set builders- his Grandpas, Daddy and Uncle Zachy

The truffle I made- So good!  Inspired to take pictures of my food from Kate! :) 

Owen mad at me for not letting him open his gifts

Owen showing Uncle Zachy his new wheels

Hotdogs for dinner- Hotdog! 

Owen was so excited to see Chloe.  He yelled "baby!"

O loved his popper

He also loved his tractor

Owen's brand new car!  Can't wait to take him for a walk in it!

Owen's first birthday cake.  My mom did a wonderful job making this! 

Our family

Eating his birthday cake... more like crumbling and throwing his first birthday cake

Grandpa, Chloe, Kels, Me, and Owen

Grandma and Grandpa with their Great Grand babies

Grandma and Grandpa with Chloe

Owen playing with his car in the kitchen- mid party

Owen, Aunt Lori, and Uncle Scooter

Owen, Grandma Krissy, and Great Grandma Evelyn

The Sanders Family

Owen's new backpack for school (daycare)

O giving Chloe kisses bye

Owen and Daddy blowing bubbles

BFF's playing in the hallway

5/13/11

Cute video of Owen and Noah chasing each other in our hallway. 

Playdate with Noah

5/13/11

Noah came over on Friday to play with Owen.  Both boys were feeling under the weather this week.  Noah was not at school on Thursday or Friday so they were more than excited to see each other again.  They played outside for a little bit, before playing inside.  

Owen and Noah

Checking out the bush

Chasing each other around the living room

Owen beating up Noah

Karate chop to the head ( and this is why daycare says he is beating up other kids... YIKES)

Noah putting Owen in a headlock and loving it!

Trying to escape

Watching Ryan on the front deck.

Cohen's home

5/9/11

After going on vacation for a month to the Smith's Cohen came home.  Owen was so excited, poor Co was chased all over the house.  

First Mothers Day

5/8/11

I celebrated my first mothers day this year.  Owen made adorable handprints for me at school.  It was a very sweet surprise.  We had a wonderful dinner with my family to celebrate all the wonderful mom's in our family.  

Opening my first mothers day gift from Owen

Adorable hand prints, poem, and picture of Owen from School

First Mothers day

Owen sitting in a big boy chair

Owen taking Grandma her card

He wasn't sure which Grandma to give the card to

This picture makes me chuckle.