Hawaii

We just returned from an amazing family vacation to Maui, Hawaii...just the three of us! We feel so blessed to be able to have this special week away together, just in time for the holidays!

At the airport, getting ready to board our flight.

(I'll always remember this moment!...I said "Owen, Smile!" and he turned to look at me, propped his arm on Brian's shoulder, and smiled! Coincidence?...maybe! But he responded as if he understood, and it was precious!)

Reading books, one of our many attempts to keep Owen happy during the 6 hour flight. Yikes! He did remarkably well, not really fussing at all, and sleeping for about an hour two different times.

We've arrived! And with enough lugage that it appeared as if we were moving to Maui. :) What's amazing is that Brian & I shared one suitcase (and a laptop bag) and the rest of the luggage is Owen's. Toys, clothes, food, stroller, carseat...incredible what it takes to travel with a baby!


Yay! We are in the hotel room and Owen is thrilled to streatch out and roll around for the first time all day. Let the vacation begin!


View from our hotel room balcony. We spent many hours each day enjoying this balcony as Owen took his naps.

Hawaii was Owen's first experience at a beach...not a bad way to start!

...and as you can see by his smile, he loved it!

Owen enjoying a bottle on the beach...or a "picnic" as we like to say!

And of course there was plenty of pool time!

one of Owen's favorite pool activities

watching in amazement as other kids run, splash, & play

And some of our favorite moments...cozy towel snuggles after fun at the beach or pool!

Throughout the week, we enjoyed:

wonderful walks each day...

...dinners at fun beachside restaurants...

...stunning sunsets...

...and cozy bedtime moments.

Hard to say goodbye! But it was a wonderful week, and we have holidays with family to look forward to upon our return.

Mele Kalikimaka!

(Hawaiian for "Merry Christmas")

7 Months

7 months old and on the move! Well....sort of, anyway! Owen isn't crawling yet, but he "rolls with purpose" as we like to say. He does a great job pushing up on his arms, pivoting toward something he wants, and then rolling to get there. It is so amazing to see his mind working as he as he maneuvers his way toward a particular toy. Great 'problem solving' skills being developed! He has 2 teeth on the bottom, and one about to break through on the top. Owen is enjoying the sound of his own voice - and participates in our conversations with all sorts of squeals and shouts. He is doing great with solid food....tolerating the cereal and enjoying fruits & veggies. His favorite toy remains to be "Mr. Monkey" (who you can spot in previous blog postings) and his favorite activities include jumping in his “jumparoo” and giggling in a mirror. Owen is very good natured - with a contagious smile, great facial expressions, and a wonderful laugh. He is such a blessing and gift...bringing us so much joy! We love him to pieces!