Owen turns 3!

Last weekend we celebrated Owen's third birthday. With the work going on at our house, we didn't want to do anything too big. On Saturday, Owen had his two friends Andrew and Conner and their mom's over for playing and eating cupcakes. We gave him his first present before they came- a turtle sandbox- so that everyone could play with it. On Sunday we opened presents in the morning and played with them all day. We gave him a cement mixer and an excavator for his sandbox. From our families he was given lots of games, a new bear, some new clothes, a kid size digital camera, and lots of fun toys. We had our 3rd annual spaghetti and meatball birthday dinner, and then Laurel and Valerie's families came over for cake and ice cream. Later, Ken and Laura came over with Madeline and their newly adopted daughter Amelia- they had just gotten home from China earlier that week. All the kids took turns on Owen's new "sit and spin". It was a treat to have everyone over, and Owen had a wonderful time.

a few good things

Owen started at his new day care ("school") when we returned home from Vermont. It's run by the same non-profit, but a different, larger center with all new teachers. Owen is in a room with 2.5 to 4 year olds. We were concerned about the change- he was very attached to a few of his teachers and had begun making some good friends at the Monroe Center. After a rough couple of days, Owen seems to really be enjoying his new school. One of his friends from Monroe, Conner, is with him now, and he has a new favorite teacher.

Owen has been getting pretty good about using the potty now. He's still in diapers, but uses the bathroom a majority of the time both at home and at school. I think underwear will be in his near future.

Owen has a new imaginary friend- it's an alligator without a name. The alligator is somewhat mischievous- trying to get into the fish tank to eat our fish and such. This alligator has yet to bite Owen, but they are careful around each other. Don't know where he came from and how long he's staying with us, but it's amusing in the meantime.

we've begun to remodel

We have started our home remodel, and started our remodel blog. Link is below and on the sidebar to the right:

http://mcmanus-remodel.blogspot.com

Fourth of July in Vermont

We flew from Virginia up to Vermont and spent the week with Richard's family. Nancy spent the first weekend with us, and Susan and her sons spent the whole week. It was great to have everyone together, and the first time we met baby Robert.

Richard went on several tubing trips down the Battenkill with Chris and Ryan. Owen went on one of them, and seemed to enjoy it.

We spent time at Thomas and Kathy's farm and enjoyed seeing all the hard work they have been doing there. Owen remembered their horses from Christmas and was excited to see them. Owen went into Roger and Ivonne's pool this year and had a great time. He enjoyed spending time with his cousins and Grandma Sally and trying to convince anyone to play "airport."

Virginia in June

We have spent the past few Fourth of July's in Virginia with my folks, but this year we went there the last week in June.

My parents have been working all year on adding on to their house at the bay. It is now more than twice as large, with a beautiful timberframe addition. You can see the progress on their blog (see link on the right). This was the first time we saw all that they have done, and it is amazing. Everything came together perfectly.

The first weekend was my parents last weekend with their home in Chesterfield. On Monday, they closed on the sale. We took the last few things out and they signed the paperwork.

We spent the rest of the week swimming in the river and watching sunsets. My parents also treated us to a night at Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg. Owen had a great time in the kid pool, and we all enjoyed the waterslides.

On our last night, the Muhly's flew in and we got to spend one night with both families.

catching up- early June

OK, it's been a while.

We had a great beginning to the summer with a visit from my friend Sheila who took the train up from Oakland (seemed like a great idea, but took her over 24 hours). We did the usual weekend things- farmer's market and some naps. We also went to Silver Creek State Park to see this waterfall and so Sheila could see some Northwest trees.

a big week

Owen made a lot of forward momentum this week. It started last Saturday when he let Richard buy him a new helmet and they went out biking for the first time. That was a huge step for Owen, and he did really well on the bike and had a lot of fun. Sunday, he talked to our neighbors, Owen and Ruth, for the first time. He was making pretend butter, and he even brought them samples. Previously he'd hide behind us while we talked to them.

On Monday he talked to some contractors that were at our house- he told them how old he was, and showed them his favorite animals and toys. And one night this week, Owen didn't fall asleep until after we were ready to go to bed, so he came in and tucked us each in bed, then turned out our light and went to his own room and fell asleep. He tucked himself in for his nap today. Our shy little boy is really growing up (he's 40" tall now!) and growing more comfortable with everything.