Christmas Pictures

Justin and I did our best this week to get some good pictures by the tree. This is just using the self-timer on the camera and attempting to get Owen to look at the camera, even though there's no one fun behind to make him want to look in that direction. We basically ended up with 2 types of pics: the blank stare face from Owen, wondering again why he was having to sit still and look at a flashing light and the "cheese" face from Owen. I have to say the cheese face is my favorite. When we tell him to say cheese for a picture, this is the face he now always makes.

More pumpkin pictures

We went to see Ann's parents a few weeks ago and got to go to Eckert's farm to pick apples and look at pumpkins.

Choc Milk

Daddy... Daddy... Dad-Dee. It is 7 a.m. and Owen is standing in his bed, calling out to me. I sit up, gaze through the hall and say "Hey buddy!" He sees me, says "Hi" and then "Choc Milk!", and so our day begins. Apparently Owen has become addicted to chocolate milk. As soon as he's awake, he needs it. Sometimes, being the concerned parents that we are, we try and trick him into drinking just the white stuff.... but he soon realizes and gets pretty angry. I don't know if chocolate milk has been proven to contribute to anger problems, but I am thinking that there is a direct corelation. In a few studies I have read, "it might not be a good idea to let your child drink a gallon of chocolate milk for breakfast". Although, if you read the Nestle Quick label, it seems to have some pretty good health benefits.... and doesn't mention anything related to anger problems. There could be something to that little rabbit on the box. His relationship with Owen may need to be re-examined.

Chill'n

I got fifty bones for my birthday, plus fifteen more from a tent sized Cardinal shirt which was returned. I have been trying to decide what to spend all of the birthday money on, and it has been a hard process. The nice guy in me thinks I should by a little tykes b-ball goal for Owen and take Ann for a movie, but they didn't turn twenty-nine, I did. So, I have had some ideas. WalMart is offering a slew of skateboard packages in my price range, and we do have a new skate park close by. There are so many kids out there every time we drive by... I really could see myself gleaming the cube with them. Adventuresome Ross, a new contact fresh in from Colorado, told me that skating was the hardest thing he has ever done and that I should invest in all of the pads and helmets. That would put me over my budget, so I guess skating will be left to my dreams. I also have thought about buying baseball equipment (mainly just balls and wooden bats) in an effort to get my midnight baseball league off the ground. Its going to be pretty huge, with play all over southeast Missouri once the word spreads... people love playing baseball. I may just go by a chainsaw since we have three trees that need to be cut down... or a cool Firefly for Owen. He needs to keep in touch better.

J-town is hot. We recently went to the Jon Mark Milde wedding and proudly sported our Elvis gear at the rehearsal dinner. Looking forward to http://www.labordayatthebeards.com/

Five Years Strong

So, after five long, hard years.... that haven't been too long or hard...we get to celebrate the 5 year milestone. The three of us recently spent a weekend in St. Louis to celebrate our five year anniversary. We revisited all of our wedding sites: the Far Oaks golf course for some rehearsal dinner memories, the Opera House Cafe for some pre-wedding brunch, and FBC O'Fallon to see the site where we tied the knot. It was a super-fun weekend, as we also took Owen to his first Cardinal game and to the zoo. As many of you know, Owen is crazy about Pujols... and we were lucky enough to get some pretty close views of him. Owen also got to give Fredbird a high-five! We were really proud of him for being able to sit through the whole game, needless to say he ate lots of cheerios and chewed about a cup full of ice cubes to stay busy.

Wifflefest 2007

Wifflefest 2007 was by most standards a success. Games were played, battles were waged, and teams tasted wiffleball victory. We had about 75 folks attend and look forward to bigger, better Fest next year. We were pumped to get the front page coverage in the Southeast Missourian (must have been a slow news day!). Thanks to all our friends and family who braved the heat to come together for some fun.

AV Rocks vs. Robbie's Rebels or should we say "Friends vs. Friends"

Thanks Mom and Dad from coming down to play and watch Owen.

A look at the Pond Field.

Our attempt of getting a shot of the kid's.

Who doesn't like a good potluck?

Last year's champs: Robbie's Rebels (looking very rebelish in their Hawaiian shirts)

Owen warming up for a game.

Preparing for wifflefest is the main event for the Osborne household at the present time (see www.yellowbatwhiteball.com). It's been a blast getting ready for it, and we are looking forward to seeing so many friends gathered for a day of wiffleball. I'm not quite sure what we'll have to talk at the dinner table anymore after Saturday. Justin will just have to dream up a new event to plan in the months to come. ..