Bunnies, Eggs, and Baskets

Mom and Jimmy decided to come visit Madison for Easter weekend. The park next to our house had an egg hunt on Saturday. While Owen was too little to hunt eggs, we decided to see what to expect in the future. They had a bunny there for pictures.

Rusty was less than thrilled to wait in a short line for a picture with a fluffy bunny.

Owen didn't seem to mind the wait.

I wasn't sure how Owen would do with the bunny, since he has been showing fear of things like stuffed rocking horses and dogs. He didn't seem to mind.

On Easter morning, we gave Owen his basket before heading to my Aunt and Uncle's for lunch.

He enjoyed shaking the plastic eggs filled with bunny crackers.

It was then time to unpack his basket. First, remove the yogurt melts.

Next, remove the carrot snacks.

Finally, try the basket on for size.

What a great weekend! The next holiday is Memorial Day, which happens to be Owen's 1st birthday. I am still unsure how that is possible.

March's Odds and Ends

March got off to a rough start for us. Owen was diagnosed with RSV. Luckily it was a mild case and cleared up quickly.

Owen looks adorable in a mask and he was so good and sat there with it on.

We knew he wasn't feeling well when he wasn't eating much. This kid can eat! I am pretty sure he eats as much as a 10-year old. He LOVES minestrone soup.

When Rusty got home from Washington D.C., I picked him up and we headed to Chicago to see my mom's remodel. The weather was great, so we took Owen to the park.

This boy loves to be in a swing!

When we finally got back to Madison, I was unpacking and putting things away. Owen helped.

Owen turned 10 months old at the end of March. What?!? 10 months? He is definitely transitioning from a baby to a toddler every day.

It took me awhile to get my March posts done. I was exhausted from illness, traveling, and chasing after a very busy kid!

Washington D.C. - Day 3

Owen and I were solo on the third day, since the men had to work. It was my day to do what I wanted. After meeting Rusty for lunch, we headed to the U.S. Botanical Gardens.

Owen started the trip out by taking a snooze. He is an awesome travel buddy.

There were so many gorgeous flowers everywhere. I really enjoyed walking through the gardens.

Finally awake and ready for a photo with his mom. I love that he is always ready for a phot op!

Once again, his famous 'camera-face'. This kid kills me and amazes me daily!

We had dinner at the hotel that evening before Owen and I headed home the following morning. Grandpa Griff was nice enough to take the train with us to the airport to make sure Owen+me+luggage made it. This was Owen's 9th flight. He is a dream to travel with. He is always happy to be on an airplane, that is if he is awake. On the way home, he slept for an hour in the airport and the entire flight home! I guess he just wants to be able to go places with us.

Washington D.C. - Day 2

On the second day of our trip, Grandpa Griff joined us. We are glad he was able to meet us and go along with Rusty's planned tour.

We started the day with a walk along The National Mall.

We walked down to the U.S. Capitol. I am doing pretty good at trying to make sure I get in pictures with Owen.

It was nice to have someone on hand to snap a family photo. Rusty refuses to ask a stranger to do it and gets all on edge if someone offers.

Grandfather-Father-Son or maybe Father-Son-Grandson?

If this picture does not scream Spring is in the air, I don't know what would.

When Owen sees a camera, he makes a face to smile for the camera. He is such a ham already and so full of personality. This picture also shows all 8 of his teeth.

Rusty is reflecting on our trip or smelling something.

Next, we headed to the Museum of Natural History. Owen had to practice walking for Grandpa Griff.

I seriously cannot get enough of these guys! They really have so much fun together. I am constantly laughing.

I'm glad the entire family can pull out a cheesy smile, when necessary.

This human definitely changed our world and we wouldn't want it any other way.

Owen loved all of the displays. The different human heads, statues of people, and even big animals.

I think it is safe to say we were all a little exhausted by the end of the day. There is seriously so much to see there. It is so amazing that it is all free.

Washington D.C. - Day 1

Rusty does quite a bit of traveling for work, so Owen and I like to accompany him when possible. I was extremely excited about a trip to Washington D.C. during Spring for Cherry Blossom time. We spent three full days there and tried to see and do as much as possible. Here are the photos from our first day. We ended up walking almost 5 miles!

Washington Monument with Cherry Blossoms

Washington Monument through Cherry Blossoms. Trying my hand at an artistic photo.

Jefferson Memorial

Jefferson Memorial with Cherry Blossoms.

This was as close as we got to it, since Owen was taking a nap.

Cherry Blossoms! I am slightly obsessed.

Finally, a photo with some people!

Owen finally woke up. It was St. Patrick's Day. We made sure to wear green, since we didn't want to get pinched by anyone.

We happened upon a local artist painting the lovely scenary. Gorgeous!

MLK Jr. Memorial

My smiling guys.

Lincoln Memorial. I have some photos of us inside, but they are uploading sideways. Grrr!

The Reflecting Pool was under construction.

Next, on to the Vietnam Wall Memorial.

We walked up to the White House, just in time for Owen to take another nap.

White House

The museums of the Smithsonian are amazing. I cannot believe how awesome it is that every one has free admission.

Our last stop of the day was the National Museum of American History. We went to check out the flag that inspired the Star Spangled Banner. It was old and amazing. It is in this room with very low lights and you cannot take photos, since it is falling apart.

Rick comes to Madison

One of the good things about Rusty and Rick working in the same industry is they some times end up in the same place all expenses paid. Rick was able to spend the weekend with us before getting down to business. We have had 3 snowstorms all winter. One occurred when Jeri came to visit, so it was only appropriate that it happened for Rick too.

A photo from the morning of Rick's arrival.

Same photo from a few hours later.

Owen is waiting at the door for Rick's arrival. I didn't have the heart to tell him it was the wrong door!

We decided to be just like old times and hit up Red Robin.

From the moment Rick arrived, Owen played shadow. He needed to be right next to Rick.

Rick is a great uncle and will always indulge his nephews in some playtime. Owen likes playtime to begin right around 7:00 AM. Rick was a good sport and would let Owen wake him up every morning.

Close-up after a little wrestling!

Owen tried to stage a protest of Rick leaving by staging a sit-in on Rick's luggage.

Buddies!

This post wouldn't be complete without a few random Owen photos. Owen has been practicing his waving skills! He was a two-handed waver for a long time.

My current favorite picture of my little guy, well at least for this week.