Thanksgiving Week with Uncle Les

Looking at the giraffes

 

Great picture with Uncle Les

He loved the aquariums!

We have a walker!

 

Stinkin' Cutie!

We were lucky enough to have Uncle Les, Uncle Dane, and Aunt Mary at the house for Thanksgiving this year and it was tons of fun. We watched way too much football in my opinion but we also dined on 2 turkeys, mashed potatoes, collards, stuffing, squash and zucchini, rolls, and cheesecake. It was delicious and we all had wonderful naps afterward.

On Black Friday, I did a little shopping to get Anthony some new clothes that fit and then we headed to the zoo which was great. The weather was mid-70s and Owen loved it and was really engaged in looking at the animals.

His Favorite Animals
- Giraffes
- Penguins
- Goats (he called them Bo which is his word for dog because Uncle Dane and Aunt Mary have a dog named Beau)
- Birds

Not So Favorite Animals
- Ant Eater
- Jaguar
- Lizards
- Monkeys

He was tired after the zoo and slept really well in the car.

Owen's 1st Birthday Party

While home for Ryan and Candice's wedding and enjoying the mini-high school reunion it created, we decided to let Diana do what she does best and we threw Owen's first birthday party at The Breakers in Fort Walton Beach. It was fun having Owen's first birthday party there because that is where Anthony and I married so it was kind of a neat experience.

Owen is extremely loved and we are so blessed. I tried to discourage gifts but friends, aunts, and grandparents don't listen to those types of things and Mr. Owen ended up happily spoiled and we are grateful for it. He hit the jackpot, too! With new clothes, a custom red wagon, balls, legos, a bike, a dump truck, puzzles, rattles, books, and so much more! Thank you so much to everyone that gave Owen a gift or came to the party.

SPOILED!

I think he likes chocolate cake

He cleaned his plate and Aunt Annie cleaned him!

The weather was crummy but we did get to do some swimming for his pool party birthday and Owen love the food too which was funny because he has gotten so picky lately. He really enjoyed the chicken salad sandwiches and clearly the chocolate cake which I felt was the best decision for his gateway chocolate!

Guests at the party:
- Grandma Diana and Papa Jim
- Gi Judi and Papa Mark
- Grandpa Aho
- Wendy
- Uncle Les
- Aunt Annie
- Brittney and Jalyn
- The Drowns
- The Roses
- The Connellys
- The Duttons
- Dana Davis
- The Churches
- Diana Nguyen
- Darryl Lamar
- The Fretwells
- The Traftons

I can't believe how quickly that first year flew by. I'm so happy and blessed to have Owen in my life and I know that Anthony feels the same. We are both so proud of our son and we can't wait to see what incredible things he does in his life. He makes us so happy and we are truly enjoying life as parents.

Drs. Hidalgo

Isn't Candice stunning?

I couldn't be happier for them!!!

Mid-August 2015, two very dear friends of mine Candice Langdon and Ryan Hidalgo FINALLY tied the knot after dating nearly 10 years. I was so, so happy to be invited and able to participate in the celebration of their love. It was a beautiful ceremony and very intimate for a couple that has had such an impact on so many of their close friends.

In high school, Candice was the social planner for the entire IB group and really made me feel welcome as I was navigating the awkward social world of high school. I didn't quite fit into any one cliché so I appreciated her including me. Ryan and I swam together for Choctaw High School although he was always WAY faster than me... probably also because he was a sprinter and I was a distance swimmer. Anyway, at the wedding, I was one of the few people that was able to say that had shaved the groom's legs... Ok, so I was the only one that could claim that. So many great memories surround these two friends of mine and I look forward to watching their family grow throughout the years.

Congratulations Ryan and Candice on the beautiful life you two are starting together! I'm glad to have participated and I'm here to bolster you up if you need it.

Aunt Mandy's Visit

They are both Goofs!

I love them!!! Mandy is so beautiful!

Yay for Friends!!!

Mandy came to visit in August for her mom's birthday weekend and it was SO much fun to see her and introduce her to Owen. We don't get to chat as often as I'd like and I know that is my fault but I am so grateful to have her in my life. It is crazy how it can seem like nothing has changed or time has stood still when you are together with dear friends.

Oh, and we went to Sushi House of course! This was a frequent hang out when we were in college... about 5 years ago... where does the time go?

Pictures from July 2015

Playing with one of his best friends Amelia

His favorite peekaboo is in our laundry