K's Birthday Part 2

We celebrated Kellen's birthday a few days early, so when the actual day rolled around, we decided to have a little ice cream party with two of Kellen's friends, Gavin and Olivia (or as Kellen calls her, ee-ya). Kellen LOVED his strawberry ice cream cone and is still talking today about his "special treat".

These are pics of Kellen enjoying one of his birthday presents from mom and dad, a wagon! This wagon has it all- cup holder, compartment for his toys, and a seat belt! Certainly not like how they used to make 'em! (or so I am told)

Deuces WILD

We celebrated Mr. Kellen's 2nd Birthday with family this weekend and lucked out with some beautiful weather. Em and I got the festivities started by making limited edition birthday tee-shirts to commemorate the day. Kellen got his own special tee, which elicited a couple 'happy birthday!''s from strangers.
We packed a cooler with lunches, drinks and some treats (animal crackers are awesome!) and headed to the Bronx Zoo for the day. Kellen enjoyed seeing all the animals with one minor exception: the sea lion got a little too close for his comfort.
Our perfect day was topped off with BBQ, cake and presents back at our house. We did some really good eating for dinner (to be expected!) and Emilie stayed up late with Zach, Jill and me (not going to bed until 11 o'clock!!!). Kellen now has a nice set of wheels in the new wagon his Mom and Dad got him. It'll be perfect for some pumpkin picking in the next week.

The (little) Man of Many Talents

And because I am on a roll, I wanted to share some of K's new "talents". He does make his Mommy and Daddy so proud:)

1. Loves to high five. Also loves the "foot five" which we created in the car when he is in his seat and he can't reach our hand. The high five isn't just saved for people, he also likes to high five stuffed animals and Hazel (the dog).
2. Says "bless you" when someone sneezes (or his version of bless you)
3. When Adam is at work and I put K on the phone, he either says "choo choo" or "shower" which, I am guessing, are the two things that come to mind when he hears Adam's voice.
4. Does all of the animal noises. My favorites are his version of "cock-a-doodle-doo" and when he snorts to make a pig sound.
5. Obsessed with flushing the toliet...sorry to all those water conservationists.
6. Plays peek a boo non stop, even when no one is looking.
7. Likes to find garbage and either throws it out in the garbage can, or says "ewwww" and hands it to me to throw out.

More to come...

Vacation Part 2

Some pics from our trip to Bend. We enjoyed a beautiful hike up Iron Mountain...brought Hazel (the dog), but left K at home. We also enjoyed a bike ride at Sunriver, a float down the Deschutes River, lots of amazing meals, and most importantly, the sun!


This was our trip to Oceanside, Or with our friends from college and their little ones. Had fun catching up, playing on the beach, taking a tour of Tillamook Cheese factory, and watching the kids play together...wish we could see each other more often!



And of course, the impetus for our trip was Dave's retirement from the Oregonian...45 years! We had a lot of fun surprising him and getting to meet all of his co-workers at his retirement party. Portland was all about spending time with friends, family and EATING! We certainly miss all of the good food (and beer) that Portland has to offer.

Vacation Part 1

As you probably have noticed, I am not the best blogger. I try my best to keep you all up to date on our little guy, but I obviously need to do a better job! Kellen is changing everyday. He is talking up a storm, running all over the place, and occasionally showing some signs of the oh so lovely two year old behavior ( and considering he is only 21 months, I am not sure what that is all about) I knew he was advanced, but I was hoping not in that way!

Here are some pics from our trip down to Florida. We had a great time visiting family and enjoying all of the beach/pool time. K loved his time with his cousins, Aunt and Uncle, and his Mimi and "Pop-pop". He also got a little spoiled with his 1st ice cream sundae! We then spent a few days in Key Largo with Adam while he was working...K and I had no problem tagging along for that part of the trip!

The three cousins!

As soon as we got home from our trip out to the left side of the coast, we were greeted by Ben, Nicole, Alex, and Mikey. Ben was taking his first official "business trip" to do some work on both our house and Mom's house. It was the best of both worlds because we got to spend time with family and also get some excellent work done on our house. Ben was able to put new flooring in our kitchen and take the wall down between our family room and kitchen, to make one nice BIG room. We are very satisfied customers and already have plans for his next trip out!

February trip to Oregon

We had quite a trip out to Oregon this February. As you can see from the pictures, we were able to enjoy both the winter weather, and the gift of some really nice spring weather. Among all of the time we were able to spend time with friends and family, we also went downhill skiing, cross county skiing, snow shoeing, and hiking. Kellen was able to join us on the last two activities and was quite a sport! He definitely loved being outdoors. Kellen also grew a very strong attachment to my Dad's dog, Hazel. In fact, Kellen has now added 'doggie' and 'woof woof' to his vocabulary.

New House in Fairfield, CT

The day of the closing, we got right in the house and started to paint. Our goal was to get the master and the kitchen done by the move day, which happened to be the next day. By midnight, we were finished and exhausted! Definitely happy we did it though!


Random pic, but too cute to pass up. This was taken on New Years Day for the Rose bowl. Kellen was all ready for game day...sorry the Ducks were not:(

Dining Room


Downstairs hallway


Kitchen in its "before" color. It is now painted in a pretty blue they call "ocean mist"


Adam strutting through our new house


Living Room


Family Room...some people aren't too fond of this purple, but we love it!


Yes, there is a telephone in the bathroom and no, we will not be calling anyone from it.


Master Bedroom also in its before color. We decided on the color "twilight" which is a greyish/purple.

Upstairs Hallway