Three!

Graham turned three on Friday, June 28.  He asked for two plain doughnuts (glazed doughnuts from Dillon's) for breakfast.  He opened and immediately put on the above outfit from my parents.  We sang "Happy Birthday" and pretty much ran out the door to hit the road to KC for state baseball.  We made a pitstop in Topeka to transfer Graham over to my mom.  He was happy to load his self-packed bag of underwear (he took his whole drawer) and Pringles and leave us behind.

We gave him a water gun (which he thinks is fabulous) and Quint and Susan gave him these real looking golf clubs that seem to satisfy his need for "real" golf clubs.  I think he could still injure someone, but at least they aren't deadly.  One of these days, we will take him to get a bike with pedals for his true birthday gift.

He can be a completely sweet boy, but also a total sassy-pants.  He quotes us often.  Things like, "Don't talk to me like that," and, "You're being rude to me," and, "Stop being a jerk, _____."  He has a big vocabulary and talks all of the time--many times about things I was hoping he'd forget about.  He runs to his room crying (for whichever parent didn't just tell him he can't have something) at least five times every day and comes out 30 seconds later asking for something different.  Graham also asks me several times every day what time it is.  G:  "What time is it, Mom?"  Me:  "4:50."  G:  "4:50?  Okay."  And he leaves as if he totally understood what I said.

He loves doing anything that Owen and Miles like to do (and pretty much nothing a three-year-old should like unless he's at school with kids his age), going to baseball games to play with the siblings of Owen and Miles' teammates, golf clubs, gum, BLUE BLANKIE, sucking his right thumb, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, the same three books (Owl Babies, Dizzy the Dragon, and Ziggy the Zebra) that he can "read" to himself, and spending time outside.

House Update #7

Late June:  the house is coming right along. I think we have picked out nearly everything. The interior has one coat of paint, trim work is in full swing, hard floors are in, and driveway/back patio are prepped for pouring concrete. 

Lucky 7

Miles turned seven on Saturday.  He (happily) spent his special day at Owen's baseball games in Clay Center--mostly running around with the younger siblings or trying to run the scoreboard.  Adam's parents were able to be here for the weekend, partly to see them on/around their birthdays and partly to watch some baseball games.  After the games Mike and Rosie took the big boys to eat with some of the baseball families at Nelson's Landing in Leonardville.  He was embarrassed when they all sang to him. He too wants to go to Oceans of Fun to celebrate his birthday.

We bought him a Ripstick (two wheeled skateboard) that he was dying to have.  He's trying to get the hang of it, but it's tough!  He also got some new Under Armour gear, Dick's card, and "Epic Mickey" for the PS3.

At seven, he loves playing sports (anything that Owen plays), goofing around, swimming, pizza, ice cream, gum, playing catch (with anyone who is willing), and entertaining and antagonizing his brothers.  He's an awesome little dude who keeps us laughing.  Happy Birthday, Miles Harlan!

Double Digits!

Owen turned 10 yesterday!  He was a good sport and accompanied me to Topeka to meet with the cabinet people.  While there we were able to meet up with my parents and open birthday gifts (if you guessed neon Under Armour outfit and matching basketball socks, you were right :).  Then Owen picked Chipotle for lunch.  When we got home he dug into his new PS3 baseball game from us and played that until it was time for baseball practice, followed by a friend's pool party.  I felt a little guilty that he was going to a classmate's party on his own birthday, but he would have been bummed to miss it.  As for his own "party" (you know we don't do parties), he wants to go to Oceans of Fun this summer.  So this is on the to-do list for July sometime.

Favorites:  sports (anything with a ball makes him happy), swimming, TV, PS3, tacos, steaks, ice cream, Under Armour, Nike socks, time with friends, playing catch with Adam or Miles, batting cages.

He's an awesome big brother and a great kid.  Happy Birthday, Owen Luke!

Happy Father's Day

Adam spent his special day coaching first base for Owen's baseball team.  Even though we got home too late on Sunday night, it was a fun way to spend the day.  They bought him some new Nike shorts and gave him a back rub.  They are so lucky to have such a great dad!

Our friend Michelle took this picture a couple of weeks ago--I love it!  Perfect for Father's Day!

Late Night

We spent Father's Day weekend (all the way till midnight Sunday night when we finally got everyone showered and to bed) at Owen's baseball tournament in McPherson.  The boys played great ball, and ended the weekend 5-1.  Their only loss was to another (VERY good) Manhattan team in the championship.  Owen has a lot of good friends (and basketball teammates) on the opposing team; I think he was both excited and apprehensive about playing his buddies.  Owen had his first home run and was awarded three different MVP awards (the opponent's coaches give an offensive and defensive MVP each game).  His team beat two teams that they lost to early in the season.  Hopefully they continue playing great as a team as we head into the final two weeks of the season.  Part of the fun of any sports season is the friendships among the parents and the siblings.  Both Miles and Graham think it's a treat to spend the days and nights at the fields:  playing catch, going to the kiddie parks, eating out of everyones' coolers and bags, and getting D.I.R.T.Y!!!

Owen and Brett after the first game on Saturday.

Braves and Titans group picture after final game (we actually got stopped in the fifth inning because of lightning and quickly took a picture, packed up, and hit the road).

Graham with Meg and Tess after their "Starburst Art Session."  Can you tell it's an elephant?

Braves after first game.

Who knows how he ended up like this...

All Stars

Owen finished his first overnight camp last Thursday. He had a great time and played lots of basketball. He and his Manhattan teammates all made the All-Star team and got to play a game for the campers and parents. His team lost by a point in the last few seconds, but he earned the "Defensive Player of the Game" award. He came home with a poster, medal, and a bunch of awards (that we will now have to keep away from Graham). Adam went to this same camp when he was younger and was also a camp All-Star so Owen was pretty happy to match or one-up his dad.

House Update #6

Early June--We are in the building phase where every day brings noticeable changes. It's fun to see the house taking shape. I think they are even a bit ahead of schedule at this point, perhaps late August for move in?? That is if I can make up my mind on colors, finishes, etc.

Coach Pitch

Miles finally had his first baseball game last night. As you can see he has the "adjusting" part down. He actually played an awesome game--a couple of good hits and really good fielding. Unfortunately it looks like tonight's game will get rained out. Graham spent his time taking apart and putting back together a bunch of Lego men--in the dirt, of course.

Big Kid

Owen left yesterday for his first overnight camp. He didn't seem one bit sad when I dropped him off. I'm sure it will be a fun week of hoops, pizza, dorm life, and stinky boys!