Christmas in Nebraska

For Christmas 2011 decided to leave Florida in search of snow again but this trip was just an out and back to Nebraska to visit Grampy and Lovie. Since Owen was over 2 years old he got his own seat and loved it. We flew out of Tallahassee to Atlanta and on to Omaha. We were on an early flight out of TLH so we grabbed Owen out of bed and brought him to the airport in his pajamas. Everyone loved his Elmo slippers. We allowed a couple hours in ATL, plenty of time to stretch legs and explore.

Owen on his seat on the plane to Omaha

After Owen had a great time opening presents for his birthday we were all looking forward to the wonder and excitement of Christmas. We had been talking about Santa, his visiting on Christmas Eve, and presents. Luckily, Santa was able to find us in Nebraska.

Santa's footprints at the fireplace where the stockings were filled with goodies

Owen had a good time exploring what all was left Christmas morning but was slightly distracted by the first train gift.

Exploring what Santa left behind on Christmas morning

We had a nice relaxing Christmas Day opening presents and enjoying each others company, it was the first time we had all been together since our sailing trip over Christmas 2008.

Owen and Lovie eating blueberries for breakfast (this was a daily routine)

Owen learning about "eh-los" from the Lego Master

Owen and Grampy reading the Owen book

Of course a trip to Omaha wouldn't be complete without a day visiting the Great-Grandpas. Owen was much more interactive this time around and not only played with his trains but was also curious about both the Great-Grandpas.

Visiting with Great-Grandpa Miller

Visiting with Great-Gramps

Showing Great-Gramps how to use Mama's iPad

While we were there we made a batch of kolaches and Owen loved them. He had at least one every day for breakfast, and you can guess who got the last one.

Loving kolaches, even the toasty ones

Since Owen was so into trains, we decided to visit the RailsWest Railroad Museum, The museum was great, it had a small model train that Owen got to drive around the track, which of course he loved. They also had a larger model train of the whole Omaha-Council Bluffs area. Owen's favorite part were the old engines and cars outside that he could climb on and walk through. He even got to sit up on the engineer's seat and ring a couple bells.

Driving the model trains

Exploring with Uncle Paul (which sounded a lot like apple pie all week)

 

Even though we didn't see snow again this trip we had a great time in Omaha. It was a relaxing, low key vacation and the best part was spending time together. Although Owen would likely say the best part were the trains he got for presents and the trains he got to explore.

Fourth of July Las Vegas Style

For about a week over the Fourth of July we flew out to Las Vegas to help Grumpa and Grandmama get settled into their new house and meet Owen's new cousin "Baby Well." Owen did great on the flight and made friends on the way out and the way back that were nice enough to let him sit on their laps and look out the window.

Owen loving the view from on top Grumpa's shoulders

Owen loved his new cousin and was always VERY concerned about the baby. If she was unhappy he always wanted to help her stop crying. A couple of times we even caught him trying to give her the pacifier.

Owen with Baby Noel

On the 4th we had a big dinner, went for a swim in the pool, and watched fireworks, some our own and some were set off all around the neighborhood. Owen had a pretty good time playing with the sparklers until one got a little close to his hand. He is still fairly senstive and hesitant around any sort of heat so even though it didn't burn him, the warm next to his skin was enough for him to call it quits.

Owen done with sparklers and ready for bed

We had a good time there, swimming in the pool, exploring the new house, and hanging out with grandparents, aunt and uncle and cousin.

Weekend on St. George Island

In May Grampy and Lovey came out to visit. During their time here we spent another weekend on St. George Island. All-in-all, Owen did a great job and had fun at the beach. He wasn't too sure about it at first but every afternoon he started having fun. On the last day we hung out until about noon, to get out of the house we took a walk on the beach and he was ready to go play, just like his momma, didn't want to leave.

Getting used to the sun and water

Lovey showing Owen how the sand toys work

Lovey and Owen going to the next family over to meet the little girl that was about Owen's age

The wave action in front of our spot had created sort of a sandbar. Each afternoon as hightide was coming in the waves slowly krept high enough to break over the top of the sandbar, slowly filling up a low spot. Each afternoon when Owen came back out after nap this was the perfect play spot for him (until the last monring he was always a little unsure of the waves). It was only a few inches deep at first and slowly grew and he loved to run and splash and play in the water and sand in it.

Owen playing in the afternoon "river"

Owen and Lovey out swimming in the waves

This ended up being our only trip to the beach last summer, can't wait to go back next summer!

Lowery Park Zoo in Tampa

Last spring we took a weekend trip down to Tampa for a college friend's wedding. While there we thought we ought to use Sunday and take Owen someplace he would enjoy that we don't have in Tallahassee. We settled on the Lowery Park Zoo. It was a nice zoo with the usual animals, some unique ones, several areas to pet animals and was great for a 1-year old.

Owen wanting to go play with the bird

Owen LOVED petting all of the animals, most of them of them he tried to lay on or ride.

The zoo had a very nice petting zoo area with several different kinds of animals running around that you could go feed and pet. Owen couldn't get enough of the petting zoo!

There were a few different larger animals that you could feed, one of them was the giraffe. Since Owen absolutely loves giraffes we decided to let him feed one. The look on his face was great, he was completely in awe!

We had a great time, we got there at opening time in the morning, ate lunch there and left early afternoon, just in time for Owen to nap in the car on the way back home.