Monkeying Around

I took the day off today so Owen and I could go to the Children's Museum with some friends to see the Curious George exhibit.  We met these friends when Owen was in the NICU.  Micah was born 10 weeks early, just like O, but he had many, many surgeries to endure.  He's doing great now and it makes my heart so happy to see these two guys running around, playing, and even being a little bit naughty because I realize just how differently things could have gone for either of our families.  In an odd twist of fate, we've run into each other three different times after leaving the NICU and the last time, we decided we needed to get these boys together to play, so we exchanged numbers.  In an even more odd twist of fate, we ran into one of the NICU nurses at the same place that day!  Such a small world!

We had a very fun day.  We started out with some pancakes, which we don't ever get to do on weekdays, then we headed for the museum.  Owen likes "George a Monkey," and he was very excited to see a "big one." 

Right as we walked in, there were hula hoops and I couldn't tear him away from them!

 My little monkey with his favorite monkey

 Ironically enough, the monkey was the only one that would sit still long enough for a picture!

 High 5ing "a big one."  He kept going back up to hug him.  He was starstruck!

 Putting on a hard hat so he could get to work

 A rotary phone!  He said, "Hello?  Justin?  Sully? Becky?"  All people from a family at daycare.

 Giving a flower to a cute blond...and so it begins. :(

 Playing in the water/bubble room is one of his favorite things to do at the Children's Museum.  I try so hard to work on manners, waiting our turn, saying excuse me, etc. when we are out at places like this.  I was kind of frustrated with some of the other moms today though.  They were just letting their kids jump in line or grab toys away.  It's hard to teach Owen that he has to be patient and wait his turn when the other kids jump in front of him just as it is his turn.  I get that kids will do that, but where are their parents to teach them that it isn't how it works? 

A fun treat to get to spend the day with my little man.  This Friday, I am taking the day off and we are going to do the 3 day potty training method.  I've heard it is successful, but that we'll want to rip each other's hair out, so cross your fingers for us!

A Day Out with Thomas

After the coin carnival, we jumped in the car and headed up to Duluth while Owen napped.  We got to check out Canal Park and have dinner at Grandma's, then checked into our hotel and swam before bed.  Then today was the day - our train ride on Thomas!

We walked out just as the bridge was lifting up for a ship to pass under.  Owen said, "Amazing!"

 But then the ship let out some long, loud honks to thank the bridge and the bridge let out a few loud, long honks in reply.  He jumped so high and couldn't climb up Paul fast enough. :(  So much for amazing!

 A boy and his Daddy sharing a chocolate milkshake

 Splashing in the "cold" pool.  His teeth were chattering, so we went into the hot tub for a minute and he loved it.  We went back into the pool and he kept asking for the hot pool.  A lady told him he was a good swimmer and he was being such a little flirt with her!  I've never seen him act like that before.  He kept telling me that she was a pretty lady and asked about her the whole night. 

 Laying in our bed reading books before he had to go in his bed

 Thomas, Owen and Daddy

 There were lots of little stations to play at: trains, jump tent, bubbles, sand box, etc.

 Getting a temporary tattoo

 The final product...too bad he picked a train that we didn't know the name of!

 Ready for our ride on Thomas!

 Looking out the window on the train

 Riding on the train

 Sir Topham Hatt - had to see if he was real or not!  Watch out Santa!

 Playing at the park by the Duluth Aquarium

 That's my boy!

 Oh No! 

 After the playground, we drove around Daddy's old stomping ground.  This is the little house that he lived in his senior year.  That is where he met Bobby, Owen's Godfather.

 After lunch, we stopped at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.  Owen was ready for a nap, so he fit right in with this crabby looking bear!

 Enjoying his "M&M sucker" after we got home.

Even though it was a short trip, we had a really nice time.  Owen slept well, ate well, and loved Thomas.  On our way home, Paul and I both realized that today is only Saturday, so we have another full day off!



Coin Carnival

Paul and I took the day off yesterday so we could take Owen to visit Heidi's (his soon to be daycare provider) and then to go to the coin carnival at Ojibway Park.  The city of Woodbury puts it on each year and it was a lot of fun for Owen.  We even ran into our friends Dana and Micah!

Checking out the fire truck with Daddy

 Going fishing

 Driving the police car

 The police officer was nice enough to turn on his lights for Owen

 A place I hope to never see him....

Glow Bath

Tonight I surprised Owen with a special "glow" bath.  It wasn't bath night, this was just for fun so he could splash and play.  I saw on Pinterest that you can crack glow sticks and put them in the tub.  It was a great way for us to practice his colors too!  For you moms out there, Michaels has tubes of 15 glow sticks for $1 right now.  Best $3 I've spent in a long time!

Not that impressive with the lights on...

 But lots of fun when we turned out the lights!