Razor man

Today was beautiful out so we all headed out to the park so that Owen could ride his Razor. He loves riding it and actually amazes me at how quickly he's picked it up. Today we worked on bailing out into the grass after he went down this hill full speed and face planted onto the concrete.

Shout out to a random person

Owen usually loves him some meatballs but this time all he kept saying was, "This spicy!!!" with a mouth full of meatballs.

Halloween in January

Our neighbor across the street had a breakdown of sorts during hurricane Ike and after many weeks and problems has moved up north to be by her family. Our other neighbor Lee was put in charge of cleaning out her house and the amount of brand new, unopened stuff is crazy. We went over there before Christmas and she gave us a bunch of Christmas decorations and Owen picked out one of those obnoxious christmas things that sings when you push a button. For weeks he keeps asking to go back to "the garage" to pick something else out but I had been putting him off. So Lee shows up at our door today and asks if I want to get all of the Halloween stuff and we did but it was way more than we could ever want or need! I sorted through it and pulled out a bunch of stuff to Freecycle but I guess we're stuck doing Halloween birthday parties for the rest of Owen's childhood!!!

There were 200+ candles in the bags but I pared it down to a mere 50 :) There were a bunch of candles that would change colors when you lit them and of course we had to try them out. And Owen wanted to put some of the mugs we found around it so they could all watch.

The bulk of the stuff in the garage that Bryan cleaned out this weekend. He was SO happy to come home and see all of it in there!
And Owen wanted his picture with the new Halloween stuff and his big boy bike, The Painkiller. It's hard to tell in the little picture on here but he's making some crazy face because he thinks that's how you should look when you ride the Painkiller. And yes, we are looking for a new helmet because that one just doesn't match his cool new bike.

We're also slowly making our way through all of the crafty Christmas gifts. My boy loves that stuff!
Jenn, his most favorite non-related aunt in the whole world, sent Owen the Star Wars Wookie Cookbook for Christmas. Above are the Tie Fighter hot dogs.
And some Yoda Soda...

And the paint and cup set that Lita gave him. He just wanted to make sure if any of you guys come over, it's TOTALLY OK to use his new plate. But not the cup. That's the Hulshof cup written in "blood". Maybe we are a little too into Halloweeen...

Merry New Year!!

We had a great Christmas and New Year's this year but it feels like it's lasted forever!! Owen got lots of great presents, spent time with the family and saw tons of friends. These pictures are somewhat out of order but someone is still recovering from New Year's Eve...

Owen's school put on a Christmas program and there was much discussion all month as to if he would actually participate. Since he's been little, he has REFUSED to sing in school or in front of anyone. So the dilemma was that the program was a musical one where they each had to say a line. BUT, he ended up singing (though not signing) and said his line. His performance may not have been the most enthusiastic but we were proud of him anyways!

After the program, Owen got to sit with Santa and tell him what he wanted for Christmas. But Owen says that since he can't be the real one, why should he bother to tell him what he wants. Rainbow his magic elf does that job :)

On Christmas Eve, the Hulshofs came over to open presents and eat tamales. We all do a gift exchange and everyone got great gifts. Owen of course doesn't participate in the exchange so he can maximize his gifts.

Christmas morning was low key at our house and thankfully Owen didn't get up to early this year.

Owen and Bryan were VERY excited about the Star Wars game for the Wii.

The McAfee/Rodrigue/Hulshof family photo

Adam celebrated his birthday on the 27th and Owen wanted to make him a kitty litter cake. Somehow we got outvoted.

One of Owen's favorite gifts was his new Webkinz who he decided to give a bath to in Kayla's new American Girl tub.

I think Cam may have liked his Bionicle..

The kids had a sleepover at Mimi and Popi's house and got to open their stockings.

The Weinlands came over and it was madness!!!! Owen said he didn't realize it could be so loud but that's pretty much the way it goes with them. We were only missing Rick, Jen and their girls but are looking forward to meeting the twins!

Popi and Owen playing dinosaurs with Skippy John Jones the cat.

Mom, Leigh and I in our sweatshirts that Popi got a good deal on and so all of the ladies got one. If you want to hear about it, he'll be more than happy to tell the story again.

Mimi and Popi at Christmas dinner.

Leigh and Adam at Christmas dinner.

The Hulshofs at Christmas dinner.

Leigh opening gifts.

We went skating again, this time with the cousins, and Owen did really well without the walker this time.

We went to Dallas for New Year's and had such a good time seeing friends that we don't get to see as much. It was non-stop fun for Owen but he was exhausted this afternoon.

Amy, Sarah, and Alison aka "Babe"

Quinn putting on a show and getting his dance on.

All of the New Year's kids. (Emma Fleming, Owen, Max Vencill, Joseph Hanley, Jack Peterson, Katie Peterson and Sadie Hanley.)

Dinner Hanley style

Celebrating Quinn's birthday at Chuck E. Cheese

Jack and Owen hogging the stroller.

4 Petersons and a Hulshof

Jack, Katie and Owen playing Legos.