"The" Adventureland

Pella Corp. sponsored another Adventureland Day this year, something they do every other year for all their employees. We told Owen we were going and he kept saying, "We're going to "the" Adventureland," or "an" adventureland, as though we live in some mystical land. I guess that's what too much "Dora the Explorer" will do to a kid. But I digress. We got there around 11am and met up with our good friends, Chuck and Dawn, and their two boys, Jason (5) and Brandon (18mos.). Here are a few shots I got amidst the madness of a theme park with 4 kids:

The big boys taking Brandon on his first ride.

Dawn and Brandon on the Chuck Wagon ferris wheel.

Jason and Owen on the Frog Hopper. Owen LOVED this ride! He giggled the whole time!


The Dads taking the big boys on Raging River.

Trapped in his stroller most of the day, but he didn't care!

So here are a few pictures of Owen when we went 2 years ago. You just don't realize how grown-up they are until you look at an older picture of them doing the same thing! Look at my little baby!

We thought we would last til about 3 or 4pm but we ended up leaving the park at 7pm! We couldn't believe everyone lasted that long! We were just having such a good time. It was the best weather we've ever had while there and all the kids stayed in fairly good moods. Thanks to Pella and Chuck, Dawn, Jason, and Brandon for a great day!

A Day Out With the Big Guy

Well, the Muhses had one heck of a September! We were so busy, which didn't leave much time for blogging. Tonight I got Cam to bed early and my other 2 guys are watching the Cubbies so I am taking advantage of a quick free moment to blog!

A couple of weeks ago we headed up to Boone, IA to ride on Thomas. Owen got sick the night before with a bad cold but he woke up that morning and said, "I think I'll feel better if I ride on Thomas." There was no way he was going to miss it! So we went, 2 sick kids and all.

Meeting Sir Topham Hatt

Waiting for the train to pull out of the station. We actually only bought 2 tickets because they aren't cheap. One of the workers saw Owen and me waving to Cody and he told Cody to park the stroller and he'd let him on! So we all got to ride, which Owen was so excited about. When he first got on the train he sat down, stuck his head out the window and said, "Hey, everybody! I'm Owen!!!" This kid is so definitely related to Debbie Glodo. Then he kept yelling, "Hi, Mr. Conductor!"

Mr. Cool ridin' the rails

This was a little caboose they have for kids to play in.

Owen in front of one of the old steam engines. He said, "Look at that big 'ol engine!"

It was 8pm before we got home that night! Everyone enjoyed it even though it was a little hot and we had 2 sick kids on our hands. The Big Guy never disappoints!

In case you need help in your decision...

I realize it's not quite as important as Decision '08, but I did put a poll up on the blog and thought I might help you out, since I'm sure it's weighing on you heavily. ;) I realized many of you may have never seen good 'ol Uncle Jesse so I figured I'd post a picture of him. He was actually the one person we thought Cam looked like when he was first born. So without further ado...


Yes, I think this is about 3 years old but he pretty much looks the same. And look at my little Owie! Hard to believe he was ever that small! He had a much rounder face that Cameron does, too. Anyway, now you can weigh in feeling completely confident in all your options.

Splish Splash

When are pics of babies in the tub not cute?

His legs really aren't as long as they look in this one. He is half Glodo, afterall.

Makin' Grandpa Proud

Just like his Grandpa Gary, Owen is fond of the tattoos. We went a little crazy one day when we were short on things to do around the house.

The big fish that Grandpa gave him. Mommy put it on upside down. Oops! Thankfully, he couldn't tell. Notice the 3 Thomas tats on his arms.
A couple of Diego on the feet.

I'm just waiting for the day that he's 18 and calls Grandpa....

And so begins the madness...

Last Sunday marked the official start of football season. Or as I like to call it, Daddy Can Not Be Bothered To Do Anything on Sundays Season. Owen is becoming a huge Bears fan like his daddy and I'm sure it's not long before Cameron's cheering along with them. Here are a few shots I got:

This is Owen's impression of the Bear

Unfortunately, though it is the correct size, Cameron's Bears outfit was apparently made for an actual linebacker. It's huge! So we had to settle for the Bears blanket.

Grandma Debbie and Grandpa Steve sent Owen a Devin Hester jersey just like Daddy's and he loves it!!!

Of course, no game is complete without at least one rendition of "Bear Down, Chicago Bears!"

I have a feeling it's going to be a very long winter.

Another Trick

He's still a little shaky and falls over a lot, hence the boppy behind him, but my baby has (sort of) got the sitting thing down! He can't get himself back to the sitting position once he falls over, but he just keeps on playing on his tummy if he does! Now if all those teeth would just come in so he's in a better mood...

Another Fun Vacation with the Elricks & the Calverts

This year marked our second trip to the Ozarks with my two best friends and their families. I think it was even better than last year! We had a weekend jam-packed with fun stuff including shopping for ladies, fishing for the guys, a water park, and Miner Mike's. The kids had a great time together and kept us on our toes all weekend. I had a hard time choosing a few pictures so get ready for a picture overload!

Just a boy fishing with his daddy.

Good buds, Logan and Owie

Dusty, Logan, Jack, and Ted

Owen and his beloved "Cars" fishing pole. He keeps telling people that he caught a worm. ;)

Molly, Chelle, and Logan being silly with his underwear on his head

Rub-a-Dub-Dub! Owen, Logan, and Madeline splish splashin'!

We managed to get a few more pictures of the adults this year as all we had last year were pics of the kids! Of course, Logan was in this one because he likes to stay up late with the grown-ups!

Molly and Ted relaxing.

The beautiful sunrise on the lake. The boys rented a pontoon boat to fish and headed out around 6am on Sunday morning.

Teddy and his fish. Or is that his bait? hee hee!

Dusty's fish next to the cooler to show you exactly how big it was. :)

The city boy with his first fish! That's right, my hubby had never been fishing before so he was determined to go this time around. I think Dusty got a kick out of "teaching" Cody how to fish.

When the guys got back, the older boys and Maddy got to go on the boat with the Mommies. Thanks to Uncle Ted for sticking behind with the younger napping boys.

Logan driving the boat.

Owen's turn!

And don't forget Jack-Jack!

A rare pic of Owen and Mommy.

Cameron hanging out in his stroller at the water park. He HATED the water. It also didn't help that he started cutting his first tooth while we were gone so he was a little crabby! But he did pretty well overall.

The happy boy in his stroller at Miner Mike's. Contrary to what the pictures seem to show, we did take him out of the stroller a few times over the weekend. :)

Cody, Owen, and Logan riding the bumper cars. As you can see, Owen couldn't drive so Cody had to hitch a ride and help him.

Maddy loved this car. Notice her pigtails--every morning her mommy would do them for her and then she'd come to us and say, "Look!" and just stand there until you told her how cute they were. Definitely a woman in training! :)

Jack claiming his loot.
Owen making Mason smile. He is such a little cutie!

Owen shows off all his tickets!

"Choo-choo!!!!"

We were sad to see the weekend come to end but I think maybe all the parents needed a vacation from our vacation! Can't wait for next year!

The Dog and Pony Show

We are back from a great, albeit wild and crazy, weekend in the Ozarks with the Calverts and the Elricks. I have loads of pictures to go through and pick some out to post but I don't have time to do that today. So I thought I would post a quick video of Cameron showing off his new trick. It's hell trying to get a video of one child around here without another child or a dog trying to get into the shot. But I think I managed to get a pretty good one. Anyway, he started doing this in the car on the way home yesterday and he just loves it! Hope you do, too!