Kentucky State Fair

Owen was super excited about the fair Just chillin in his wagon

Gabe getting ready for his "Go Green" television debut. Unfortunatly after getting set up, he found out he had to be a customer to try-out for the TV commercial.

Hanging out with Pops for his birthday

Checking out projects with Grammy

Moo...

The whole family

The birthday boy with the grandkids.

The Adkins'

The Howard'sThe Hanes'

With Daddy checking out the energy bug...very fitting!

Owen checking out the bear.

You can't go to the fair without checking out the piglets! So cute! :)

This was the coolest little set-up. The ducklings crawled up one side and ate food at the top, but after awhile they would slip and go shooting down the slide. It was very enteratining. (Apparently they only do this for fifteen minutes at a time and switch out the ducks...so it's not too wearing on the ducks.) Owen liked the rabbit in the petting area.

The birthday card "Owen" made for his Pops.

Inside of the card

I think Owen had a great time at the fair. He was clapping for awhile after we got in the car. :)

Owen's 1st Birthday!!!

Owen turned one on August 3rd. I CANNOT believe is already a year old!!!! In one way it feels like he has always been a part of our lives, but in another, it is so hard to believe it has already been a year! He is definitely the best thing that has ever happened in my life! His smile can melt my heart and it pretty much does every day. I love him so much and I am so proud to be able to call him my son! Here is a look at how we celebrated his special day!

Gabe was able to take the day off and spend it with Owen. I met them at the barber shop as soon as I got out of school for Owen's first hair-cut!

His hair is all gone! I never would have guessed it, but I was fighting back tears after it was done. I kinda miss his wild curled up hair and the way it kept his baby-look.

He looks WAY too much like a little boy in this picture!

Hey...it's my birthday!!!

Look at me...I am WALKING!!!

Checking out his new book.

A lunchbox! I know it's not a typical present for a first birthday, but we pack his lunch everyday. So we thought it would be ok, especially if it had a monkey on it!

He knew what his lunchbox was for. Yum Yum!

Mickey Mouse Club House Books...YAY!

Bath toys!

The best present for last...a wagon!!! We headed to Bowling Green for this present. We bought a used wagon from Gabe's boss and picked it up at the Bowling Green store. It worked out pretty well because it was really hot outside, so we strolled around in the mall with it.

I think he likes it! :)

Then we headed to Fazzoli's where Owen enjoyed some spaghetti. Did you know how much fun it is to make your spaghetti noodles dance???

Yum....

We topped the night off with Owen's first ice cream cone. He definitely enjoyed his birthday cake flavored ice cream. He ate the whole thing!

Owen's First Birthday Party!!!

We had Owen's birthday party at our home and invited family and close friends. We are so blessed with such important people in our lives that care for Owen so much! We had a huge turn-out and had a great time!

Owen showing off his party hat with Great Grandpa Adkins.

Time to open presents! Man is Owen one lucky boy!!!

More presents....the world cup soccer horn. There is a name for it, but I have NO clue how to spell it!!! Owen thought it was awesome though!

Owen pushing around his dump truck that Grammy and Pops gave him as an early birthday present.

Owen's cousin Mason...he is so much fun!

Aunt Lucy, Uncle Bill, and Caroline.

Uncle Nate and Mason

Grammy, Aunt Jill, and cousin Mason.

Grandma Adkins

Owen having fun with Grandpa Adkins and Great-Grandma Adkins.

The Kelly's

Morgan and Eli!

The cupcakes we made for the party guests!

Cake time...

DELICIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As you can tell, Owen definitely enjoyed his birthday cake!

After the cake, Owen was the most hyper I have ever seen him. It was highly entertaining! He kept waking around in a big loop around the living room, dining room, and kitchen. We switched off walking with Owen. Here is Great Grandma T. with him.

My great friend Natalie! She was such a huge help cleaning up the cake mess!!! (And yes, our kitchen cabinets are orange...and yes we painted them that way. Yeah I know, we are crazy!)

Owen playing with his cousins Elena and Caroline.

Thanks again for helping us make Owen's first birthday so special! Another exciting part of the night was when most everyone had left, Owen started really walking!!!!! He walked across the living room to me! That was the highlight of the night!

Thanks to my Dad for all of these great pictures!!!

Vanderburgh County 4H Fair

The Vanderburgh County 4H Fair has special memories for me. As I have mentioned before, I was in 4H for ten years and worked as a summer staffer for two years. Vanderburgh county is where it all happened! This is what we worked for! Now granted, we might have started most of our projects just a week before the fair started, but it was all worth it once you stepped foot into the fair. The excitement, joy, and anticipation to see how you did with your projects is a memory I hope I never lose. Working for 4H was one of, if not, my favorite jobs I have ever had! Pure joy and positive attitudes! (Something I miss a little bit!) Growing up, we were at the fair every day basically from open to close. We haven't been able to come the last two years so I jumped at the bit to come this year. To the point that I had just finished my first three days of school with kiddos and my son's birthday party was the very next day. (Did I mention it is a two hour drive to get here?) It was worth it!!! I enjoyed the best fair food (walking tacos and ice cream), looked at some awesome projects, checked out some animals, hung out with my family, and saw some familar faces!

Owen was ready for the fair after Mama talking about it so much! :)

Owen must be pretty special to Pops, he shared some of his delicious ice cream with him!!!

All of you that know me, knew I couldn't pass up this photo-op!


Owen checking out the kissing llama in the petting zoo tent.

You are not seeing things, that IS Owen's name hanging up with the projects. My former 4H leader, better known as my second Mom, made this for Owen's room. She got 3rd place on her awesome work!!!

Uncle Jim came along with us and checked out the race car with Owen.

It was very entertaining watching Jim trying to get out of the race car. He lost his shoes and everything! :)

Have you ever seen a lawn mower with a grill on the back of it?!!

I think Owen was enjoying the fair, he got comfortable as you can see!

Owen had the best time running with Uncle Jim!

We left the fair a little earlier than in the past because of Owen's party the next day. So, we did miss out on the main event at the fair...the demolition derby! All in all, we had a great time! I hope that two years don't go by before we get back!