And Now for Something Completely Different

The Agony and the Ectasy

Life's been a bit of a roller-coaster of late for our hero. Last week Owen's best friend Leo threw up all over him. Owen seemed largely unfazed by the experience and immune to the viral exposure so apparently, no harm no foul. Besides, there was Valentine's Day to look forward to complete with a class party (minus Leo), card exchange and more than a few hugs. Still feeling the love, Owen had another play date with Mia that culminated in a kiss and some hand holding. All seemed perfect in the world, but then yesterday, he was accidentally kicked in the head by his friend Fiona at daycare, resulting in his very first shiner. It seems that there's always a bit of drama around Valentine's Day for our little Owen.

Boston

Taking advantage of a business trip I had last week up to MIT, Elaine Owen and I all spent a few days up in Boston visiting our friends the Hyatts. It had been a while since Kaden and Owen had seen each other, so it was great to see the boys have such a fun time playing together. We also were excited to finally meet the wonderful but seldom blogged about Liam Hyatt.

The whole trip was great fun, but the highlight had to be our outing to the Boston Children's Museum. As if the museum itself wasn't going to be enough fun, we got there by walking through the snow to the bus stop, riding the bus, riding the T, and walking across a bridge before finally arriving at the museum. Not wanting to be overshadowed by the journey, the museum immediately awed Owen with it's gigantic undulating wood and steel net climbing structure. Kaden led Owen on an adventure climbing through the structure as Nabeel and I looked on somewhat enviously. The boys tired themselves out climbing the structure, and playing all over the museum, before we went around the corner to meet Megan and Kaden for a delicous lunch at Flour.

All and all it was a great trip, we always love seeing Nabeel, Megan, Kaden and now Liam too, and we're looking forward to our next adventure together.

(click here to see all the pictures)

Museums with Mia

It was a marathon of a playdate. After months of scheduling conflicts we were finally able to coordinate with the Browns and arrange a day of cultural stimulation for Owen and Mia. Naps were missed. Antebellum line dancing was interrupted. Lunch was delayed. And hand dryers had to be employed after a little too enthusiastic splashing at the Portrait Gallery's atrium. But it was all worth it, if for no other reason than the visit afforded Allen and Brad the opportunity to build a truly tall tower that was the envy of all the other dads at the Building Museum.



(click here for all the pictures)