Lots of new posts

It's been awhile since I've put any new pics on the blog. I guess it's easier to spend an evening doing it after the kids go to bed rather than a few here and there. Bear with me, there are lots of posts added today, the 27th. So while playing with my new iPod, I've updated the blog - enjoy!

Merry Christmas from the Azores. Stacy

All by myself...

Owen decided he wanted to ride his tricycle to the park all by himself today. We let him, but I really wanted to say "no - you can't, you aren't big enough yet!" But yes, he is. Owen can pedal and steer his tricyle without the help from mom or dad (except when we get to the hill). How can this be?
A few other shots from our outing today.


Owen had fun, I guess Paige didn't think it was very exciting.

Sweet Cheeks!

Look at our little girl and those chubby cheeks!

Christmas Morning

Christmas day was very fun in the Solether house this year. Owen knew that Santa was coming but still didn't really understand what it meant. We didn't put out any presents before Christmas morning so needless to say, he was quite excited when he came downstairs. Sesame Street got trumped by presents...who would have thought?

I really tried to get a good shot of the kids together on Christmas morning but it just wasn't working out. Jared said I was torturing Owen making him sit there for a picture with all those presents just waiting...I gave in.


Owen sitting patiently, wondering if it is finally time to open presents!

All dolled up!

Just a few pictures of Paige all dressed up for church on Christmas Eve. She looked beautiful in her pretty purple dress.

Tuckered out!

Last weekend we went hiking and Owen, sticking with his independent streak, wanted to walk as much as he could vs. riding in the back pack carrier. That's okay with us, it wore the little guy out. Owen fell asleep on the way home and looked pretty cute sleeping in his seat, especially with Sadie watching over him.

Getting ready for Christmas

Setting up the Christmas tree was a little easier this year than last...Owen was big enough to help this year. And yes, unfortunately this fake tree did require the use of hammer here and there.
I think Jared would have preferred watching football instead.
The fun part for me, decorating the tree. Owen had fun unwrapping all the ornaments, especially the little train.
The finished product, not too bad.
Yes, the tree topper is the paper plate angel that Owen made in Sunday school and those are cotton balls glued to it. Not sure how long it will last but it works...

I'm a Big Kid now!

Owen has been out of diapers for almost two weeks now and it is great. We've certainly had some accidents, but nothing we can't handle. We are very proud of our big boy (Owen is pretty proud of himself too!)

Owen was on a chocolate high for several days (we use M&M's as a special treat for success in the bathroom) so we decided Craisins would be better. Owen didn't mind that we switched up the rules on him, though he does ask for a big craisin everytime.

For any friends embarking on this potty training business - use Craisins or the mini-M&M's from the beginning! Owen had never really had candy up until potty training, he's certainly had his fill now.

Now we just have to get Paige out of diapers...

Our sweet girl, almost 5 months old

Here are some pictures taken of Paige this month. When we found out we were having a girl I was looking for as much non-pink clothing as I could find...to much pink was going to get to me. Looking at these pictures - I've definately gotten over it. Isn't she adorable!




And of course - the obligatory chubby baby photo...the kid can drool!

The Kelly's

It's been a long time since we've had a nice shot of the Kelly kids together. I am thankful Doug had the camera this evening so that there are pictures of me with my family and kids vs. me taking most of the pictures. Thanks Doug!

Aunt Kimberger and Uncle Brian

Owen now calls Aunt Kim "Aunt Kim..ber..ger" (quite fitting I think). I think (hope) Aunt Kim and Uncle Brian enjoyed their visit with their niece and nephew. Kim and Bri taught Owen a few big words - Ostentatious and Osmosis. Though he hasn't a clue what they mean, Owen enjoys saying them.




Kim enjoyed wearing Paige in the Ergo Carrier, they're pretty cute.

Visit with the Grandparents

It was great to get back to TX in October to show off Baby Paige and let the grandparents spend some time with their grandchildren. Greg and Letha were in Germany with us when we had Paige but she certainly changed a lot in the past few months! Paige was also able to meet her Great Granny.

Owen loved golfing with Pops and playing in the fabulous sandbox Grandad built for him in their back yard. He spent many hours having Granly and Grandad dig tunnels and then crashing them...maybe more fun for Owen. Overall - it was a wonderful visit with everyone!

Owen's First Golf Clubs

Prior to our trip back to Texas in October, Owen had been talking non stop about golf clubs. Jared has a set in the garage, his Pops lives on a golf course and Owen likes to watch it on tv. Pops indulged his grandson's desire for golf clubs and bought him his first set. Mommy said to just get the plastic set, but that wasn't what Pops had in mind. Owen is now the proud owner of a toddler set of Dunlop clubs that have graphite shafts and his own backpack carrying golf bag. Needless to say, Owen was elated! Despite everyone trying to teach Owen how to golf, he hasn't quite gotten the hang of it yet - we'll give him some time. Though he did get a hole in one when Aunt Kim took him out on the course!

Chincoteague Island

In mid-October the Solether crew took a trip back to the states via the military rotator. We didn't get to the states exactly as we had planned but I think it worked out better in the end. We flew a KC-10 into McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey and rented a car to drive to Norfolk, VA where we were flying commercially into Houston. We had several days to make the six hour drive and went to Williamsburg, VA and were also able to make the quick trip to Chincoteague Island, VA.

Chincoteague was a very special place to my mother and her friend, Eric. Eric made a donation to the nature reserve area and an observation deck was restored and a plaque placed in my mother's honor after she passed away, seven years ago. I am so happy I was able to visit and take my family although it was a quick trip as the weather was bad and the mosquitos were out in full force.

A few great shots

I got a few great shots of Paige today - how could I not post them? Isnt' she a doll!

Can we fix it? Yes we can!

Owen received a Bob the Builder tool set and hardhat for his 2nd birthday. The "buckle" of his tool belt is a little box and when you press the button, you hear the Bob the Builder song. Owen just likes to walk around the house with the box and when Bob says "Can we fix it?" Owen replies with gusto "Yes we can!" Here are a few pics of Owen, our little handy man.