Florence

Venice

and a few random shots

This one's for you Aunt Kim and Uncle Brian

I don't know about other families, but for the Kelly kids, half the fun of eating olives is putting them on your fingers first. Whenever they see him, Aunt Kim and Uncle Brian make sure Owen knows how to eat olives the right way.

From these pictures, I think they would be proud!

12th Man

Granly and Grandad sent Owen his own 12th Man Aggie jersey for Valentine's Day. I of course have to post a few pictures of Owen proudly wearing his maroon and white.



Though, as I've said before, there is no pressure (at least from his mommy) of where to go to school. Has anyone seen a Trinity Tigers t-shirt for toddlers? I could use some help here!

Out to the Park

I guess you could say we had a big photo session at the park a few weeks ago. Owen looked so cute, especially with a fresh haircut, I just couldn't resist sharing with you a few of my favorites.

Owen's Big Boy Bed

About two months ago Owen climbed out of his crib, twice in one day actually. The second time he really hit his head and he hasn't tried it again since. But since we know that he can and with the upcoming baby, we decided it was time to get his "big boy bed" put together. I ordered a new quilt and sheets that have cars and trucks all over them. Owen was just thrilled when they came in.

As you can see, he has napped in his bed a few times, but only when he's fallen asleep with me in the rocking chair and then I put him in bed. I think we'll really start working on it in a few weeks. Just a few pics of him napping in his big boy bed, how sweet!

Azorean Traffic Jam

Jared and I were out for a drive along a mountain ridge in the middle of the island. We ran into quite the traffic jam on the way down, though not with cars...rather with cows! These are definately the times when you know you're not in TX anymore (at least not in Houston, TX - maybe this happens out west). Owen of course loved it and moo-ed the whole time. He absolutely loves the cows and talks about them nonstop.


I really could have reached out my window and scratched this guy behind the ears, they were that close and were in no rush.

It was a gorgeous day with beautiful views.

In this picture you can see one of the other islands in the background (if you can't, just take my word for it) - the island Pico.

A baby's best friend

Our 2.5 year old Airedale - Sadie - sure is a handful at times but she sure loves her baby boy and Owen loves Sadie too! Below are some cute photos over the past few months of the two of them.
Sadie giving Owen a kiss....

Boy and dog - just hanging out...


How about a hug or two Sadie?

Quick trip to Maryland

After our week and a half in Humble, Owen and I flew to Maryland a few days before meeting up with Jared and our flight back to the Azores. We spent two nights with Aunt Mary and was so happy to be able to see most of my mother's family. Thank you, thank you Aunt Mary for making all the phone calls and coordinating schedules so we could see everyone. I didn't have the camera out as much as I should have but managed to get a few shots when we had lunch with Nana. We were also able to spend an evening with Jared's sister Kacey in Baltimore and at the airport before we left. It is nice having so much family in that area. Here are a few pics from our very brief trip to Maryland.

Uncle Gooney - is this chair familiar? Owen REALLY enjoyed sitting in it and moving it around Nana's apartment. It was just his size!

Trip to Texas in December

In December Jared had a two week training in Bangor, WA so Owen and I made the trip East to the states and spent a bit of time in TX with the family. It was wonderful to be home, let everyone see Owen and all his new "tricks." Everybody had last seen him about six months previously, right at Owen's 1 year birthday. Owen has certainly changed quite a bit in the past six months. As Christmas preparations were well underway (for some of the family at least) it was nice to be able to share some Christmas cheer with the family and announce that we are going to have another baby July 2008. I think most were pretty surprised but certainly excited. Here are a few pictures from the trip.

What a handsome little guy!

Owen enjoying some of Aunt Kim's Christmas decorations

Owen with Aunt Kim and Pops


Grandad playing the piano with Owen - he was a natural!

Christmas 2007

Christmas here in the Azores was pretty quiet for the Solethers, but we had a great day nonetheless. Here are a few pictures of Christmas morning. It was nice to have Owen awake this year (he slept through Christmas - at least the presents - last year).

Jared sporting a new golf shirt from Howard. Now he just needs to find some time to head to the golf course (though preferably with some nicer pants - not sweats and sandals).

A new present for Stacy from Jared - the Ergo Baby Carrier.

Owen enjoying his new gifts - cars, trucks, a Cow Flashlight and a Little People Construction Quarry set. He is still plays with these every day.