Fun with Owen and Evan

While Drew was experiencing his first week of kindergarten, I enjoyed some special time together with my Owen (4) and Evan (2).  We decided to go on an "adventure" (kind of like Dora and Diego) and ventured to the St. Louis Zoo to explore Caribbean Cove and the infamous new Sea Lion Sound exhibits.  The boys were more adventurous than I.  I have no desire to actually touch a sting ray or a shark, but they considered this to be a necessary experience.

Holy Moly - what a yawn!  Owen and I decided that this sea lion really needs to brush his teeth!

Our special time with Owen continued that week.  Wherever possible, we try to enjoy the boys individually in order to give them one-on-one attention and really soak up the uniqueness of their individual personalities (that can unconsciously remain hidden when you must focus all of your energy defending your toys from two other brothers and ensuring that they don't get more of something than you do). Since the St. Louis Cardinals were progressing towards an incredible season, Owen's preschool spent some time with the children learning all of the lyrics to "Take Me Out to the Ballgame."  Owen can sing it perfectly.  Of all of boys, Owen is demonstrating the most interest in sports (both as a player and spectator).  His eyes light up at the thought of heading to the back yard to play catch, set up the soccer goals and/or use our pitching machine.  He also likes to take a seat right next to Daddy on the couch to watch football.  He already knows a lot about the Dallas Cowboys and can identify players by name (and of course, since he is too young to read, we know that he physically recognizes the player and is not just reading the player's jersey).  Owen knows the priorities in our home:  The Dallas Cowboys and the Fighting Illini are the "good guys."  Sometimes, the "good guys" play the "bad guys," such as the Eagles, Redskins, Giants and St. Louis Rams.  And of course, Owen knows that The Ohio State Buckeyes are "bad guys" too; despite what Uncle Bill (or Grandma Darlene and Grandpa Bob may tell him).  And although Grandpa Dave may insist that the Minnesota Vikings are "good guys" too, Owen knows better.    

Thanks to box seats provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers, we took Owen to his very first Cardinals' game.  AND it was "Build a Bear Day" at the ballpark - what a bonus!    

I cannot resist a good photo with great "bokeh" (a small area of the photo in focus with the background in a beautiful blur).  LOVE it.