Life with Landen

Christmas 2009

2009-12-31T16:45:00.008-06:00

Christmas this year with an almost 2 year old was so much fun. Landen gots lots of good stuff from Santa. I guess he was a good boy this year. We had Christmas at our house with Kristen's family and then headed to Enid for Christmas with Kevin's family. We have been truly blessed this year with a wonderul new house and lots of great memories from 2009. We are greatful for our family and friends and look forward to another great year.

Fall pics

2009-10-28T21:51:00.008-05:00

Here are a few pictures of Landen this Fall. He is really starting to smile and stand still for pictures. We have already had a busy Fall with trips to the Pumpkin Patch and the Zoo. Landen is growing so much and is just a sweet little boy. For those that are counting he still only has 4 teeth.

So sweet

Me love some cookies

At the Zoo!

The family

Landen and his new friend

OU/TX weekend

Landen's Best Friend

Goodbye Summer!

2009-09-21T21:19:00.009-05:00

Mom thinks I look like Dad in this picture

Playing with Aidan on his new playset

Playing with Gavin

The girls playing (Julia and Taylor)

I love Elmo!

Me and Taylor at Aidan B-day party in Edmond

I think I need one of these.

At the Hot Air Balloon Fair

Ya Mon! Jamaica vacation

2009-08-14T23:07:00.009-05:00

Here are a few pictures from our Summer vacation with the Petersons and the Dowers. We had a blast, but missed the little man. He stayed home with Grandma and Grandpa. Landen is learning to say so many words. We love it. He is actually getting his third tooth now. We are finally on a roll.

The Beach

The boys after a game of soccer on the beach

On our balcony

The Iberostar Suites Hotel

The boys with Monkey, Carlos, and Noodle

Dinner First Night

Trip to KC

2009-07-07T22:03:00.011-05:00

Here are a few pictures of our trip to Kansas City. We had a great time and Landen got to experience his first trip on a plane. He did awesome even with an hour and half delay on the plane. Landen got to meet lots of Kevin's family and play with his cousins. We have no pictures of the fireworks, but Landen loves to watch them.

My first plane ride. I love to wave at all the planes in the air.

Mommy loves this picture
(thanks Lisa)

Swimming with Daddy and Grandma

Where is Daddy?

Daddy and John playing at the gym

Eating dinner with the cousins

Playing Ball with Taylor

Having a good time at the indoor playground

Father's Day Pics

2009-06-23T18:43:00.008-05:00

Dad was not feeling so hot on Father's Day, but Mom was able to take some good pics...enjoy!

See my tooth?!?!?

Posing

I will not smile for the camera anymore!

The stare down...

Mr. Independent

2009-06-16T21:25:00.006-05:00

Landen has become quite the independent little guy. From wanting to swim all by himself with Mom and Dad no where around (don't worry...we are right there next to him) to wanting to eat all by himself. He is turning into Mr. Independent.

He wanted to eat all by himself. Yes...that is cheese on his forehead.

It turned into a game of how many peas can we launch onto the floor.

My new 4 wheeler.

Catchin some rays!

2009-06-07T19:29:00.006-05:00

We were able to go swimming twice this weekend...at the community pool on Saturday and at the lake on Sunday. Here are some pics of the little fish...

at the lake...

Goodbye Gillespie...Hello Windsor Castle

2009-06-03T20:07:00.007-05:00

Goodbye Gillespie...

Never did we think it would sell in 7 days after putting it on the market. It turned out to be a blessing as we were able to find our dream house...

Hello Windsor Castle!

It took 5 days to get moved and unpacked, but we are almost completely done. Besides a few boxes still to unpack, the move is basically over.

Thank you to everyone who helped us in the move. We are blessed to have such great friends and family that would use their weekend to help us move. It would have taken a lot longer than 5 days if not for all for the help.

Now on to some pics of the little guy...

Oh yeah...we finally have our first tooth coming in!!!!!!

Shooting baskets at Dave and Busters

Racing cars at Dave and Busters

A couple new pics

2009-05-13T22:43:00.005-05:00

After polishing off his afternoon snack.

Attempting to shove a massive plastic coin in his mouth.

Landen checking out the chicks...and wondering what on earth Ella is wearing.

Just some new pics

2009-04-23T22:50:00.007-05:00

My first haircut!

No more mullet!

Huntin' for Easter Eggs!

Easter with Grandma and Grandpa

Going for a ride in my new wagon with Taylor...thanks for pulling Grandma!

My new wagon

2009-04-02T07:18:00.007-05:00

Landen got a new wagon for the summer a few days ago. Thanks to his friend Kaiya for letting him have it since she has out grown it. We took it out for a spin a few days ago and he is a big fan. He tried pulling it at first, but quickly realized it was more fun to let Mom and Dad pull and he sit in the back and let us do all the work.

Checking out the new wagon.

Going to the park.

Playing with my blocks.

At the mall to see the Easter Bunny. Unfortunately, the Easter Bunny is a big, scary monster and he wanted nothing to do with him...hence no pictures.

Welcome Reid Adam Patrick!

2009-03-18T22:30:00.006-05:00

Kristen's brother and his wife Juli welcomed their first son into the world today. Reid Adam Patrick arrived at 12:37pm weighing in at 6 lbs. 14 oz. and 19 inches long. Here are a few pics.

Just some new pics...

2009-03-15T19:04:00.006-05:00

Nothing major going on...just some new pics.

Also...just an update on Kali. She has been on some steroid medication for the past few weeks and that has been doing the trick. We are in the process of weaning her off of it, so that will be the true test if she continues doing well or lapses back into the sickness. We took her back for some blood work last Monday and it was all back to normal and she has put back on 2 of the pounds she lost (eating like a horse lately!)

Grandpa pulling me around on my Tonka truck!

At Trent and Shana's wedding

Playing with Taylor

Playing with Taylor...part 2

It's been awhile...

2009-02-25T22:35:00.007-06:00

It has been a little while since the past post, so here is an update of what we are up to. It has been a pretty quiet last few weeks. Kind of nice to have some lazy weekends after the craziness of the holidays and the ski trip.

Landen continues to amaze us with everything he is learning and always puts a smile on our face with something he does or something he says (or tries to say). He is starting to get accustomed to eating more adult food...grilled cheese, hot dogs, and any kind of fruit seem to be favorites. He loves the warmer weather and going to the park in the neighborhood and playing on the slides. He came down with a little cold a few weeks ago, but fought it off like a champ. Still no teeth!!!

The biggest drama the past few weeks came with our dog, Kali. We noticed she had not eaten any food for quite a while and after about a week decided to take her to the vet. After several tests, the vet thinks it is some form of an autoimmune disorder where her bad blood cells are attacking her good blood cells. He put her on some medication that is really doing the trick and she is starting to put back some of the 4 pounds she lost.

Until next time...

1 year stats

2009-01-29T22:10:00.003-06:00

Landen had his 1 year checkup (I know...a little late) last Friday. Besides not liking the evil nurse who gives the shots, he did really well. Here are the stats:

Weight - 21 pounds 3 oz.
Length - 29 in.

Doc said everything looks good...now we just need that first tooth!

Breckenridge and going to the park

2009-01-19T19:17:00.010-06:00

Mom and Dad spent a few days in snowy Breckenridge, Colorado last week and had a great time taking to the slopes with Erron and Tina and our friend Joel. After 4 days of non-stop skiing...I think our legs were telling us it was time to come home and see our babies. Landen spent the week in Enid with Grandma and Grandpa. Here are some pics of Breck.

Hitting the slopes on the first day.

Coming home on the gondola after a long day on the slopes.

View from our condo balcony.

What a view!

Perfect Day!

After we got back from Breck, Landen went to the park with the Duke's from across the street. He is finally not deathly afraid of the swing!

Landen's 1st Birthday!

2009-01-06T22:05:00.013-06:00

Landen turned the Big 1 on Sunday! We celebrated with a party at the neighborhood clubhouse and lots of friends and family showed up to help him celebrate. Here are some pics!

A little note from Mom and Dad...the past year has been the best year of our lives. Seeing Landen grow from a little infant to a 1 year old and turning into a little boy has been amazing. He is always making us laugh with his baby gibberish and we cannot wait to see what he will do next! We will keep you posted!

My first cake!

Wear it!

Where is the candy?

One good lookin' 1 year old!

My 1st pair of cowboy boots.

I am this many years old!

Ho Ho Ho...Landen's 1st Christmas

2008-12-30T21:41:00.018-06:00

Landen enjoyed his first Christmas in Enid, visiting lots of family and friends. It was such a special memory that we got to experience as a family. On Saturday we got together with Kristen's family and opened more presents. Here are a few pictures of our eventful Christmas. Oh yeah there is a pretty cool video too.

Landen with Santa (lasted about 10 seconds)

All dressed up for Christmas Eve Service

Landen opening gifts

Santa Landen

Opening more gifts with Dad

All the cousins

Landen and friend Gavin having fun in the bath.

Getting ready for Christmas

2008-12-14T11:07:00.014-06:00

Here are a few new pics...getting ready for Christmas!

All dressed up

Elmo goes down! The stiffarm...

The takedown...

Going in for the pin.

Eating the coffee table

Here is a video of a house in Plano we saw the other night. If you happen to be in the StoneBriar Mall area, it is worth a trip to see. The address is: 4665 Quincy Lane Plano, TX 75024.

Something's funny...

2008-11-25T20:30:00.002-06:00

Hangin' with Mr. Cooper

2008-11-18T20:09:00.008-06:00

Kristen turned 30!!! Welcome to the old person club!

We celebrated Kristen's 30th birthday with dinner at BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse and then a night of laughing at The Improv comedy club. We went to see Mark Curry, aka Mr. Cooper from the TV show Hangin' with Mr. Cooper. H was extremely funny and even got Kristen up on stage at the end of the show (Kevin somehow ended up on stage then also...). Mark was cool enough after the show to hang out and take some pics.

Getting ready for the show

Hangin' with Mr. Cooper!!!

Since this is Landen's blog...here is a pic of the little guy

Halloween Recap

2008-11-09T22:01:00.008-06:00

Landen's First Halloween in Pictures

Landen at the Pumpkin Patch

What are these orange things?

Can't wait for it to get dark so I can

go Treat or Treating.

Our little monkey

Rosey and Landen

7:30 & passed out from all the fun .

The Morning After...Election 2008

2008-11-05T11:26:00.004-06:00

It is finally over. Over the past 2 years we have been blasted with political ads on TV, the radio, in the mail, and over the phone. It all came down to the most important presidential election this country has ever seen and I am proud to say we voted in this election and were able to see history made last night.

Although my preferred candidate did not win last night, we are all waking up this morning as AMERICANS. Yes...the political party system will always exist, but whether you are Republican, Democrat, Independent, Green Party, Libertarian, or whatever, we are all AMERICANS. This country has always been the greatest place to live on this planet and it will continue to be the best on the planet because of the people who live here.

I will say I do not agree with a lot of what President-Elect Obama (Wow...that sounds strange to say) stands for or what he wants to do, but starting January 20th, 2009 he will become the leader of the most powerful country in the world. He deserves the prayers and support of everyone living in this country. In these crazy times, he will need the guidance of the Man upstairs and I sincerely hope he bases his decisions after careful and thoughtful consideration and prayer. This country and the Constitution were built on Christian principles. It should continue and always continue on these principles as they are what makes it such a great country.

It is time for all of the bickering and partisan politics in Washington to come to an end so we can get stuff done and get this country back on track. Regardless of where the blame falls for the issues this country is facing, we all need to come together and move forward. Our kiddos deserve to have this country and planet in a better situation than we we inherited it.

As our Pledge of Allegiance says...'One Nation under God' and what is printed on all of our currency...'In God we trust', I hope this country continues to abide by and follow these very important statements.

Thanks for reading and...

GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS
and
GOD BLESS AMERICA!

I'm walking...with a little help!

2008-11-01T12:36:00.002-05:00

Tiny Romo

2008-10-28T22:18:00.006-05:00

Landen was cheering on his favorite team and favorite player this past Sunday. Unfortunately the real Romo is out with a broken pinkie finger and if you look closely, Landen even went as far to put a bandage on his pinkie to be just like Romo. The Cowboys BARELY escaped with a win over the Bucs!

OU/TX & (OSU) weekend

2008-10-14T16:25:00.009-05:00

So, as many of you know our friends were in town for OU/TX weekend. It was a busy weekend. We started off with the OU/TX game, which Kevin would rather forget about. Then we went to have all of the kiddos pictures taken together. That was an experience. That evening we had a couples shower for our friends Denise and Bill. Finally, it was time for OSU to kick Missouri's booty. Needless to say we had a very fun filled weekend and Landen enjoyed playing with all his friends.

Ella, Julia, Landen, and Taylor playing

Taylor loves the swing

So do the boys!

Magan and Denise with Landen

Enjoying the shower

Landen cheering on OU

Landen and Mommy cheering on OSU

Landen's a Model

2008-09-30T22:16:00.004-05:00

Thanks to my friend Sabrina, Landen is a model. Sabrina has started a shop on Etsy with some handmade outfits, bibs, burp cloths, and more. She has some really cute things and at a good price if you are looking for a unique baby gift. Check out this site to see Landen in action. He looks so handsome in his "tie".

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15567905

Landen's old man turned 30!

2008-09-22T22:15:00.004-05:00

Kevin celebrated his 30th birthday this past Friday and had a party (along with Beth McWilliams who also turned 30 this past weekend) this last Saturday at Dave and Buster's. Everyone had a good time enjoying some food, drinks, and games. Thanks to everyone that came out to celebrate with us!

Landen's First Wedding

2008-09-16T19:03:00.008-05:00

Kevin's good buddy Adam, whom he has known since 3rd grade, got married this weekend in Fort Worth. Kevin was a groomsman in the wedding so we were involved in activities all weekend. Landen was a great guest...even falling asleep halfway during the wedding ceremony. Then it was off to the reception in Weatherford, TX where he made it until about 10pm before crashing hard. Grandma and Grandpa also came down for the wedding and helped Adam and Jennifer celebrate.

Thanks to Sabrina for Landen's 'suit'!

All dressed up for the wedding

At the wedding

E-Town!

I'm Crawling!

2008-09-08T21:08:00.003-05:00

It's Official...Landen is crawling!

Playtime

2008-09-08T20:54:00.005-05:00

Landen got to spend some time with his buddy Nathan (two weeks younger than Landen) and his girlfriend Taylor (4 weeks younger than Landen) this past Saturday at our friend's Chris and Kiley's house in Fort Worth. You can probably tell who we were cheering for. Mom looked a little out of place in her OSU shirt, but we both won our games so both were happy! Go Sooners and Cowboys!

Going crazy on the couch

Posing for pics

Time with Grandma and Grandpa

2008-08-29T17:21:00.008-05:00

While we were in Mexico, my parents watched the little man. Here are a few pics from their time together...including some pics for you OSU fans. I think we officially have a baby divided.

Grandpa and Landen

Go Cowboys...I think...

Grandma and Landen

Viva Mexico!

2008-08-26T21:11:00.007-05:00

We made it back from Mexico on Sunday afternoon after spending 5 very relaxing days on the beach just north of Playa del Carmen. We flew down Wednesday morning and came back Sunday and stayed at the Iberostar Resort Complex. This was our first stay at an all-inclusive resort and it was worth every penny. The food was excellent (for those Dallas people...imagine eating at III Forks, then Pappadeaux's, then Fogo de Chao, then finally at Kobe Steaks), the drinks very good, and the service great. We spent the days on the beach and by the pool sipping frosty beverages and the evenings eating some awesome food.

We also took the opportunity, on Friday, to take a tour where we were able to go down some zip lines, go swimming/diving in a small lagoon, snorkeling in an underground cave, snorkeling in the ocean seeing sea turtles, sting rays, and even a barracuda, and finally snorkeling in a lagoon with tons of tropical fish.

It was a tough job but someone had to do it!

Landen spent 5 days with Grandma and Grandpa...to be detailed in a later post...

After enjoying the excellent Japanese food

Swimming in a small fresh water lagoon...look closely and you can see Kevin and his olympic diving form

Kristen by one of the huge pools

Relaxing with a Dos Equis (on tap) on Wednesday

Best Pals

2008-08-17T23:16:00.006-05:00

Landen and Kali are best buds (until he pulls her ears). Since Landen is trying to crawl he is all over the place and loves to chase his favorite doggy. We even caught Landen with Kali's chew bone in his mouth. Oops.

Just a little note about Karlie from the previous post. The doctors have pretty much ruled out surgery right now and are hoping to get the seizures under control with medication. Karlie and the crew will hopefully be coming home early this week. Keep the prayers coming!

Prayers Needed

2008-08-15T10:01:00.003-05:00

I know this is supposed to be a blog about Landen and his doings, but I feel this is a good place to put out a prayer request for someone in my family.

Karlie is my cousin Kelly and his wife Amy's little 3 1/2 year old daughter (she also has a twin brother Killian). She started having seizures a while back and they have not been able to find the cause of them. They are now at a hospital in Memphis, Tennessee that is considered one of the best pediatric neurology hospitals in the nation. She is going through a lot of tests to hopefully find the cause and the doctors have not ruled out possible brain surgery.

Whoever reads this...if you can say a little prayer for Karlie. I am sure Kelly and Amy would appreciate it. They are in the hands of some of the best doctors in the country and are very optimistic they can figure out what is going on and get it corrected so Karlie can get back to having the playful and normal childhood every child deserves.

If you want to keep up with Karlie's progress, a link to her blog is under 'Our Friends' called Earhart's World.

This is what happens when I stay at home with Dad

2008-08-11T20:46:00.003-05:00

This is what happens when I stay at home with Dad. I finally get to wear my favorite shirt!

Dad stayed at home today so Landen could get over his bout with Croup. He is almost back to normal except for a hoarse voice and a little cough. It is back to Miss Claudia's tomorrow morning.

Boomer Sooner!

Our First Sickness

2008-08-10T16:04:00.001-05:00

Well...here is our first post to Life with Landen. Hope you enjoy!

We made it just over 7 months until our first sickness. Landen came home from daycare Friday afternoon with a 101.6 fever. Some Tylenol helped that out, but 6am Saturday morning and the fever was back along with some nasty coughing. After a 9:15am doctor appt, we found out he has a nice little case of Croup. Basically a form of viral bronchitis for kids. The rest of the day Saturday was pretty rough controlling the fever and keeping him comfortable.

After a 9:30pm bedtime Saturday night and waking up at 7:45am Sunday morning (sleeping all night), he is doing great today. No fever and just a little cough. Daddy is going to stay home tomorrow with him and hopefully head back to daycare on Tuesday.

Oh yeah...10 days till Mexico!

Till next time....