Buddy

In one week, our baby girl turns 1.  It is hard enough to deal with that, so I'll wait until then to write more about it.  But, while I was looking through pictures from this year, I was struck by how much Owen has changed.  There are moments (lots of them) when I am startled at how big he is...how tall...how grown up.

One year ago:

And, for as challenging as the "3's" can be, I think there are far more sweet moments in this phase--where connections are made and curiosity meets eagerness for lots of interesting discussions and teachable moments. We call him "buddy" all the time because he truly is--we can be doing anything and as long as we are together, it feels like a valid activity (there's my justification for our picture obsession).

So, after a busy couple of weeks, a stormy night was the perfect excuse to play games around an indoor campfire.  Special Owen-time was just what we all needed (the s'mores were just bonus):

These days, Owen is caught between wanting to be the "line-leader" and the "caboose". It can be an exhausting game of knowing when to foster independence and when to smother him with hugs and kisses. But, it is such a rewarding and adorable phase that I hope sticks around for awhile.

The other day he brought this picture home and told us it was his "abstrapt painting". 

Gosh, I love that kid.