The Gowen family

Holiday fun

2011-01-12T18:38:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve brought all five kids home this year. This hasn't happened in quite a long time and likely won't happen again for even longer as everyone is growing family's of their own. So, we were 12 adults and 11 kids in the parents condo. Not much room! We thought we would have to take turns around the Christmas tree to open presents! Fortunately, we didn't have to!

(sydney)

(autumn and silas)

(nate and sydney)

(ernie and nate)

(mom and I)

(gary and I)

(jack and I)

(mark and I)

(ernie and I)

(emily)

(all the grandkids - the best attempt for a group photo - alex wasn't having it!)

(the big festivities)

....and a fun time was had by all!

Mandatory Weekend

2010-07-18T19:32:00.000-07:00

The summer wouldn't be complete without another Mandatory Weekend. The weather was great - not one drop of rain - probably the first year that has happened! Don't look too close at the picture - you might realize some of the family is missing - where did they go? Nobody knows! Thanks mom and Gary for another great year! Next year, can we please rent a cabin in the mountains?!

New Skirt

2010-07-11T19:37:00.000-07:00

So I decided to put my domestic abilities to work and made Sydney a skirt. I followed a super simple tutorial I found over at "Crap I've Made". The true test to my abilities will come when I wash it and it doesn't fall apart!

Washington Wild Things

2010-07-01T19:24:00.000-07:00

So, since we'll be moving to Pittsburgh area soon, we thought we would check out a ball game. Instead of hitting a Pirates game which was bound to be packed on a holiday weekend, we went to see the Washington Wild Things. And a wild thing he is, that mascot! It was a great game because they played the Evansville Otters, the team we rooted for over the past 6 years! We sat on the Otters side and rooted for them - Nate even got one of the players to throw him a ball. Of course, we did stick out like sore thumbs rooting for them! Oh well, soon we will root for the Wild Things!

My Little Flower Girl

2010-06-18T19:13:00.000-07:00

My cousin Lindsay got married today. Sydney had the honor of being the flower girl. It was really cool because I was the flower girl in Lindsay's parents wedding. At rehearsal, Sydney wanted NOTHING to do with walking down the aisle. But, on the big day, she was very brave and made it down the aisle.

Strawberry Picking

2010-06-09T19:20:00.000-07:00

I have never picked strawberries until today. It was HOT, but certainly worth it. WOW - what have I been missing all my life! The kids (Nate, Sydney and my niece Grace) had fun and certainly enjoyed tasting the berries while they picked. Now off to bake my first strawberry pie!

Duquesne Incline

2010-05-30T20:14:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day weekend brought a visit to Pittsburgh, PA. Our first visit to the city brought us to the Duquesne Incline. It only took us a couple of times around the block to find it and figure out where to park. Learning our way around the city may take a while! Thankfully it was early on Sunday and there wasn't much traffic. Although if it were up to Ernie, we would have been there at 7:00 AM when it opened. Here are some shots of the great view at the top.

The kids had to get a close up view of the city.

Kathy, trying not to look down while on the incline!

Like mother, like son...Andy isn't much on heights!

Nate, just being cool.

(cousins!)

It was a nice visit. Hopefully there will be more soon!

April OCS

2010-04-20T18:46:00.001-07:00

Here's a card that I made for the April OCS done by big Ideas From A Little Girl. The theme was flowers.

Here's the card I received. It's made to stand up like an easel.

Easter Eggs

2010-03-28T18:31:00.000-07:00

Well, it's that time of the year again ~ break out the eggs, vinegar, and dye!

Spring Flowers

2010-03-28T14:06:00.000-07:00

Here's the card I put together for the FTL84 over at clean & simple crafting. Here's to hoping we see some spring flowers popping up around here!

One Card Swap

2010-03-28T13:51:00.000-07:00

I participated in a card swap put on by Teri at big Ideas From A Little Girl. The card above is the one I received from another participant. The card below is the one I sent her. Funny we both chose butterflies~!

Simple Sentiments

2010-03-10T13:47:00.000-08:00

Since I've started this blog, I have found so many sites that feed my creative mind. I came across "clean and simple" and their weekly challenges. I thought why not try - nothing ventured, nothing gained. So, I followed their fall to layout #81 template and came up with this. Very simple, I know - but isn't that the point?

2010-03-07T21:17:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness - LOOK! I lost another tooth!!!

Today, S. took part in Scouting - Girl Style with her fellow Daisies (and several other troops from the area). It was a time of crafts and games with a little food mixed in - who knew the kid would love a walking taco?! Here she gets to play human Candy Land.

Some more carnival game fun.

Of course the day wasn't complete without trying her hand at a hula hoop - and surprisingly, she did pretty good!

Nothing beats a good game of twister!

Flower Girl

2010-03-06T21:15:00.000-08:00

So, my second cousin is getting married in June. And she asked if Sydney would be her flower girl. Of course the answer was YES! It's kind of cool since I was the flower girl for her mother. Saturday we went shopping for a dress, and this is what she picked out. S. is so proud - and really wanted to keep shopping - until she found out we were going to get ice cream!

Deck the Halls

2009-12-07T17:50:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas season started out with the Girl Scouts singing carols downtown in the FREEZING cold for 25 MINUTES - glad that's over!!!

This Christmas season has also brought about some craftiness. Here's Sydney showing off her apron and pants - if only she could really cook already!

This wreath was an idea I found online in many blogs - thought I would try it myself - it was so easy and cheap - we'll see how long it lasts hanging outside in this NW Indiana winter!

Another project involved some donated frames from my wonderful mother - add some scrapbook paper and cut out letters and ta da!

Another donated frame with more scrapbook paper - talk about simple!

You guessed it - a donated frame and scrapbook paper - decorating for less!

The tree is finally done with a new handmade skirt (very quick and simple) and the train that Sydney was afraid I forgot.

There's even some presents under there (and a homemade ornament by Sydney)!

Christmas wouldn't be complete without Santa's workshop...

and the Little People nativity set!

The stockings are all hung waiting for Santa to fill them.

Now all we need is some more snow and it will be perfect!

Family Photo

2009-11-21T18:25:00.000-08:00

This afternoon we went to have pictures done. My original thought was to get some updated ones of the kids, since I think the last ones are from about 4 years ago. Then, I thought, while we were there, we would try some family pictures - considering we haven't had one done since Sydney was born. I don't think anyone enjoyed the photo session, but here is what we came up with!

Trick or Treat

2009-10-31T17:40:00.001-07:00

Loved this idea (courtesy of Martha Stewart)!

Sydney decided on being a cheerleader this year - she figured this costume wouldn't be itchy!

Nate decided it would be more fun passing out candy than to dress up - indeed him and dad had lots of fun!

Sydney and her cousin Andy.

Is there a ghost in the house???

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

County Line Orchard

2009-10-25T18:11:00.000-07:00

This weekend I drug the family to the apple orchard. Ernie was going along with the idea, even though he questioned my better judgment when we arrived and the parking lot was FULL. Apparently I wasn't the only one trying to collect some last minute apples.

Sydney was so excited she was running down the aisles! She had come to the orchard earlier this year on a school field trip, but was happy to bring mom and dad and teach us how to pick apples!

Ernie apparently was confused at this moment!

Sydney to the rescue to show him the proper way of picking apples!

Strolling through the orchard...

Busted!

Is that a second apple???

And now gracefully getting rid of the evidence!

Walking away with our loot!

Who knew we would end up with so many apples?! Now, off to the cookbooks to find some good recipes to put these apples to use!

Pillow Cases

2009-10-24T18:25:00.000-07:00

So, I just wanted to show off the fact that I really can be domestic! I recently got some new bedding and wanted to add some pillowcases. So, I decided to dust off the sewing machine and get to work. This is what I ended up with.

2009-10-18T16:52:00.000-07:00

So, we stayed another night in Mackinaw City so that we could go to the island today.

We took Shepler's boat ferry across to the island.

You get a perfect view of the bridge from the island and get a true appreciation for how big it really is!

Unfortunately, we were unable to swim due to the dangerous currents!

While on the island, we did some looking for our next vacation home. What do you think?!

Believe it or not, behind all this greenery, there is a house - covered on 3 sides by greenery with access to the beach on the other side. Talk about seclusion!

We walked down to Mission Point Resort (where my family stayed many years ago).

Along the way, we stopped for a photo - I finally learned how to use the self timer.

We also got to see our family's own B&B (just kidding!).

Unfortunately, tours had ended at Fort Mackinaw so we only got this view of it.

Overall, we had a great time, despite the cold temperatures!

The Upper Peninsula

2009-10-17T17:19:00.000-07:00

Today, we crossed the Mackinaw Bridge into the Upper Peninsula.
Just over the bridge in St. Ignace is Castle Rock where visitors can see a giant statue of Paul Bunyan and his Blue Ox.

We then headed to Saute Saint Marie to the Soo Locks.
Inside the visitors center I got a lesson on how a lock works. I also found this display interesting about the depths of the Great Lakes. A vessel was coming into the lock just as we arrived.

Here's the vessel just before it left the lock.

After leaving the locks, we went on a very scenic route headed to Whitefish. On the way, we stop at the Lighthouse at Point Iroquois in the Hiawatha Nathional Forest. The area is native Indian ground.

We did indeed climb the 72 steps to the top of the lighthouse. I was concerned about how to know if there were already 5 people in the lighthouse!

The view from the top was amazing!

Leave it to my husband to have to dip his foot in the water because according to him, he had never been in Lake Superior!

Our scenic route continued - at one point the trees almost formed a tunnel.

We finally made it to Whitefish Point (a.k.a. The Graveyard of ships) Lighthouse and planned to see the Shipwreck Museum. However, we weren't interested enough to pay $21 each to get into a museum that is about the size of our house. So, instead, we stopped in the gift shop, grabbed a drink, and were on our way!

Our next stop was the Tahquamenon Falls State Park to see the Lower Falls.

We did also stop at the Upper Falls, located further down the road. However, we didn't actually make it the falls. We were tempted by the microbrewery at the entrance and attempted to have something to eat (since there's hardly anywhere to stop and eat in this area of the UP) - unfortunately, it was packed. Instead we ate a brat and nachos from the outside eatery and decided to leave afterwards, as we were both tired and ready to get back to the hotel! Maybe next time I will be smart enough to pack a cooler and some snacks.

On the Road Again

2009-10-16T17:12:00.000-07:00

This morning we left for Mackinaw City, MI and on the way stopped at a rest area with a scenic turnout. This is what we saw. Not much different view than what we were seeing in the car!

Carving Pumpkins!

2009-10-11T17:52:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we went with Grandma Gowen, Aunt Kathy and Andy to pick out pumpkins. Sydney was the first to spot hers - she was determined to get the biggest one - and she ended up with a green one! Then she had to pick one out for mommy, who also needed a big one (the one in front). Nate was the last to pick his - he was determined not to get one, but after a little convincing from Grandma, he picked one out (the one on the left). Of course, dad doesn't usually pick one out - he has more fun watching everyone carve their pumpkins.

Once I got the tops cut off and the insides cleaned out, the carving began.

Nate ensures that he safely passes the carving tools to his sister!

The insides, which I will later pick through to get the seeds out.

Well, I said Ernie likes to watch the carving - indeed, he really likes to supervise!

And the finished products...this is Nate's who randomly carved different shapes in the front and back.

Sydney was attempting to make a mean pumpkin, and I just carved something simple and boring! Maybe after these have rotten out, I will buy some more and carve them the way I really like!

Not sure they will make it to Halloween, but they are good for now!

2009-10-04T18:20:00.000-07:00

We went to visit a high school friend of mine, Abby, and her family this weekend in Superior Township Michigan. It was perfect because Abby's daughter Elle is the same age as Sydney. It was great to see them play, but amazing how much drama can occur between two 5 year olds! We had a great visit and were able to see the Henry Ford Museum.

Sydney had to take some pictures, including one of Elle!

Of course Sydney had to take her picture by the VW bus, something she really likes!

The girls even tried their hands at fixing a car - great job girls!

At the end of our visit, we were delighted to see they had a Weinermobile Cafe - unfortunately, Abby conveniently didn't tell us this until after we had already eaten lunch - how sad!

The girls however did get to make their own hot dogs!

We had a great time and look forward to visiting again. Thanks for having us Abby, Nick, and Elle!

Fort Wayne Zoo

2009-08-23T17:41:00.000-07:00

Today we took a trip to the Fort Wayne Zoo. It was a perfect day...cloudy and not quite 70 degrees which meant it wasn't very busy (at least when we got there).

Upon arriving and making a pit stop, we found peacocks roaming on the roof.

Who knew turtles could grow sooooooooo big???!!!!!

Nothing like a gator staring at you with those big eyes.

This flower looked like a resemblance of a bird of some sort.

And these flowers were HUGE!

We were able to see the sea lions be fed. The poor lady feeding it almost fell in the water trying to get to him!

And here's our own little "Joey" Sydney.

My personal favorite was the jelly fish - how fascinating that such a creature could be so deadly.

Ernie and Nate enjoyed a river ride - both found it to be quite relaxing...maybe because they were alone!!!

What's a trip to the zoo without a ride on the carousel?

Sydney seems to make new friends wherever she goes!

The African adventure brought a few waterfalls - this looks fuzzy because of all the mist being sprayed.

This one, a little farther away, turned out nicer.

Nate tries his hand at driving a Jeep.

Ernie just couldn't get over how this giraffe wrapped his head around the pole to eat the food instead of just walking around!

All in all it was a fun day. Everyone was tired - Nate even fell asleep on the way home - if only Sydney would have followed suit!

Nate's first day of Kindergarten

2009-08-19T11:37:00.001-07:00

So, being as though today was Sydney's first day of kindergarten, I thought I would dig through the pictures and find ones from Nate's first day. I did indeed have to scan them in as they weren't taken on a digital camera - starting to make me feel old!

Here he is getting on the bus - he looks so small! And if you look real close, you can see his head poking out from one of the seats!

First Day of Kindergarten

2009-08-19T11:00:00.000-07:00

Sydney has been asking me all week to get her bagels for breakfast. So, today, I finally broke down, drug myself out of bed early, and got her some bagels. However, there was no way she was letting me get a picture of her eating one - not sure why that was!

Making sure she has everything packed up - yes, that is a High School Musical backpack!

She even put her hair in a ponytail - we'll see if she comes home with it still in!

Hamming it up! Thank goodness she likes to have her picture taken!

This picture was her idea - "Mom, take a picture of me looking like I am walking to the bus"! Too bad she won't be catching the bus from home this year!

Here we go - ready in the car for daddy to take her to the YMCA where she will play until it's time for school!

Time with the family

2009-08-16T17:22:00.000-07:00

Warning....when you mom says that if you make that face too long it will stay like that, it's true! Just imagine what the future will bring Sydney with eyeballs like this!!! These shots were taken after a short visit to see Uncle Mark, Aunt Autumn, Elijah, Stella, Silas, and Emmett. We enjoyed a trip to see their new house, swimming at the pool, and dinner with Grandpa Haan and Uncle Jack as well. What a great time!

Emmett, enjoying some mellow time in the good old exosaucer - watching all the other kids being crazy!

Sydney....looking so cute and innocent!!! (but we know the truth!)

Stella, being pretty as a a princess!

And sitting with dad as he beats the boys in a few Wii games.

Silas, Stella, and dad.

Cousins....Silas and Sydney.

Are you kidding.....another picture?!?!

Best cousins....see, girls can play nice sometimes!

Only Barbie would have a bus fully decked with a hot tub.

While the girls are busy with Barbies, Elijah and Nate are busy playing video games.

Who knew he could multitask...eating a brownie while fishing!

2009-08-14T18:46:00.000-07:00

Amazing how sometimes they can look so sweet and innocent!

2009-08-14T18:37:00.000-07:00

The Gowen boys...nothing but trouble.

The Gowen girls (and some boys that didn't want to be left out).

The entire family:
Mom and Dad Gowen
Kathy and Andy
Curt, Adriana, Garret, Robert, and Gabriella
Ernie, Alecia, Nate and Sydney

2009-08-06T18:24:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed a trip to the good old Michigan City lighthouse - Ernie and the kids had never been out there. It was a beautiful day - the lake was calm and serene.

Proof that Nate can use a camera.

Even Sydney was able to take a good picture of the 3 of us!

After the lighthouse we hit the park nearby to let the kids run off a little energy.

Apparently dad thought the kids needed a little squeeze!

Nate's vacation

2009-08-01T13:12:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures from Nate's recent vacation to South Carolina.

Random summer photos

2009-08-01T13:09:00.001-07:00

Preschool Graduation

2009-08-01T13:04:00.001-07:00

In just 2 weeks, Sydney will be starting kindergarten. She's very excited and ready to meet new friends an learn new things. She's got all of her school supplies and some pretty new dresses. Hopefully everything will go smoothly and she won't cry (or maybe I should say I won't cry!).

2009-07-22T19:00:00.000-07:00

This year we were lucky enough to spend an additional weekend with mom and Gary at the campground. Thankfully this time we were able to stay in their camper. Even better yet, the weather was beautiful and we were able to get some time on the boat. Here are some pictures from our time together...

2009-07-22T18:47:00.000-07:00

Sydney and daddy spending some much needed together time!

Nate waiting patiently to go out on the boat.

Sydney and papa, thinking she's driving the boat (we are actually anchored down!).

Sydney after a mouth full of oreos.

Nate in deep thought, I think?!

Sydney keeping an eye out from the front of the boat.

Sydney and daddy making hand signals!

Some more hand gestures of some sort!

More Mandatory Weekend Pictures

2009-07-22T18:40:00.000-07:00

Sydney and her cousin Stella hanging out in the back of papa's car waiting to go on the boat.

Mom bought each family a boat to decorate for the boat races held at the campground. Nate was very proud of the boat him and dad decorated. It earned him 3rd place.

Nate, just chillin' out!

Mandatory Weekend 2009

2009-07-22T18:33:00.000-07:00

Every year my mom and Gary host Mandatory Weekend - one summer weekend when all the children and grandchildren are "required" to come camp with them. They provide the campsites and food. We provide the tents, drinks, and hopefully some entertainment. This is how the campsites start off - calm, quiet, free of clutter!

2009-07-21T18:01:00.000-07:00

And here's the first picture to be added. This is from our trip to Niagra Falls the summer of 2008.

New at this....

2009-07-21T17:52:00.000-07:00

OK, so I am completely new to this blogging thing, but it seems to be the in thing - so I thought I would check it out. Hopefully I will have enough sense to keep it up to date and share it with all my family and friends so that they might enjoy updates on our family of 4.