Owen's 12th Family Day

Twelve years ago on July 30, 2008, we walked into the doors of FANA for the very first time. We were excited and nervous, overjoyed and anxious, so many feelings flooded us all at once. We had longed for this day - the day we would become parents - parents to a little boy we had never met, but who had already stolen our hearts.

Twelve years later and this little boy of mine is almost a teenager. He is officially taller than his mom which he loves to rub in. He is our master of trivia (learned solely on YouTube), throwing out random fact one after another. He loves gaming - Roblox and Fallout 4 are his favorites - and he knows ALL of the tips and tricks needed to win at his favorite games. He is the toughest of film critics and loves to point out flaws and inconsistencies in every flick. He just may be the next Roger Ebert. While his toy dinosaurs are no longer played with, he is still fascinated by them and knows all there is to know about the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World movies - all 5 of them! With #6 being released next year, he can not wait to see it on opening night.

We celebrated Owen's special day with his choice of dinner. He could choose anything he wanted from anywhere. And he choose a home cooked meal of Sudado de Pollo, a Colombian chicken stew. It's one of his all-time favorites! And for dessert - a delicious Oreo cake from Kowalski's. 

The following day, we loaded up the car with all 7 of our crew - something we haven't done since March when COVID struck. After a quick pit stop at Dairy Queen for a cold treat, we headed to the Dinosaur Adventure exhibit being held at the state fair grounds. Instead of an interactive exhibit, it would have to be a drive-thru experience due to COVID. But Owen didn't care - he was excited to see all the dinos. Although the 90 minute wait in the looooong line of cars was a bit tolling on all of us. Once we finally got to the front of the line, the kids perked up and gazed out the windows at the cool robotic dinosaurs. Now that Owen is as big as Mom, he got to ride in the front row passenger seat - the best seat in the house! Being a naturally born critic, he was quick to point out the many discrepancies in the dinosaurs' design.

After our fill of dinosaurs and being contained in the car for 2 hours, we jetted up to Noodles and Company to pick up dinner and then off to our house for one of Owen's favorite meals - Mac and Cheese from Noodles!

A very happy 12th Family Day to you, Owen! We are so blessed to have been chosen to call you our son and watch you grow into a young man. We love you forever and for always!