Happy Birthday!!

We recently celebrated Ryan's birthday. It was a big hoopla--you know how we Lower's roll :). We sang "Happy Birthday" as Ryan blew out the candles from his birthday tart--no cake, just a fruit tart. If you know Ryan, you will understand. We ordered pizza from our favorite pizza place, made a birthday card, hung up a Happy Birthday sign--you know, all the traditional stuff. I let the kids pick out some gifts. Garrett picked out Spider-man cologne and Morgan picked out some socks--easiest thing she could fit into her mouth. Garrett also helped dad "open" his presents. Morgan had a fab time getting tangled up in the balloons and trying to play with them. Her hair is priceless in the balloon pics because I had just taken her pigtail out--not quite as crazy as Peck hair though. We love our Peck cousins!
Ryan is now officially an old man who will always think of himself as a state football champ. We love you Ryan. Happy Birthday!!

Game Day

We had a wonderful Halloween. It started off a little shaky because we have been focusing on potty training Garrett this week. I just about lost my mind but Garrett pulled through for me yesterday. It is a little difficult when it is 86 degrees to feel like it is fall and get into the spirit of Halloween. We went to the ward trunk or treat--Morgan loved seeing all the costumes, Garrett hated it. But, when we went inside the church for the games and spook alley he was loving it. Then we went over to Trish and Caleb's for more trick or treating. This is when Garrett's true character took over. He was totally on cue. He was a little crack up. He was saying funny/cute things to all the people at the houses we went trick or treating. Of course this earned him extra treats at most houses. In case you wondered what a football loving family dresses up like for Halloween--an Ohio State football player and cheerleader! What else would they be? Halloween was a hit in the Lower household. Bring on next year.





Ryan and I went to Columbus, Ohio last weekend--without the kids. We had a fabulous time. Stayed up late, slept in, went out to eat without diaper bags, sippy cups, or toys. It was wonderful. Of course we really missed the kids and were excited to get back home. The Ohio State football game was a heart breaker and I wanted to push a couple of loud-mouth Penn State fans off their bench but I did keep myself composed and kept that thought to myself. Ryan and I were able to get one picture in front of "The Shoe"--nickname for Ohio Stadium. It was taken prior to kickoff. That is why we still look hopeful. Oh' well. The Buckeyes, like the South, will rise again!!

Crazy Day!

So you know the type of day where you have 101 things to do and not enough time to do them in? Today was one of those days. We are leaving for Columbus, Ohio tomorrow and I am in charge of everything--you other moms know what I mean. Anyway, during the mayhem that was my day, a couple of really cute things happened with my kids that I had to blog for grandma before I could complete my list of, "Things That Must Get Done Before 4:00 pm Tomorrow." Morgan tried and loved her first lollipop. Totally loved it. Sticky gooey all over her face and hands but loving every minute of it. Then we got a package in the mail from Grandma & Grandpa Andersen--I know that it was all grandma but I thought that grandpa needed some love :). They just got back from Europe. They brought back a few gifts for the grandkids. Morgan got a totally darling pink Barrett and pink purse from Paris. Garrett got a sword and shield from Rothenburg, Germany. How cute our my little European children? So even hard days can have happy endings!!

Morgan's first Piggies

Today was a big day for our little girl. She wore her first little piggie to church. She doesn't have enough hair for two little pig tails yet so we had to make due with just one. She look so adorable. Morgan was the talk of the ward--she was so sassy. She looked more like a little girl than our little baby. Ryan didn't like it. He said that it made her look too grown up and he wasn't ready for her to start dating yet! :) I think we've got a little more time with her still. Morgan does have a little love interest in the ward though. He is an older man. He is 13 months old and his name is Ryan--she must be looking for a man just like her dad.

Another day

Last Friday a friend and I took our kids to the Children's Discovery Museum. It was kind of run down and totally in the ghetto, but the kids liked it. Garrett loved playing with the bubble exhibit and watching the older boys play on the green screen. Morgan was her normal mellow happy self and was content to watch the action from the side lines. The outing made Garrett so tired that he fell asleep in his high chair. Now that he doesn't really take naps it is a welcome moment of peace when he falls asleep on his own.

Big Boy

Garrett has had a big week. He moved into a "Big Boy Bed." When he saw his new bed he said, "wow" really softly and climbed up into his bed. He was so excited to have such a big bed. Sleeping in it though has been another story. Needless to say, Ryan has spent the past several nights in the "Big Boy Bed" as well. Anyone have any great ideas for making a cute but stubborn 3-year-old sleep through the night? Garrett also started preschool. Yesterday was his first day. It made me really sad, but he didn't give a rats. I went to pick him up and he told me, "Go away mom. I'm not done yet." He also had his first homework assignment. Is it starting already???

Morgan's Sealing

Sept. 20, 2008 was a great day for the Lower Family. Morgan was sealed to us in the Logan, Utah LDS Temple. We have waited a long time to finally have our family complete. Morgan is so sweet. She always wakes up so happy and smiles and kicks everytime she sees Garrett. She loves her big brother. We had many family members and friends who were able to celebrate with us. We are so blessed. It is moments like this that make us even more grateful for our birthmoms. We love you M and H.