Our Generation Vol. 2 No. 3 Hanging Out in the Backyard

We've had some pretty nice weather these days so we've been trying to take advantage the backyard. We had Brandon, Sarah and Vivian over for dinner and the kids LOVED the all-terrain wagon rides through the forest. Daddy cleared a special path and the wagon not only provides great, bumpy rides but also serves a stellar transport system for BB-Q utensils and fixin's down on the gravel patio.

Here's Ben trying to show off his muscles playing horseshoes but Vivian is not really that interested.

Daddy took a day off from work and this time, he and Ben stayed home for a boys day out. Unfortunately taking leave these days isn't what it used to be. "This word, 'leave' -- I do not think it means what you think it means." Daddy ended up working for most of the morning while Ben had a ball playing with his toys (and throwing the occasional, appropriate, attention starved tantrum). Later in the day Daddy was able to take Ben on a hike in his new backpack. With Ulla on lead, they headed out the backyard and over to Northwest Branch. All's well that ends well.





Here's Ben eating applesauce with a spoon! Believe it or not, most of it ended up in his mouth! Yay Ben!

Our Generation Vol. 2 No. 2 FDA- CFSAN Annual Day at the Zoo

The FDA CFSAN Annual Trip to the Zoo was so popular that we had nearly 50 people attend. This year, we had T-shirts made up (thanks to Dori) which made it WAY easier to keep track of all the kids. We got there just in time for the Elephant training (and pooping), then headed over to see some pandas. The pandas were staying off to the distance, probably because of the massive sea of yellow shirts on a bunch of noisy tikes!

We spent most of our time at the Ape House where our friends, the orangutans, entertained us to no end. The little ones laughed and laughed, and Mommy even saw one of our primate friends kiss a bratty little kid (not with our group) through the glass. He was tapping on the glass until the orangutan just smacked a BIG kiss at the glass and sent him screaming away! Mommy is still chuckling at that!

This year Mia was really into the waterfall and sunbathing turtles... and of course... ice cream!

Here's a group shot: It wasn't all of the children but we tried to get most of them. There was never a moment when we could corral them all together.

Little Ben is relaxing in his stroller happy to be spending the day outside.

All in all, it was another successful, fun, and entertaining day. We look forward to next year's visit with Brad's colleagues and friends.

Our Generation Vol. 2 No. 1 Happy First Birthday Benjamin!!!

It's hard to believe that an entire year has passed us by since our little Benjamin made his way into our family and our hearts. In this short time, he has accomplished SO much! He has single-handedly managed to charm his way into getting what he wants and needs, he can walk, run, crawl, practically jumps, and he eats just about EVERYTHING! He's talking somewhat and loves to say words like: mama, dada, eeya (Mia), Uwa, uh-oh, mo, ba. Oh, and everybody loves his sing-songy way of chatting!

He had excellent reviews at his 12 month check-up weighing in at 20lbs. 11 oz, 31 in. long (20% for weight, 16% head circumference and 85% for height) and Dr. Mogavero said that he's moving around like an 18 month old (Must be his big sister's influence).


We all had the day off for Ben's birthday so we decided to spend the day at the park. First he opened his presents and was excited to see that they were all conveniently packed into in a big red wagon! We wagon-ed up to the park and played on the playground and picnicked. Then hit the swings.


After that, we came home for some cake. Ben wasn't really too interested. He was happier chasing his green volleyball.

We had a little party for Mr. Charming on the weekend and as you can see he dressed for his train themed party in style (thanks Sharon!).


All of his best buds came over and the weather was just perfect allowing everyone to take advantage of our yard.

Should he flirt with Samantha or Nora?

A Brown birthday wouldn't be complete without a special handcrafted cake by Jess. This time the cake wheeled itself in with an engine and caboose placed on edible tracks. Mommy and Jess sure had fun decorating and the kids were all aboard once "cake time" was announced.

Mr. GQ is tasting the chocolaty goodness!

Big sister's dress matches her lil' bro's shirt and she was more than happy to coach Ben on how to eat the cake faster.


In true Brown style, Ben didn't want the party to end. He stayed up late, partied in the ball tent with all the girls, and even played one last delirious game of catch with Andrew -too tired to get up but not too cool to sit on the couch- while he played.

We look forward to all that Ben's future years will bring and celebrate him as he enters into a new phase of his life: Toddler-hood.