My nephew Owen

While I was in Moab, my brother Shad and his wife Jodi came to run the half marathon as well. They brought their two children Owen and Nya. Now....I have a very strong reputation to uphold as the favorite uncle and Owen has not made this easy on me. He's very much his own , independent self and doesn't often care what other people around him seem to be doing. He seems upset that he can't communicate well and people don't always know what he wants. He has a smile that lights up the room when he chooses to smile and it just makes me happy.

Me with my niece Nya!

Well I think on this trip to Moab I turned a corner with little Owen. After the race we were resting in the park and I took Owen for a walk over to the playground. I'm not sure why he let me take him but we had fun playing together. We also bonded over a balloon that he was given in the park and he would just giggle like crazy when I played with him and the balloon.

I was very sad when everyone had to return to Arizona but it was a VERY fun trip even though it was short. I wish they lived closer because chances are Owen may forget who I am by the next time, but ......maybe not!