Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Fall fun













Happy Fall my followers! Yes it is Caroline this time. Graham is starting to get used to the idea that I get to post about all of our activities too. Sharing can be hard as I am learning. My favorite phrase is "No Way" and I will say it to anyone my size that seems to be a threat!



I have a lot of words now. "No Way" is what I say the most. I say 'Take you' (thank you) a lot as well and I just started saying 'sawwe' (sorry). Mommy and Daddy are some of my favorites as well. Cup, nack, Kota (our dog), itty (kitty), Melmo (Elmo), ackack (backpack for Dora), up, Mawma (Grandma), Nanny, cookie, helwo,nigh nigh, poop (Mommy is always telling Graham that everyone poops so that means we can talk about it). Lots of other words that I repeat.






You may have heard that Grandma got her knees replaced. Mommy, Graham and I went to visit her and help her out. She had all these staples in her knees. I touched them. She is doing great though. We took her to physical therapy. Mommy tried to keep us out of trouble while we were there, but there were lots of things to touch, lift, and climb on. I don't think we broke anything. It was homecoming in Sigourney. Mommy and Grandma took us to the parade. Daddy showed up to watch it too. We also went to the outlet mall one day. Aunt Deb, Sam, and Kayla met us there. They were lucking enough to get to chase us around. Graham and I sure had fun running around the stores and down the sidewalk! Before we went home we got shakes at Arby's. Graham and I loved it. Oh and you are thinking, didn't Grandma just have knee surgery so shouldn't she be resting. She is like some miracle patient. Gosh she even gave us rides on the mower! She lets Graham do all the steering and he could ride forever. I don't steer and I am ready to get off at the end of my turn.


I don't think Graham has mentioned that we are back at Brighter Beginnings. We actually haven't been there that much. We have been under the weather and Mommy hates to potentially make the other kids sick. We have been there enough to know that I like it. You sing songs, you eat a snack, make a craft, and play with toys. What isn't there to like?! The first week, I admit I C.R.I.E.D! I know the routine now so all is good.



We made our annual trip to the pumpkin patch. They have pedal tractors, teeter totters, a bumpy slide, a corn box, some animals and of course you pick out some pumpkins. The highlight was the pony ride. Graham wanted to ride so Daddy bought him a ticket. I wanted to ride too so the nice man put me on a horse and let me ride without a ticket. I was happy as a clam!








We went to Kansas City to visit our family there. We stayed at Grandpa's house this time, but visited Benjamin's house and Nanny's too. We had a fun time at Benjamin's. We played outside a long time. It was a beautiful day! Graham and I loved Baby Joe! Graham might have even loved him more than me. Since he is older, he got to help feed him. We liked to touch him. We made crafts at Nanny's house, including playing with Play Doh. I had to have a little sample. Doesn't everyone eat Play Doh and crayons?
We went back to Grandpa's house and everyone was there for dinner. Graham and Benjamin had to put on their Halloween costumes. Aren't they silly? Graham even wore his at breakfast the next morning!

I could go on, but think I will break. Graham can share our Halloween adventures!

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Happy Birthday Dad!




While this blog is usually based on what is new with the kids, as editor, I can switch the topics. Dad would be 78 on the 30th. It has been over 5 years since he passed. Hard to believe. I miss him so much. We do our best to communicate to Graham about Grandpa Dennis and how much he would love to play with Graham and Caroline. He will ask why he can't come down from heaven and play with him. On occasion, he will look up in the sky, wave, and say Hi Grandpa Dennis. It makes me happy and sad at the same time. Dad was a great Dad and a great Grandpa. For whatever reason, it wasn't meant for Dad to know my kids on this earth. I just have to believe the support he can provide from heaven is greater than the hugs, smiles, and listening ear he provided here on earth.


So today, for my dad, the blog takes a different tone. Happy Birthday Dad! I am sure there is no need for the internet in heaven, and if there was, you wouldn't be on it unless someone else helped you. :) Love you Dad!

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Times they are a changin'








Hey Graham Fans! Are you enjoying the fall? Weather doesn't restrict (that is really Mommy!). I would go outside in all weather other than in a storm. I don't like storms. Fortunately the weather has been beautiful most of the time and we have been enjoying it.


September was a big month for me. I started preschool! I will admit that I was pretty nervous and scared. I cried A LOT that first day. By the time Mom picked me up, I was happy. The second day I tried to talk Mom into staying with me or letting Carowine stay with me. She didn't go for it. I cried awhile again the second day, but was happy when mom picked up me. We did some fun stuff but I still got nervous. The 2nd week was better but still got a little upset right when Mom left. The 3rd week no tears! Mom and Dad were so proud (and relieved!). My teachers are nice and we get to do all kinds of stuff that I don't get to do at home. We paint, color, cut, have snack, and other fun stuff!



The weekend before school started we went to Grandma's. We hadn't visited in awhile plus she needed our help with yard work. Can't remember if I told you but she was going to be getting new knees. She wanted to get some things done before she went to the hospital. While we were there, Daddy took me fishing in Grandma's pond. I had already caught a fish and it started to rain and boy do I mean RAIN!! We had ridden the four wheeler out there. We were trying to head for cover when Grandma showed up in the pickup. BOY were we glad to see her!!!! The rain cleared and we went back out and caught a bunch more fish. I am a good fisherman! I got to ride the mower too of course. Aunt Deb, Uncle Tim, Sam, Kayla, and Uncle Greg came too. For some reason Mom and Dad wanted to get away without Caroline and me. Caroline and I had a great time - until it was time for bed. I was pretty nervous, but went to sleep. That didn't last long. I woke up crying crying and crying. Grandma held me but I was just too upset. I fell asleep after Grandma told me that Mommy was going to come back. I love that Mommy! We made stepping stones the next day and Aunt Deb had a project for us - we made picture frames! It was lots of fun other than that little time where it wasn't...


Mommy signed me up for soccer. As you would guess, I was kind of nervous, but eventually went out there and had some fun. The 2nd night I was nervous and couldn't get out there and play. And every other night that I went turned out the same. I just couldn't bring myself to play, though I did manage to run everywhere else but the soccer field.
We managed to play in the sprinklers in September. It actually got a little chilly but it was sure fun. The sprinklers make the yard under the deck steps muddy. Talk.About.Fun!



For the first time, we got to ride on a train. What made the ride awesome was that Thomas the Tank pulled our train! We had a good time! They had some other activities - art projects, a bounce house, and an inflatable obstacle course. Caroline liked the bounce house and I liked the obstacle course.




As a follower of our blog, you have probably figured out that I L.O.V.E. to drive tractors. Caroline does too. Mommy took us to Home Depot awhile back. Not only do they have awesome carts that are like race cars, but the lawn mowers were still out. We could have sat there for at least another 30 minutes.
Life is normal otherwise. We go to the Y while Mom exercises. We go to the park some. We play in the cul de sac. At least that was September. We still need to get up to date. We will keep working on it. Maybe Sissy will do the next update.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

My Turn







FINALLY, I get a chance to post. Yes it is Caroline this time. Graham is kind of a computer hog (and a toy hog, and whatever he wants basically). He doesn't realize that I am getting bigger and better able to fight back when he takes stuff from me or won't share. Right now crying to get Mom or Dad's attention is my best defense.




He has filled you in on a lot. He had his birthday. I have to admit I enjoyed it too. C'mon, who doesn't get excited about a cupcake, a little frosting in your hair. Good times!
That weekend I went to my first I Cubs game. I had fun though it was kind of restricting. I couldn't run around as much as I wanted. I did get a new hat - they didn't have pink unfortunately. I thought I pulled it off!



Graham mentioned the state fair in his blog. He got to do some stuff I didn't, but at least this year for me was so much more fun than last year. I was only 3 months old so Graham had ALL the fun. I tried a corn dog and also shared the peppermint bar from Bauder's with Mommy. Gosh I can't wait 'til next year just so I can have another one of those!!! I loved the baby animals and wanted to touch them.

I got to sit in the tractors this year! Graham isn't the only one that likes to pretend to drive a John Deer! We had a good time and I definitely want to go back next year.



Graham wanted me to tell you that he went down the big slide twice - once with Daddy and once with Mommy. Mommy said it was all she could do not to scream. I can't wait until I am big enough to try it out.




We went to the zoo again. It was our third trip this year. Graham and I really like the petting zoo.We liked the dinosaur exhibit but it just wasn't as enticing the 2nd time around. I didn't 'roar' at the dinosaurs - this time I knew they wouldn't roar back. Graham was still a little bothered by this exhibit:

Dad is worried it could make him a vegetarian! He still hit all the buttons that showed how the dinosaurs moved.



Grandma came to visit us. Mommy had a couple of appointments so Grandma watched us. We went to the ALS Walk kick-off with Uncle Greg. Graham and I managed to run around! Graham asked Grandma about her new knees - a LOT of questions. He was really curious.


We also went to Grandma's over Labor Day. We got to ride the mower. We even helped Grandma pick up her ALL of her garden ornaments. Aunt Deb, Uncle Tim, Sam and Kayla came for part of the weekend. Aunt Deb had a project for us making picture frames and Grandma had a project for us making stepping stones. Mommy and Daddy tried to escape us, but Graham got so upset after falling asleep that Mommy drove back. Good job out of him because I didn't wake up until more in the middle of the night. I don't think she would have driven down in the middle of the night. We sure did get good use out of her that night.

As always stayed tuned for more. Graham definitely has more to blog about. Without giving it away I will just say that my big brother is growing up!


Friday, September 9, 2011

Can you believe I am 3?!


Hey Graham Fans! Still working to get the blog caught up. Caroline will do one soon so I will leave some of our adventures for her to share. Of course though, I will be talking about my BIRTHDAY!!!! I have been talking about my birthday for months! Maybe like 7 or 8 months I have been asking when would it be my birthday. It seemed like it was everyone's birthday in the family but mine. I don't think it should be that way and want to figure out how I can have at least 3 or 4 birthdays a year so I don't have to wait so long.








This year my birthday was on Saturday so my party was actually on my birthday! We just had family again. Nanny came up the day before. The day of Grandpa came, then Aunt Deb, Uncle Tim, Sam, and Kayla, and Grandma, Grammy, and Uncle Greg. My party had a Cars theme and Mom got Mater party hats.
I liked the hats but I liked them on other people more than on me. We had lunch which I am okay with but really isn't the best part of the party. We had cake and ice cream after lunch - YUMMMMMMMMY!Then it was time to open presents. Boy am I a lucky boy - I got some great presents! I played and played with it all! Before nap time, Mommy had to read ALL of the books I received. No one could believe I didn't fall asleep before she finished them. The birthday fun continued the next day when we went to an I Cubs game. I like the snacks and love Cubby Bear!
Uncle Brad's family couldn't make the party so the next weekend when we were in Kansas City, they had a little party for me. It was great to have two parties! We stayed at a hotel! I love to stay at hotels! Nanny stayed with us while Daddy and Mommy went to Adam's wedding. We had a good time.


The next weekend we went to the fair. I will let Caroline share some of what we did, but she didn't get to go through Little Hands on the Farm so I will have to tell you about. It is a pretend farm that you have to be two to do all the 'farming'. You pretend to plant vegetables, then harvest them, There are a whole bunch of things you have to do that teach about farming. My favorite though is a driving the pedal tractor oh, and getting a popsicle at the end! We also saw Clifford! Sis seemed afraid of him, but I was happy to meet him! I really wanted to ride the rides but unless Mom or Dad could ride with me I wouldn't ride them.




We also visited Miss Judy a couple of times. I love her toys! She has Bob the Builder toys and this cool tractor that Caroline and I ride. We went one night and she had a party going on. We went back a few days later and played in her pools! Well I should be honest - I really only played in the pool with Toby (her dog) and in her hot tub (that wasn't hot). I only sat on the steps of the big pool. We had fun!


We went to another bbq and it had lots of kids. They put up a slip and slide. I went down it a few times and Sis went down once. I got a little nervous though.


Well for now I need to publish this. I am way late in getting it on the web for you all. Enjoy!

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Where has the summer gone?










Hey Graham Fans! It has been too long! I blame my editor (my mommy). She just hasn't been giving me time on the computer to share with you all what we have been doing this summer. I am really going to have to dig into the recesses of my memory to cover what we have done this summer. I hate to admit that it has been since Caroline's birthday since I have blogged. I think Caroline shared some of our activities after that so I will try to pick up where she left off.





We have been to the zoo a couple of times. We went earlier in the summer with some of our Brighter Beginnings friends. It was the first time we have ever ridden the train. I was a big fan. With all the heat, we hadn't been back until last week. We had a great time. We rode the train again. Caroline and I really had fun in the petting zoo feeding the goats and the llama. Mom packed a picnic lunch and we ate in the shade. They also have a dinosaur exhibit. We loved it! Caroline growled at the dinosaurs! What a silly girl. I liked the one that you could use the buttons to move around. Fun times!




Daddy has participated in four barbeque contests this year, two of which we visited. The first one was in Valley Junction here in town. We went down on Saturday evening and had dinner with Grandpa and Dad. Then we went back Sunday afternoon. I like to run around. The second one was in the Kansas City area in June. Mom, Caroline, and I stayed at Nanny's. We went to see Dad on Friday night. It was kind of hot but I still had fun running around the trailer and the area by his site. Benjamin was there for awhile too so we played some. Some people had a little puppy there - we LOVED it! The next day we went to a park with Nanny, Aunt Lisa, Benjamin and Joe. This was a great park - it had a HUGE sand pile and actual diggers. I really didn't want to share but sometimes I had to let other kids use it. We had to leave the park to go see Daddy then headed back home.



On Father's Day we went to church, then drove to Jester Park to play at the Natural Living Playscape. It was fun. I really liked the big sandpile. They had a natural pool thing which was nice but the bottom was rocks so not the easiest to walk on. We had a picnic lunch under a big shade tree. Before we left, we were playing in the pool area and some other family saw a snake crawl out between some of the rocks. Everyone, including us, pretty much left after that.



The last weekend in June Daddy had another bbq contest in the Kansas City area. Mommy, Caroline and I went to Grandma's to go to the Peiffer family reunion. We had lots of fun at Grandma's. We played outside, rode the mower, rode in the wagon behind the mower. Uncle Greg gave me a ride on the tractor. We actually went down the road on the tractor. The reunion was on Sunday. Sam and Kayla were there and played with Caroline and me. It was a fun weekend. I wanted to stay another night at Grandma's.


For the 4th of July weekend, we went to a barbeque down the street. I had a good time. I played with a couple of older boys down the street. We all had a good time. On the 4th we went to the Urbandale parade. They threw out candy - lots of Tootsie Rolls. I ate as many as I could. We left after the fire trucks went by, but had already seen a couple of bands, some old cars, motorcycles, and lots of random stuff. The bands and the fire trucks were my favorite. We really lucked out in the spot we got. Some people had saved the curb, but let me squeeze and Mommy say behind me. Dad and Caroline were behind the sidewalk, but we were all in the shade and we could all see! Fireworks were too late for Caroline so Mommy drove me to watch some from the car. I already had my pajamas on so when we got out she just held me. It was kind of fun.



We have had a couple of playdates over the summer with some Brighter Beginnings friends. At the beginning of the summer the weather interfered with a couple of our playdates. We did get to the park with them and the splash pad. We went to the splash pad another time. I have to say that it is fun, but Caroline and I really liked the play equipment at the park better. When it was really hot, we went to Backyard Adventures. It is a place with a whole bunch of playsets indoors. Sissy and I both liked that place. We even ate our lunch there. Big thumbs up for that place.


It has been a crazy summer weather wise - lots of rain at first then REALLY hot. Early in the summer, Daddy blew up our pool when we had some really warm weather. The first day was a lot of fun.

By the third day, I would get Mommy to sit in it then would play everywhere in the backyard by the pool. Funny thing is it hasn't been out since. We have had our frog sprayer out multiple times and even ran through our sprinklers. The sprinklers were a lot of fun because I was just in my undies and Caroline in her diaper! I have tried to help Dad mow the lawn different times. He doesn't like to mow, but I LOVE it! He tells me I need to remember that when it was one of my chores!



We have had some good times this summer. There have been a couple of cul de sac parties and that usually involved staying up late. Woo hoo! We have eaten lots of popsicles. Even when it was hot, we played outside at least a little each day. We went to story time or played at the library regularly. I like to go to the library but I really like having some different books to read.



For those that know me, you realize I haven't talked about my birthday - that will be the next post! Stay tuned! (PS - Mommy made me put that picture of Caroline at the beginning.)