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.)

Happy Birthday to me!

It's my birthday, it's a party! It's my birthday, it's a party! Well it was my birthday. I am one! Woo Hoo! I didn't really get what a birthday was. We had donuts for breakfast on my actual birthday and went out for pizza for dinner. I like to eat so that was great. We went to a park after eating - lots of fun swinging, walking and climbing around the play equipment. A good day all around!

Of course there was a party and presents too, but that was on the weekend. Since it was my first birthday, I didn't know what this whole party thing would be like. Grandma came on Friday. She watched us while Mom ran errands to get ready for the party. The next day I really started figuring out there was a party. I woke up from my nap and Grandpa and Susan were there along with Aunt Deb, Uncle Tim, Sam, and Kayla. Pretty soon Grandma was back and Nanny got there. Eventually Uncle Greg rolled in. I really wanted Mommy to hold me, but she kept disappearing so then I would forget that I wanted her to hold me. We had some good stuff for lunch. Daddy made some really good chicken and I ate some sweet potato fries, and fruit. Yum yum! After lunch, Mommy put this thing on the table that appeared quite yummy. It was in the shape of a one and I just couldn't help but put my hands in it. My cake was a cupcake cake so I was able to grab one and dig in. Holy cow! I L.O.V.E. me some cupcakes! The party got even better - I got a bunch of presents! Books, tub toys, a rocking horse, a stroller, money, piano, airplane (the pilot is a girl - girl power!), a dress. Great stuff!

Gosh so beyond my birthday we have been having some plenty of fun. Graham shared with you our Easter activities. This was my first Easter so quite the experience - I didn't really get that whole egg hung thing, but it was still fun.

Mommy got my pictures taken right after my birthday. Mommy was really pleased with how they turned out. The photo shoot was super easy. It was outside and I just got to be me. It was a beautiful day too. The weather has been C.R.A.Z.Y. lately. A nice day, then a hot day, then a cold day. On one hot day, Daddy and Mommy hooked up the frog sprayer. Graham and I ran through it and Daddy even ran through the spray. It was kind of fun!

A couple weeks ago we all went to this big arena and sat in these cramped seats. Graham and I didn't know what was going on. Pretty soon our friends from Sesame Street were on stage. It was a great show! It did get a little long - I fell asleep before it was over. We ate lunch downtown so it was quite a fun day!

Daddy and Mommy always comment on how I like to eat. I don't know what the big deal is. A girl likes to eat - what of it?

Graham, Mommy, and I went to Grandma's house the other week. The weather was beautiful for playing outside. As soon as we got there, we went down to the shed. I wanted to sit on Grandma's mower. We were outside later and I trotted off to the shed to climb up on the mower. I can't quite get up there on my own. We didn't get to ride it until later in the day. I had no intentions of giving up my turn, but Mommy took me off so Graham could have a turn. That guy always has to butt in. We had a fun visit playing outside and eating cupcakes!

Well Graham will probably have his spin on some of our activities, plus he can update you on some of our more recent fun!

Big News

Hey Graham Fans! Happy May! I could say Happy Spring, but Mom says this isn't what she calls spring. Hey - it is good enough for me. I just want to get outside. Fortunately it is generally nice enough I can get out even if I have to make a break for it. A boy has to do what a boy has to do!

I always have to think where I left off so I can bring you up to date on our activities. I believe I need to start with our visit to Grandma's. Good times! I road in the wagon behind the lawn mower and Daddy took me out on the four wheeler. I enjoyed both but boy that four wheeler is FUN! I like to ride the lawn mower still - at least Grandma will let me help steer.

The next weekend Daddy had some friends in town and they wanted to see us. Mr. Andy and Mr. Mike came to the house. It takes me a little while to warm up but I try to show the full Graham. They would have had to stay a lot long to get the complete experience however. Grandma came to visit Saturday. She went shopping with us. Mommy said now she knows first hand why Mommy doesn't take us shopping much. I got to ride the train at the mall so it was definitely worth the trip. We went to Uncle Greg's that evening and ate pizza. I like to chase his cat, but I don't think his cat likes it as much as I do. Eventually I had to let the cat rest so I played with Uncle Greg's tractors. I could play with tractors for a long time so that is always fun for me.

Mommy took us to her friend Judy's house for a Pampered Chef party. I didn't know much about the party. Mommy just told me that she had different toys than we had. I liked her toys. She had Bob the Builder stuff and a John Deere Tractor and wagon. I could have played a lot longer. I think Sister had fun too. We ate cucumbers and cookies - what a combo!

Easter weekend we went to an Easter egg hunt in Waukee. It was great - a bunch of candy just dumped in the grass. You couldn't help but leave with a basketful of candy. Later we went to Cedar Rapids to Aunt Deb's. We stayed in a hotel, which I liked and still talk about. She had a trampoline so I got to jump on that. It brought the sillies out! Mommy and Daddy went out on their own while we played at Aunt Deb's. Kayla and Sam jumped on the trampoline with us. We also got to check out their camper. They took us back to the hotel to go swimming. We didn't last long though - too many people. We went back out to Aunt Deb's for lunch Sunday after church. I ran around all over and lucky me the Easter Bunny dropped a bunch of eggs in their yard! Sister got to hunt eggs too but I got most of them. We have gotten to play outside quite a bit. Caroline and I both love to play outside. Caroline likes to eat mulch - I don't get it myself. I like to ride my tractor, push my lawn mower, play with chalk, pretend to drive Dad's truck, ride my tricycle. Sometimes we get to play in some of the neighbor's backyard. Some of our neighbors have playsets so I love it when they are playing back there. All of the neighbors are girls. I don't mind, but some of what they play I don't get into. They play 'family', whatever. Running around, playing on outdoor toys is my kind of fun!

So you wonder what my big news is? No more diapers for me! Mommy checked out these books from the library. In one of them the little boy gives up his diapers so I declared I would too. We had to wait a few days since we were going to Aunt Deb's. Mommy gave me M&M's if I went in the potty. It took a few days and to be honest, sometimes I have accidents still. Mom and Dad say I am doing well. They were so proud of me they got me a motorcycle!
Caroline's birthday was last week and the party was over the weekend. She got a bunch of presents. I wanted them. Nanny gave me a four wheeler and Grandpa gave me an airplane (plasma car). I still wanted Caroline's stuff. Grandma whipped out a couple of Matchbox cars, I still wanted her stuff. Days have passed and I still want first dibs on all toys. Mommy and Daddy try to impress upon me that they are her toys and she can share with me, but I don't get first choice. Hmmm. I will have to think on that one.....

Ain't No Mountain High Enough!

G'day! What am I saying? I am not Australian. Coming up with a greeting is really tough. It has been almost a year and I am still stumped. If I don't come up with one by my birthday, I will just have to stick with something...

So what have I been up to? I think the more appropriate question is what have I been into? My answer is what haven't I been into! If there is an open door, I find it and get into or drag out whatever is in there! Mommy takes so long getting ready in the morning that I can find lots of her stuff to drag out. The dishwasher is another favorite. Standing on it or pulling things out of it - great fun!Sitting in the rocking chair was boring so I would stand on it. Mommy tried turning it over. Graham used it as a snowblower and I of course climbed on it. Graham likes to climb in our tunnel with it up on the ottoman. Once in awhile, I get a turn too. Of course I need it on the ground or for Mommy to help me it Graham is using it as a slide. I have become a really good eater. I can't remember the last time I ate baby food. If I see people eating, I want some too! There are some things of course I can't have yet. It makes me mad even if it is a choking hazard.

We went to Grandma's a couple of weeks ago. Fortunately it was a nice day so we got to play outside. We rode in the wagon behind the lawn mower. I kept climbing on the mower to sit in the driver's seat - only when it was parked and off. Grandma tried to give me a ride, but I was not a fan. We also sat on the four wheeler (Graham actually rode it with Daddy).

I found Grandpa Dennis' cane in the closet. It was bigger than me, but I still did my best to carry it. I might look soft and cuddly, but I am STRONG!All the excitement wore me out!

We go to the Y pretty regularly. I graduated myself from the baby area to the big kid area. Mommy would drop me off in the baby area. I would cry. They would hand me over the wall to be in the big kid area and I would be happy. I really like one of the ladies that works on that side. Ryann is her name and she is my favorite! Graham usually play near me too, which I like. Speaking of hanging with the big kids, I have gotten to stay with the kids during Brighter Beginnings. This is the class we go to where we sing songs, then the mommies leave for awhile and the kids have snacks and play. I have stayed twice. I really like it. I am not sure Graham likes me infringing on his territory.

Hope you have a Happy Easter!

Is Winter over yet?

Hey Graham Fans! Are you surviving winter? It really hasn't been that bad. I have gotten to play outside some, but Baby can't really play outside so she holds me back. Luckily we have had some nice days where Mommy will take her outside too. Now that she walks she can kind of fend for herself at least.

Speaking of Baby and walking, it is kind of fun that she does, but it means she gets in my business more. That aggravates me and she gets what I feel she has coming - pushed down. Well that means I end up in trouble more. That is no fun. Don't get me wrong, I still love my sister she just frustrates me. I do try to do things that 'make her SO happy'. The bonus of that is it makes Mommy happy too. Hugging, patting, trying to help her all good things.

Gosh so what have we been up to? We are really behind so I have to take you all the way back to January. Grandma came to visit the end of January. Mommy and Daddy went skiing during the day so Grandma babysat us. When Mommy and Daddy came home, we ate dinner and had birthday cupcakes to celebrate Grandma's birthday! I love birthdays and I love cupcakes!

A couple of weeks later we went to Kansas City and celebrated Daddy's birthday with Nanny, Uncle Brad, Aunt Lisa and Benjamin. Daddy and Mommy went out to dinner the first night and Caroline and I played at Uncle Brad's. The next day Mommy and Daddy took me out to lunch at this place where a train delivers your food. Big fan of that place. I don't really care about the food, but how awesome is it that a train brings the food to your table. That night we went back to Uncle Brad's house. We had birthday cake for Daddy's birthday! It was an ice cream cake - YUMMY! Daddy had to go out of town for work the next week so Mommy, Baby and me went to Grandma's. I didn't get to play outside as much as I wanted, but Grandma did take me out to the shed so I could check out all of my favorite things - Greg's tractor and Grandma's tractor. I told Grandma to open the door so we could drive the mower. She seemed to think it was too wet. Grandma has a couple of books I LOVE that she always reads to me.

Grammy took us to lunch the next day at Pizza Ranch. It is a good place for me. They have pizza and peas and cucumbers and pasta salad - stuff I like. Grandma baked in the afternoon so I got to help. Other than that we just did our usual stuff - played the piano, played with the tractors, played with Grandpa Dennis' trucks, and Grandma even had Dora on tv!

Later that week, we met some friends from Brighter Beginnings at Backyard Adventures. It is like a big park with lots of playground equipment but inside. I hope we go back - that was fun!

Aunt Deb, Uncle Tim, Sam and Kayla were in town the end of February so they visited us. Daddy took me to the Science Center and Sam came along. There were some fun things there.

Grandpa and Susan came to visit a couple of weeks ago. We had fun. Grandpa and I played downstairs and he played outside with me. He read to both Caroline and I. He definitely had his work cut out for him at lunch - Grandpa helped feed Caroline. She ate and ate - I think she wore Grandpa out. Susan and I played with Play Doh. I am pretty sure they were so tired when they went home!

We started to going to church for the fish fry. I guess that means it is Lent! Uncle Greg eats with Mommy, me and Sister. Daddy is in the kitchen cooking. I always have fun. There is so much space to run and I like to ride in the wheel chairs and of course eat dessert! Caroline likes it too. Since she eats mostly table food now, she chows down when we are there! Of course, she walks all over. Mommy likes it because we burn energy!

Last weekend for some reason I don't understand, Mommy left us overnight to hang out with friends. Like she got up Saturday morning, she got ready and Miss Sara then was in our driveway. I was still in my pajamas. Nanny came later in the morning. We made cookies and went to Target. We had fun, but when Mommy got home we were sure happy to see her! Sister climbed off of Daddy's lap and toddled right over to Mommy. She didn't want Mommy to put her down. Now don't think we don't love Daddy too - we are always happy when he comes home from work! Sometimes it makes me sad that he has to go to work. Mommy just has never been gone that much without us. We managed just fine. "Me wuv guys weekend!"

Other than that life has been pretty normal. We play around the house.

Sometimes it is fun to wear Mommy's shoes and I don't like to wear my pants. I like to watch tv in Mommy's room while she gets ready in the morning.

That is life at our house.