Gracie Is Cute

Apple Picking

2009-09-21T16:08:00.001-04:00

I feel like we might be trying to stuff all of our favorite fall activies into one long weekend while I'm trying to fight off a cold. Saturday was a beautiful day to go pick apples, and I think we finally found a place we really like: Honey Pot Hill Orchards in Stow.

A Little Catch-Up

2009-09-20T15:45:00.005-04:00

We had a great but busy summmer. I can hardly believe it's almost the end of September; some big changes have started and others are coming!

In August Grace had her 3 year old checkup. She grew almost 4 inches this year and is 39 inches tall. I think she was at 36 lbs.

In August, we also had a great week in NH. For all the crappy weather we had earlier in the summer, I was so glad to have a beautiful week in NH. We took Grace up the ski lift on Mt. Sunapee and I think if she had her choice we would have done that every day. (She certainly tried to get us to do it every day.)

She loved the water!

And showed how big a cheese she really is by climbing to the top of the rock wall at the park.

The rest of the pictures I uploaded are here:

NH 09

At the beginning of this month Grace started in a new preschool class. It's a much larger class with twice the number of kids. It feels a lot more like a school room than a day care room. She also started dance lessons, doing a little ballet, tap and tumbling. She's still being a little shy, but is happy to show you the things she learned at home. Now she just needs to start doing them in class. :-)

The other big thing we celebrated this month was Spencer's first birthday. How cute is he? Grandma thinks its time for a hair cut, but I think he's perfect just the way he is.

A Fish Named Grace

2009-08-16T20:56:00.006-04:00

I don't think you can deny that this has been a bust of a summer for swimming in my pool. The first time I went in it was two weeks ago. I was really looking forward to having Grace in the pool this summer, it seemed like she'd be finally old enough to really start enjoying it so when we finally got in and she was afraid I was pretty bummed. Something changed today, I think it was watching her friend Ian float around in a tube that made Grace decide it was time to let go and swim and swim she did. And Mommy and Daddy were proud. So proud that we made a video.

The Big Cheese Turns 3

2009-08-12T18:49:00.004-04:00

Here's some pictures from Grace's Birthday parties here in Worcester and at Ned & Amy's house in Branford. Both parties were lots of fun! I sure would like to thank Amy for all her help with Grace's Abby Cadabby cake! I couldn't have done it without her help!

Cape Cod

2009-07-19T18:11:00.005-04:00

Grace and I had a great week in Cape Cod with my Mom, Amy and her boys. The beach couldn't have been more perfect for Grace who loved playing in the surf and digging in the sand. I bought Grace her own little boogie board so she could be like the "big kids" which is really sort of road.

I don't recommend sharing a bed with Grace. She is very wiggly and stuck to me like glue. I was glad when Neil arrived to kick her out of my bed.

I loved watching Spencer play in the sand. He loved crawling all over the beach in attempt to play with the big kids. He would have crawled right into the ocean if we let him.

I know Grace will miss her Gray-Gray, she asked on the drive home if he could come live at our house. When they play together they are truely 2 peas in a pod.

Nolan is a good big cousin. When he's not egg Grace and Gray on he plays really nice with them.

I really enjoyed the Cape. This was my first time there and I sure hope to go back in summers to come.

Ultrasound

2009-06-25T18:49:00.005-04:00

I went for another ultrasound yesterday. I had one about 3 weeks ago, but the baby was in a funny position and they didn't get good pictures of the heart so I had to go back. What a difference a few weeks makes in the pictures you get. The baby was in a much better possition this time and we got some good pictures. It was neat to watch! We even watched the baby yawn a bunch of times.

Feet.

What a beautiful profile!

Yawning

I'll let you figure this one out yourself.

Spencer is Cute!

2009-06-22T18:00:00.003-04:00

I love how babies smile. They smile with their whole body and Spencer is no exception!

I guess Gray and Grace are pretty cute too!

A Few Memorial Day Week Pictures

2009-05-28T19:32:00.005-04:00

Memorial Day Weekend was long, busy weekend. We sure did apprecate Matt and Andy's help will the deck as well as Nancy's help with my garden. We couldn't have gotten nearly as much done last weekend without them!!

The title of this picture is "Mommy make it warmer!" Grace kept asking us to make the water warmer. She didn't really get that when you're outside the water only comes in one temperature.

I don't think that Matt, Andy and Neil could have built the deck without their supervisor. This is one of those pictures that we'll show to the boyfriends. If the picture isn't embarrassing in itself I will let you know that after she was done she yelled to the boys that she had pooped and that it had corn in it.

Interestingly, she did something similar at my parents house the weekend before where she put the potty at there garage door so she could watch Gray play outside. I think we're pretty close to calling Grace potty trained, I guess now we need to teach her a little modesty.

Happy Birthday Allison!

2009-05-28T19:16:00.003-04:00

Jen's daughter Allison turned 1 this month! Here are a few pictures from her party at the playground.

Displaying that there is no climber she won't conquer, Grace went right up this one.

If there was a picture to follow this one it would be Grace flying off the end of the slide and doing a face plant into the ground. I guess it's a fast slide. We were more careful with later trips down.

Here's the birthday girl loving the swings.

Grace and Ian had fun on the swings too. At first Grace didn't reconize Ian with his new haircut.

More of the birthday girl! Soooo cute!

Allison is very good at picking the rocks out of the sand and handing them to you, maybe I should see if she could come help me pick rocks out of my garden. :-)

Ian the cookie face was trying to hide from my camera, but I got him.

Mom's Day at the Zoo

2009-05-28T18:57:00.005-04:00

Last year we spent Mother's day at the Southwick's Zoo and we decided to contiue the tradition this year. I didn't take a whole lot of great pictures because it was very windy. We had a fun day, Neil and I enjoyed the animals and Grace loved the playground and rides. I think she could have cared less about the animals. We made the mistake of telling her there was a playground and she keep asking if this was the way to the playground. Then we made the mistake of telling her she could ride the rides after lunch. Coincidentally, she started asking for lunch at 10:30. It took me a while to figure out that she wasn't hungry.

Grace didn't like feeding the goats this year, but this little goat was pretty cute.

Not so interested in feeding the deer either. I like feeding the deer, they are a little less grabby than the goats.

Finally the playground. I really realized at the playground what a difference winter makes. There wasn't anything Grace couldn't do or wouldn't try. My toddler is becoming a little kid .

After lunch, finally the rides. See the little girl with Grace in the red car. I don't know what they talked about during the ride, but it seems they made a plan to ride all of the rides together. Grace called her, "my girl". Grace would get off a ride and ask, "Where's my girl??". It was cute.

Apple Circus

2009-05-11T19:04:00.001-04:00

For months Grace had been asking if we could go to the circus, but I had sort of been ignoring her request. When the commercials for the Big Apple Circus in Boston started appearing on the TV, the requests became much more frequent so I gave in and ordered us tickets.

We got super lucky with the weather that day and it ended up feeling like more like July than April with temps close to 90. This is what Grace decided to put on that morning.

Cheeeeeeese!

We arrived in Boston around 1:30, but the show started at 4 so we hung around Quincy Market. One of my goals for the trip was to buy Grace a new "Go Red Sox" (as she calls it) hat.

She looked so cute in her new hat.

We killed time with some ice cream and some shopping, then headed towards Government center. In front of Faneuil Hall was like 6 different people making ballon animals\hats. We tried to steer Grace away, but there was so many of them and this Rami Salami guy had chairs, we were powerless.

Let me tell you, this guy is well organized and knows how to keep the kids attention so they don't go to someone else. Grace patiently waited probably 15 minutes for her turn.

Then the masterpiece was completed; it was quite a sight.

Sadly, the hat only lasted the walk to Government Center. By the time we finished climbing the steps the purple balloon that held the whole thing together popped. It was very sad. Grace cried. Mommy felt bad. We've had bad luck with balloons popping lately.

The cirus was lots of fun. The tent is very small and I can't imagine that there are many bad seats in the house. Grace really enjoyed Grandma the clown and the guy that balanced pots on his head.

We finshed the day with a tasty dinner at Legal Seafood. Grace had fish-shaped cheese ravolis which she rated not as tasty as the Mickey-shaped ones she had in Disney. Mice know their cheese.

Easter Weekend

2009-05-10T18:48:00.004-04:00

Clearly, I am a little behind with my posting. Easter weekend was a busy one as we prepared for a house full of people on Easter Sunday.

It started with egg dyeing. I was completely suprised with how gently Grace placed the eggs in the dye and pulled them out. I don't think we broke a single one!

Then we made cookies with my new cookie cutters Grace gave me for my birthday.

Grace was at her sports class when I made the cookie dough so this was my helper/supervisor.

Easter ham a day early.

Grace started the Easter party early on Sunday morning with her baby.

Daddy set up an egg hunt for Ian and Grace in the backyard. They didn't seem to mind that it was cold and windy.

Then my camera battery died. Not pictured here was a great dinner with great friends and family.

Weekend With Gray

2009-04-27T19:19:00.002-04:00

Gray came to visit for a weekend while Ned and Amy took a little vacation. The weather wasn't great, but we had a great weekend! Gray was the perfect house guest! I love watching Grace and Gray interact. When we tucked Gray in at night Grace would come, make sure he had his binky and kiss him on the fore head.

We fingered painted.

Played dress up.

When it wasn't raining we played outside.

March

2009-04-14T17:55:00.002-04:00

Winter seemed to drag on in March, but we did have one busy weekend of celebrating Gray's birthday and Spencer's Christening. Here are a few pictures from that weekend.

Photo

2009-04-10T10:48:00.001-04:00

Hint: It's not Grace.

Grace and Daddy Play with Photo Booth

2009-03-23T21:34:00.001-04:00

Look, twins.

I think I look slightly like Chandler from Friends here.

Silly.

Sillier.

Silliest.

Sloth from Goonies.

Spring Tease

2009-02-28T15:51:00.003-05:00

It was so warm yesterday that I had to get Grace and I outside. Here are a few pictures.

Grace can finally peddle her bike. She has a hard time getting started, but one she's gets going she does pretty good.

I love these sun glasses.

Here are a couple of pictures from our trip to Mystic with Amy and the boys.

How cute is he??

WDW Day 6: Back to Epcot

2009-02-19T08:12:00.001-05:00

The rain that started the day before was expected to continue AND the temperature had dropped quite a bit so we decided to head back to Epcot to wander the countries and have lunch in Japan.

Grace was not so impressed.

I bought a couple of umbrellas at the hotel and Grace insisted on having one of them. She was pretty cute.

Lunch in Japan was great!! Grace ate the whole meal with the chop sticks.

My last look before we left WDW.

This was our first official family vacation that was just the three of us. I'm glad we went. We had lots of fun. I wish we had stayed a few more days, there were a couple of rides in the Magic Kingdom we missed and a few I would have liked to ride again. I look forward to going back maybe next year for our anniversary and when Grace doesn't need a nap any more.

We've been home for a little over 2 weeks now and Grace still talks about our trip daily and has asked many time when we will go back to Mickey's house. Just tonight as I sat with her before bed she said, "Remember we had lunch with Leo. That was fun."

WDW Day 5: Magic Kingdom Do Over

2009-02-18T07:55:00.001-05:00

We were all in a much better mood and ready to ride the rides when we went back to the Magic Kingdom on Thursday. My goal was to make it all the way to the parade at 3. I didn't want to leave WDW without Grace seeing any of the parades!

We headed straight back to Fantasy Land and started with the Flying Dumbos.

Then Daddy and Grace rode the Tea Cups. Twice. In a row. This was Daddy's limit.

The Merry Go Round was next.

Then much to our surprise Grace wanted to ride the Pooh ride again. It was like a monkey on her back and she need to prove she could do it. And she did, without tears.

Learning from the previous day I stripped Grace naked before she played in the fountain. How many people can say they have been naked at the Magic Kindom?

We continued on and rode Its A Small World. Then to Mickey's Toon Town to revisit Minnie's house and ride Goofy's Barnstormer. I think Grace was a little mixed on Goofy's roller coaster, but I was proud that she tried it.

After some lunch, we went to the Haunted Mansion. The ride has been redone and I think they did a great job. Grace only asked if we could get out of there a couple of times. I was very proud of her bravery. Next Daddy and Grace got into the line for the Speedway.

Then it started to rain, hard at times. It kind of sucked, but by this point the parade wasn't to far off so with ponchos on we waited for the parade. Unfortunately we I have no pictures as I didn't want the camera to get wet. I think Grace enjoyed the parade, but I can't say for sure. Her reaction after the parade was to start crying over the fact that she didn't get to try the hula hoops that the park people had out for the crowd prior to the parade.

To stay dry we took our time getting out of the park. We had dinner at the hotel which was surprisingly good.

Grace showing off her Pirate bed. She slept in that bed all by herself and only fell out twice.

WDW Day 4: Epcot part 2

2009-02-17T19:05:00.004-05:00

After a wardrobe change we headed off to Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Norway to have lunch with the Princesses. The first thing you do when you enter the restaurant is have your picture taken with Belle. I don't even think Grace's pretty dress could have saved this picture.

As we ate lunch, the various princess stopped by the table.

First was Sleeping Beauty.

Than Arial, The Little Mermaid.

Then Cinderella stopped by and Grace felt the need to offer her some Mickey Mouse raviolis.

Finally Jasmine. She gave Grace a little tickle to get a smile.

Dessert was awesome. It was really, really good. Lunch was good too, but desert was sooo goood.

After lunch we went to Mexico to do our Kim Possible Mission. Daddy finished our mission as Grace started working on her mask. While in Mexico we also rode the new and improved boat ride starting the Three Caballeros. Grace loved it because it had Donald Duck. I give props to Disney for taking a very tired ride and vastly improving it with Donald and his friends.

We left Mexico and headed back towards Norway to find Donald again!

I must say that up until this point Grace had been very reluctant to even touch the characters so when she gave Donald a big hug I got a little teary. So did Daddy.

At this point Grace was getting pretty tired so we started to head for the exit, but on our way we noticed that she was trying to fall asleep in the stroller so we let it happen. She probably napped for 45 minutes and saved us the trip back to the hotel.

Well rested, we grabbed a snack and continued on to the various countries to collect all of the stamps for Grace's mask.

Daddy and Grace watching the trains in Germany.

We stopped in France for dinner and it was yummy. Daddy got a bowl of the best onion soup I've ever had. (Daddy thinks it was pretty good, but Panera is closer and cheaper.)

I couldn't leave Epcot without getting ALL of the stamps for Grace's mask so we continued on to England where we found Alice.

And Pooh, Tigger and Eeyore. The Disney photographer took a great picture of the six of us, but I don't have a digital copy, but here are a few I took. The characters were really cute with Grace.

When we lined up to take the group picture, Grace asked several times why Pooh had a zipper. I just ignored the question.

I had a little panic when we couldn't find the Kidcot station in Canada, but no worries we found it and successfully collected all the country stamps for Grace's mask. And then we called it a night. It was a great day.

WDW Day 4: Epcot Part 1

2009-02-17T19:00:00.001-05:00

I think my favorite day was Wednesday in Epcot. Since we had already done the Living Seas we started the day by heading for Figment. On the way, we noticed that there was no line for the character spot by Innovations. We probably waited for 5 minutes to meet Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald and Goofy. Finally Grace got to meet Donald.

Minnie was cute with Grace.

Goofy is the one on the right.

I wouldn't say that Grace enjoyed Figment, but she enjoyed the fountain outside.

I figured Grace had had enough of the 3D so we skipped Honey I Shrunk the Audience. We also skipped The Land as Grace isn't tall enough for Soarin' yet. We spent a good bit of time playing in Innovations East and West. After that we ended up out in front of Mission Space and another fountain. Only this one was a little more accessible.

Amazingly she avoided getting wet for the first few minutes. Just missing the shoots of water until one hit her straight in the head. She got hit in the head a couple of more time, but she didn't care.

WDW Day 3: Disney Hollywood Stuidos (MGM)

2009-02-08T13:52:00.007-05:00

The plan for day three was to head over to MGM and have lunch with some of the Playhouse Disney characters. I knew there was very few things we could do with Grace at MGM, but I hoped she'd really enjoy what we did do.

We were in the gate a little after nine and saw a few characters. We tried to get into the line for Donald, but it was "closed". Missed Donald again. Next, we checked out the line for the new attraction Toy Store Mania. At 9:15 the line was already 25 minutes long and the the Fast Passes were for after 11. We grabbed a pair of Fast Passes and got in line to wait for the Playhouse Disney Live show.

Grace absolutely loved the Playhouse Disney show. It had all the characters from her three favorite shows, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, My Friends Tigger and Pooh, and Little Einsteins. The show is very well done. The characters look just like the cartoons instead of like big giant characters that you would see in the park.

Next we decided to give Muppet Vision 3D a try. I forgot to mention that in Animal Kingdom we tried It's Tough to Be a Bug and had to walk out after about 2 minutes of the show. With that in mind I didn't have high hopes for the Muppets. We did make to the end of the show, but not with out a few little cries. I think if it hadn't had that cartoon guy (Waldo) it would have been ok. I think he scared her a little. But we made it through the entire show.

We let Grace run around a little in the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground while we waited for our Fast Pass time. I felt a little guilty as I grabbed the 3D glasses for Toy Story Mania, Grace chose not to wear them and didn't seem to mind the ride. For the record Toy Store Mania ROCKS! It is the same basic idea as Buzz Lightyear in the Magic Kingdom and Men in Black at Universal, but way better.

Lunch was the turning point with the characters. By this point Grace was completely into getting the characters autographs and was warming up to the idea of having them touch her. Lunch was a buffet at Hollywood and Vine with Jojo, Goliath, Leo and June. The buffet was excellent and lots of fun.

Grace enjoys pushing her stroller.

Back over by Playhouse Disney Live you can find more of the Playhouse Disney characters. Grace has been into Handy Mandy so we jumped at the chance to meet him. He started his signature in Grace's book by drawing the hearts from her shirt. I thought that was sweet.

After a good nap at the hotel we were back at MGM for more playing and dinner. Neil and Grace headed off the to playground while I went and shopped. Sadly the playground was closed so they headed back to meet me. On the way, Grace noticed Annie from Little Einsteins and decided she wanted to go see her. Daddy called me and I made it just in time to snap some pictures.

At least three of us are smiling.

We had dinner at the 50's Prime Time Cafe and although it was tasty, it wasn't nearly as fun as the day before our wedding with everybody. Nobody was made to sing "I'm a Little Teapot." However, I think too many people were eating all their green beans because Daddy got collard greens with his dinner. He managed to eat them all, though (barely).

After dinner Grace as pretty wired so Neil went to check the line for Toy Story. There was no line at all, but sadly it was because the park was closed. Bummer.

WDW Day 2: Animal Kingdom

2009-02-06T14:00:00.001-05:00

Animal Kingdom has its early Magic Hour on Monday so we grabbed breakfast to go and headed to the park. As we entered the park and headed up the path to Africa I heard Grace saying something about Mexico. She was saying that this place was like Mexico. I think she was talking about XCaret which I totally could see.

Our first stop was Kilimanjaro's Safari. We grabbed some Fast Passes and jumped in the pretty short line. I figured we'd use the Fast Passes for a second ride. Surely Grace would like see the animals and want to ride again... wrong. No interest in riding again.

Waiting in line and ready to go see some animals.

Next we talked along the Pangani Forest Exploration. Grace was excited to find the telescope. She's been into telescopes lately.

I love seeing the gorillas. I think they pose for all cameras. I especially loved watching Daddy and Grace watch the gorillas.

The next thing that we've done every time we've been to Animal Kingdom is go to the Tusker House for breakfast which included their yummy warm cinnamon buns. Sadly the Tusker House changed from a quick service place to a real restaurant with a character breakfast. We tried to get a reservation, but a month before we left it was already booked. Next to the restaurant there was a place that you could get cinnamon buns so Daddy hopped in the line while Grace and Mommy wandered off. We went into a store with a big pile of drums. Grace loved playing all the different instruments and was in there for a while.

After our sadly not warm and gooey sticky buns, Grace was drafted to play in a band.

It was fun until the lady pulled her away from us over near the band. Grace wasn't so sure about what was going on.

After the song was over the Lady passed out certificates to each of the kids that played in the band. Grace apparently experienced a "Certifiable Magical Moment".

Next stop was Expedition Everest. We checked out the Monkeys on the way. Daddy likes monkeys.

The line was to long for Everest so we grabbed Fast Passes and went to check out Dinoland USA. When we got there Goofy and Pluto were there. We jumped in line to meet them. Grace was not so impressed to meet them.

I never really paid attention to the fact that there is a huge play area in Dinoland. Grace loved it. She wouldn't go down the slides (I think she's afraid of tube slides), but she loved climbing all the way up to them, and across the net bridges. It took her a while to find The Boneyard (a giant sand box). I left her and Daddy to play while I went and rode Everest.

I must admit it was no fun to ride Everest alone, but it was a pretty good coaster. I went back to the Boneyard and got Daddy and Grace so Daddy could take his turn on Everest. On the way back over we were talking about riding on the "Mountain" and Grace asked where we get the sleds.

With Everest off the checklist, we grab lunch. Daddy is kind of partial to the Flame Tree Barbecue, so we ate there. Grace had chicken on a stick (better known as a drumstick). After lunch I could tell that Grace was done so we headed back to the hotel for a nap. When Grace got up from her nap we put our bathing suits on and went for a swim.

After a good nap and a swim Grace was more her normal happy self. For dinner we went to the Coral Reef in Epcot. On the way to the restaurant, we saw Donald through the windows of one of the buildings. Unfortunately, there was a line so we couldn't get a picture with him right then, but Daddy promised Grace that he would make sure we saw Donald before we went home. Grace got a little silly with the characters from Finding Nemo. She wanted her picture taken with each one.

Dinner was yummy.

We rode the new Nemo ride in the Living Seas after dinner and Grace was pretty brave. I don't think she cried, but definitely wasn't interested in riding again. The Seas was pretty empty so we let Grace run around like a crazy person. I think she liked that more than seeing the fish.

WDW Day 1: Magic Kingdom

2009-02-05T18:30:00.001-05:00

I didn't sleep so good Saturday night, knowing how late Grace went to bed and how early we had to be up to get to the Crystal Palace for our 8:10 breakfast reservation. Grace woke up around 6:45, so we were out the door of our room by 7:30 and to the Magic Kingdom with plenty of time for breakfast.

First ride on the Monorail. Even in the stroller Grace carefully listened to instructions and held on to the bar.

Obligatory Castle pictures. If you are wondering about the lack of crowds of people around us these were taken before the park opened to the general public, the only people in the park were there for breakfast.

Same smiles.

We decided on the Crystal Palace for breakfast our first day because it was a buffet which meant Grace was free, and because it was a character breakfast with Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore and Tigger. Grace was definitely not sure about the characters. She was excited about the concept of having breakfast in the same room as them, but once she realized that they would actually be coming around and touching her, it became much less exciting.

Thus, we will begin the gallery of unimpressed Grace with various Disney characters.

The park was opening as we finished breakfast and Grace ran straight for the bubbles.

I think she would have played all day in the bubbles if we let her.

After the bubbles we headed for Fantasyland. Grace gave us whiny nos to every ride, so I mistakenly decided that our first ride would be the Pooh ride. She cried all the way through the ride.

Across from Pooh's ride was a playground complete with Pooh's house.

With Grace's lack of intrest in any of the Fantasyland rides we headed to the next most toddler-friendly area: Mickey's Toon Town Fair. Grace absolutely loved playing in Minnie's house. There's all kinds of stuff to touch and play with in her kitchen. It was hard to get her out of there and into Mickey's house. Mickey's house was pretty disappointing after Minnie's house because you can't really touch anything. Mickey's house led to the "judge's tent" with the line for Mickey. Cranky Grace was not interested in that line at all (although once it was pointed out that there was cartoons on the screen, it was better - although with much questioning about "Where's Donald?") , but we pressed on and were lead with 4 other families into a room with Mickey and Minnie. I will give them credit for trying to get a smile out of Grace, they really tried but she was not interested. At least Mommy and Daddy smiled.

After we met Mickey and Minnie we went and bought our Ear hats. I wish I had a picture of the three of us with them on but sadly I don't. But I do have these:

I noticed that the sun was hurting our "No" girl's eyes. I asked if she would like some sun glasses. We went and looked and every pair got a no until I pointed out that this pair was like Gray's sun glasses.

We watched the end of the Mickey's Dream show in front of the Castle and then grabbed some lunch. Grace showed off her hat at lunch.

This is probably one of my favorite pictures of the trip because Grace is giving a true smile not her "cheese" face.

After lunch it was pretty clear that Grace was done so we gave up on the Magic Kingdom and headed back to our room for naps. All three of us were pretty tired, so we all dozed.

By the way, the rooms we stayed in at the Caribbean Beach had a pirate theme. Pirate beds. Pirate curtain to separate the bathroom area. Daddy tried to keep the "yarr" talk to a minimum.

After naps, we went and played at the little playground outside our room.

Here's a picture of our ear hats.

We finished the day by heading to Downtown Disney for dinner. We decided to try the Rainforest Cafe. Having never been there I didn't know about the animatronic animals or the "thunder storms". Needless to say there were tears several times during dinner.

WDW Day 0: Leaving on a Jet Plane

2009-02-05T18:00:00.001-05:00

With our bags packed we got up Saturday morning with nothing much to do but wait until it was time to leave. Neil and I were excited to leave; Grace on the other hand was excited at the idea of going to the Big Apple Circus in April. I had been getting all kinds of questions about the circus, "When we go to the apple circus can I get popcorn? Can I get a drink? Can I bring my elephant?"

When we got to the airport we checked in and when through security where Grace completely freaked out about having to take off her shoes and come out of the stroller. Not knowing how to explain what the point is of going threw security to a 2 1/2 year old I told her they were checking to make sure that we didn't forget anything like toothpaste. Daddy thought this was brilliant and continued to use it each day when they checked our bags at the parks.

As we walked the long walk to our gate we discovered that not far from our gate was a play area for kids. It was a small, soft version of Logan. Once all of the bigger kids cleared out much fun was had while we waited to leave. Grace discovered that in addition to the slide-shaped slide, there were several slanted suitcases that worked as slides as well.

We arrived in Orlando after 6, hungry and without a nap. Grace saw the big Disney store in the airport terminal and asked, "Is that Mickey's house?" We were able to quickly grab our luagage and were off to pick up our rental car. It took forever to get the rental (Avis tried to rent us a 2 door Eclipse, then tried giving us a car with no way to turn the alarm off). Grace quickly fell asleep on our way to the hotel. I was sad that Grace missed seeing us pass through the entrance to WDW. I checked us in and we grabbed dinner. When all was said and done for the day Grace felt asleep around 10.

Snow Shoveling

2009-01-06T10:00:00.002-05:00

Santa brought Grace a snow shovel for Christmas and we finally had a good day to try it out. She cried out, "This is fun" while she shoveled the snow from the grass.

She didn't mind one bit that the hat was in her eyes.

Grace with googly eyes.

She really did enjoy helping Daddy shovel, but didn't quite understand how to be really helpful.

Gray Comes to Visit

2009-01-05T10:00:00.003-05:00

I was pretty excited when Amy took me up on my offer for Gray to come stay with us after Christmas. He came Sunday night and stayed until Tuesday. I was surprised at how little attention Grace and Gray needed from me and how well they played together. It was lots of fun and I know Grace enjoyed playing with Gray. On Wendsday I could tell Grace missed Gray when she repeatedly asked throughout the day what he was doing.

Monday was a very busy day. We started the day with some drawing.

Then we played with Grace's new Play-Doh.

Gray has a big head. Grace's new helmet is too small for his head.

Tuesday morning started out with more art.

Followed by a trip to Target. You don't realize it until you have to do it, but getting 2 toddlers dressed and in the car is hard especially when they egg each other on.

We definitely had lots of fun and I look forward to Gray coming to stay again.

Funny Faces

2009-01-04T10:00:00.001-05:00

Daddy surprised me with a new camera for Christmas and Grace helped me test it out.

This is suppose to be a sad face.

A mad face.

Christmas Pictures

2009-01-03T16:40:00.004-05:00

Christmas was lots of fun this year. Grace was able to understand Santa enough to realize that she wasn't so interested in a stranger in her house even if he came with the possiblity of presents. After a talk with Daddy and the assurance that he wouldn't come upstairs, Grace was ok with Santa's arrival. Santa must have done a good job because the Christmas tree full of presents was greated with a WOW!!

After we finished opening presents at our house we hopped in the car and headed to Grandma Gail's house for even more presents.

Grace was pretty excited for even more presents when we arrived at Grandma Nancy's house on Friday.

Grace spent a lot of time playing "her room".

I just like this picture.

Cookie Making

2008-12-31T11:27:00.002-05:00

Since Santa doesn't like store bought cookies we spent Christmas eve baking and decorating cookies for him.

Grace and I took care of the baking while Daddy was at work. She helped me at first but soon wanted her own piece of dough which she rolled, squished and cut for at least 45 minutes.

Once Daddy got home from work we decorated our cookies. Grace lost interest in putting sprinkles on the cookies that we would frost and then spent a lot of time dumping sprinkles from one bowl to the other.

We let her have the bottle of frosting and she was all about decorating cookies again. I think the cookies she frosted were the most beautiful.

I'm not sure who had more fun decorating. I almost think it was Mommy and Daddy, but I'm not sure.

We had so much fun that I thought we should decorate cookies for all holidays. Now where do I find Washington and Lincoln cookie cutters??

Gingerbread Houses!

2008-12-24T14:02:00.003-05:00

Last weekend Jen, Ian and Allison braved the snowy weather to join us in making gingerbread houses.

You may be interested to know that very little candy was eaten during this project. I think I caught Grace eating one gummy circle.

Grace kind of lost interest in decorating, but Ian stayed focus and made sure just about every spot had some candy.

Family Portrait

2008-12-24T13:52:00.003-05:00

In Mexico we had a photographer come to do a family portrait. He was a super nice guy and took some great photos of my whole family and each of our indiviual families.

Here's everybody.

Here's a slide show of a few of my favorites.

If you would like to check out the whole album:
www.pictage.com/595560

Christmas Party

2008-12-17T19:39:00.002-05:00

Due to our lack of power this past weekend Grace and I head to Grandma's house on Friday. Daddy joined us on Saturday afternoon to get warm and come with use to a Christmas Party with Santa.

Grace helped Grandma decorate her Christmas tree.

Mini Santa was the hit of the party.

He makes a find center piece as well.

Santa brought presents for all the boys and girls. Grace would not sit on Santa's lap, but Spencer didn't mind. In case you were wondering I was informed but Nolan, the authority on Santa, that although this Santa's beard is real he is not the real Santa.

Grace loved the present Santa gave her.

But I think she liked Gray's a little better.

Ice Storm

2008-12-16T21:00:00.003-05:00

It's amazing how a little rain, well a lot of rain can make such a mess. There are a few pictures from last Friday morning. It sure was a mess around here, but it was really pretty.

My poor tree.

Christmas Card Time!

2008-12-07T14:50:00.003-05:00

I've been trying to not obsess over getting the perfect Christmas card picture. I obsessed over it last year. I don't why, but I did. Maybe its because I cheated Grace's first Christmas by going to The Picture People.

I woke up this morning and saw the snow I knew it was the day. I think we got a good one, but you'll have to wait for your card to see it. Here are some that didn't make the cut.

After Grace's photo shoot we came inside to work on making decorations for our artifical Christmas tree. We're going to have two this year. The real tree we're going to put up in a few weeks with hopefully the help of our friends Jen, Russ, Ian and Allison. My plan for the artifical one was for Grace to make things for it. Our project was a whole family effort and I think we made a few cute decorations. Grace sure loves to glue things together!

A message from Grace:
aBZGHYDHUDKJKDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDMMMODLMDDDDDDDDDDDD.l/.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-12-04T18:59:00.004-05:00

Happy belated Turkey Day! We went to Grandma Gail's house for a Turkey party, or a least that's house I explained it to Grace. That seemed to quite her continual request to go Trick-or-Treating.

Grace loves to play Grandma's piano.

Grace probably ate about two thirds of that turkey leg.

Such a silly! Grace walked around with that stool on her head for easily 5 minutes asking me if I liked her hat.

Grace's Christmas List:
http://www.kaboodle.com/kellykins/graces-list.html

Trip to Mexico

2008-12-04T18:40:00.002-05:00

We spent a great week in Mexico with my family. The weather was great, the house we stayed in was beautiful and it was so much fun to watch Grace play with her cousins!!

Halloween Part 3: The Big Show

2008-11-04T18:48:00.002-05:00

We started Halloween morning by carving a pumpkin. Grace really got into the carving and even wanted to draw the face on herself, unfortunately I don't think I could have carved the face that Grace drew. I'm proud to say that Grace and I carved our pumpkin in matching shirts and crowns.

George and Sunny dressed up for Halloween. Cheshire was smart enough to avoid the hat.

[Alright, Daddy's turn.]
Then the big night. We got Grace all dressed up in her princess costume and wento ut front. Mommy took a picture.

Off we went. Last year, we visited 4 houses and that was somewhat unwillingly. We began with the house across the street. Grace resisted coming off the sidewalk. We did finally get up the stairs to where our neighbor was sitting. Grace just stood quietly as she got some candy. We went back down the stairs. Over to the next house. I asked if she wanted to go there. "no." We went up the street and around the corner. Lots of houses with no lights, and the ones that did have their lights on were rejected. We finally got to the corner of the next street. She pointed to one of the houses. "Do you want to go to that one?" She nods. I ask if she's going to say "trick or treat?"

"no."

At least she's honest about it. The cycle repeats for about a dozen or so houses. She picks out the house, I ask her if she's going to say "trick or treat," she says no. We go to the house, she tries to ring the bell regardless of whether anyone is already at the door, the person opens the door. Grace doesn't say anything, just takes a few candies. If there are several kinds, she grabs a few of only one kind. Sometime she gives some to me and says "for Daddy". Then we leave and go to the next house, me saying something like "thank you" or "Happy Halloween" as we leave.

About halfway through, it changes. Now instead of her walking between houses, I have to carry her. We go around the loop near our house and come back down our street. I point to our house and ask if she wants to go to it. "No, want more trick or treat. no want inside." So we finish off the rest of our street.

When we got home, Mommy told us she had gotten lonely because we were out for so long. We went inside, and dumped the contents of the loot bag out on the counter. Mommy and I pulled out the things Grace would like (Dum-dums, twizzlers, gummy things) and the stuff no one wanted (who gives out starlite mints or Brach's hard candies on Halloween anyways?), leaving the rest for us to divvy up.

A few more kids came by, then it was time to get to bed. Tomorrow was another big day...

Halloween Part 2

2008-10-29T21:06:00.004-04:00

Halloween part 2 took place Saturday afternoon. Grace's friends Ian and Allison had a party. Grace had lots fun playing with Ian and meeting some new friends.

A quick snack before the party.

Ian's Daddy ranked up a big pile of leaves for the kids to play in and luckily the rain held off so they could play.

A Cozy Coupe is always a big hit when kids are around. Grace and Ian did a pretty good job of sharing.

How freakin' cute is this picture???

Grace's chicken suit lives on but I hate to say that Allison is cuter in it then Grace was. Allison sure is a beautiful baby!

Jen was taking pictures of Allison in the leaves and Allison was so cute that I took a couple too. Apparently I can't take a picture without Grace in it, so she moved in on Allison's picture.

When the wagon came out, Ian and Grace worked on their sharing again.

The leaves really were a great idea!

We definately had a fun afternoon! Jen threw a great party and we thank her very much! It so fun to watch as Grace and Ian start to really play together and talk to each other.

Stay tuned Halloween Part 3: The big show will come soon!

Halloween Part 1

2008-10-29T20:52:00.003-04:00

We will certainly get our money's worth for Grace's Halloween costume this year. She told Daddy and I on separate occations that she would like to be a princess. After buying a Disney store Cinderella dress that didn't really fit, we settled on a dress from Old Navy. The crown came with it.

Halloween Part 1:
Friday afternoon was busy. First stop was to my office for some Trick-or-Treating around the cubes. Several people from another group organized the candy stops, decoration and even a little party room. Grace was excited to see where I worked and meet my friends. We went around the various stops with my co-worker Christen and her 6 year old daughter Katlyn. I was surprised by how much loot we ended up with. Grace definately enjoyed filling her bag with treats, but I couldn't get her to say Trick-or-Treat.

After a quick dinner we headed to Grace's day care for their party. Grace was completely freaked out by the giant Clifford, but eventually warmed up to him enough to dance in the same room as him. Grace spent most of her time at the party dancing.

Grace is pretty good at this.

My Goofball

2008-10-26T19:02:00.002-04:00

I've been having a very hard time getting Grace to cooperate when I'm trying to take her picture. She brought me the camera and asked me to take this one. I guess it just has to be on her terms.

Apple Picking

2008-10-22T19:15:00.004-04:00

It was cold last Satuday, but I knew it was our last chance to pick some apples. I had been telling Grace all week long we were going to pick some apples and she usually followed that up by telling us that she would shake the tree to get them down.

I let Neil pick our apple picking location. At his first choice the web site said they were no longer picking apples. Plan B was to go to Davis' Farmland. With a cup of feed in our hands off we went to see the animals.

The animals sure know what that the purple feed cup looks and sounds like.

This pig was awesome. She would put her snout up to the tube and snort into it making great noise.

When Grace saw the ponies she was fairly insistent that she ride them.

After the pony ride we headed off to pick some apples.

Cow

Goat

Did you know that if you put a llama with a pack of sheep, the llama will protect the herd from coyotes? It can even pin them down if chasing and spitting don't work.

Donkey

Toddlers Playing Hockey???

2008-10-22T18:48:00.004-04:00

We signed Grace up for a sports class on Saturday mornings. I think this session was 7 classes total and each week was a different sport. They've covered all of the major sports and even did a class of track and field. This past Saturday was hockey.

The class started out with a game of Red Light, Green Light. It started out as just running, but then they added the "hockey sticks". Next the kids had to make "trees" that they were going to knock down with their "hockey sticks" and "pucks". Grace prefered building the tree to knocking them down.

Grace found that shooting "goals" was much more fun. I think she could have hit the balls and put them back on the cone all day.

The class is all boys except for Grace so she took it upon herself to cleanup after the boys. Grace picked up all the "hockey sticks" and put them into a pile.

Next Saturday is tennis.

Trip to Boston

2008-10-22T18:24:00.006-04:00

A couple of weekends ago we took a trip into Boston to see the Ringling Brothers Circus. On the way into Boston we told Grace we were going to ride a green train. She was very excited, then we saw the T trains and was no longer interested in riding on one. I think she was a little freaked out by all the people. The circus was lots of fun. I keep asking Grace if she liked it and the answer was always, "No". Not even popcorn seemed to help. Afterwards we bought Grace a rubber elephant and then the circus was lots more fun.

Elephant joined us for lunch.

Elephant hung out in my bag while we walked to the Public Garden to visit the ducks.

Grace and Daddy really enjoyed the park.

Any good day should end with a little ice cream. Lately, Grace has been too good for ice cream in a bowl; she will only eat in a cone with her lickin'. I asked her to say, "Cheeese" for these picture and was told that elephant would.

Grace had to make a quick call before we could head home.

The next day Grace woke up and insisted on wearing an elephant shirt to school. We compromised by letting her take elephant to school. I was told she showed it to everyone that came in the door telling them that it came from the circus. She also likes to ride it and tell you she's riding it in the circus.

A Few September Pictures

2008-09-29T19:35:00.007-04:00

September has been a busy month, but hands down the highlight was finally getting to meet my new nephew Spencer. He was born in the early hours of Aug. 31st. This picture is from last Monday where I honestly believe he was the biggest hit of the Big E that day. Soooo cute!

From September

The Big E was lots of fun! Grace and Grayson rode the pony.

From September

As always Grace enjoyed playing with Nolan.

From September

Mmmmmm ice cream!

From September

From the moment Grace first caught sight of the Ferris wheel she wanted to go ride the rides, although not the Ferris wheel. Unfortunately she didn't grow quite enough this year to be able to ride all of the little kid rides. I had to drag her crying from the swings because she was centimeters too short. But she sure enjoyed the rides she did ride. I heard a lot of "This is fun." I think my favorite ride was the slow dragon version of tea cups where Grayson belly laughed as we went around.

From September

Fun fact: My mom had never had a corn dog until we went to the Big E and Grace ate an entire one herself.

Lastly, a cute picture of Grayson and Grace playing the piano.

From September

Can you guess who?

2008-08-27T19:35:00.002-04:00

Originally this was a picture of Daddy. In subsequent asking I have been told that it is Grandpa and tonight it was Grandma.

Don't tell me for one moment that this picture is just scribble. If you look it is a very complete face with 5 eyes, 2 eye brows, 2 ears, nose, mouth and side swept hair. The cool thing to me is that all the parts are in just about the right place. This the first piece of Grace's art that I really want to keep forever.

Clan Gathering

2008-08-27T19:08:00.000-04:00

Sunday the Nichols Clan Gathered at my cousin Linda's house. Everybody came and it was tons of fun. All the great-grand kids were gathered for a picture and I think Grace won the prize for least cooperative.

A few more pictures here:

Clan Gathering

Getting a Little Girly

2008-08-20T21:30:00.001-04:00

Since we didn't know whether Grace would be a boy or a girl I decorated her room with a yellow and green barn yard theme. I've been waiting for 2 years to add something to make the room a little more girly. After Daddy removed Grace's crib and added her new big girl bed, we both realized that we had a big empty wall and my opportunity to add something girly arrived.

I wanted to do something that would go along with the butterfly kinetic sculpture (or as the rest of us would say, "mobile") we bought in Key West.

I found these wall stickers in Target and I think it came out pretty neat.

Grace did many of the butterflies herself and would cry, "I do it! I do it!" if I tried to add one. I'm hoping that she won't pull them off or try to stick other non-wall stickers to the wall.

Project Sleep in Big Girl bed is going well. Grace continues to stay in her bed at night until she falls asleep, but still giving me a hard time with napping in her bed. On Sunday and Monday I seemed to be able to keep her in her bed for her nap if I glared at her every once in a while.

Grace had her 2 year check-up on Tuesday. She is now 2' 11" tall and weighs 29 pounds. The scale actually said she weighed 29 lbs 8oz, but I contest that the 8oz was the cup of juice she had on the way to the doctors office.

Summer Vacation!

2008-08-20T21:00:00.000-04:00

This year we decided to rent the house in New Hampshire for two weeks instead of one. Which meant we did get to see see about one whole week of good weather.

The first week it was just Grace, Daddy, Grandma Gail and me. I don't think I have ever had such a laid back, quiet week up in Sunapee. We spent most of the week making sure we were on the sand and in the water when the sun was shining. Grace learned that Daddy is very good at building sand castles and Daddy learned that Grace is very good at crushing them. Unfortunately we lost a day of sun because Grace was sick. Luckily it was early in the week and her fever only lasted one day.

Grace sick, but ready to go for a stroller ride. In the afternoon we tried going down to the beach to play, but Grace was really just phoning it in.

Nothing like sitting in the sun by the water!

The new park was a welcome addition for cloudy days. It has all kinds of things to climb on and I was amazed at Grace's upper body strength. Maybe Uncle Neddie needs to take her rock climbing?

These ducks were too cute! There was a mama and five ducklings that would come and sleep on the sand while we played. Mama didn't take her eyes off of us for a minute.

The second week Grandpa joined us along with Amy, Ned, Gray and Nolan for part of the week. Needless to say, things were a little louder the second week, but it was well worth it to watch Gray and Nolan playing with Grace. Nolan, the big seven year old, is such a big kid and good cousin that he read lots of stories to Grace. He even took care of reading bedtime stories to her one night. It was pretty awesome to watch. It was great to get to spend some extended time with Gray. It gave him a chance to get used to us and especially Grace. I don't think he entirely knows what to make of her yet. A couple of the nights after dinner I don't know what got into them (not entirely true, one night it was choclate and marshmallows) but Grace and Gray were all over the place. Lots of fun to watch! There appeared to be a game going on that only Grace knew the rules to, but Gray followed anyway. Poor guy kept trying to close one of the bedroom doors, but Grace just kept busting it open.

We struggled all week with the weather. One second the sun was out, the next it was cloudy and windy.

Ned and Nolan went off camping Sunday and when they returned on Monday the first thing Nolan wanted to do was go fishing. Grace and I went to watch the fishermen and arrived to Ned throwing a fish back in. Being the good uncle he is he decided to "cheat" and try to quickly catch a fish right off the edge of the dock. Grace decided she needed to lay next time him and watch. According to Grace she saw a pink fish.

Pirate Nolan liked taking Grace for rides.

I don't know that Grace knew what to make of Nolan buried in the sand.

Get the babies in the boat and take a picture. It was all fun and games until Grace put water on Gray, he started to cry and Grace laughed at him.

Pictures from our last sunny-ish day.

It was a pretty good vacation. Grace still asks if we can go to the lake and if we can go to Grandma's house. I think she might be disappointed to find out this weekend that Grandma's house is not a little brown house next to the lake.

Here's a link to the rest of the pictures I posted.

Sunapee 08

Big Girl Bed!

2008-08-15T14:56:00.003-04:00

Daddy and I had decided that by the end of summer we would move Grace to a toddler bed. The plan was that we would take Grace to Ikea and let her pick out a bed. Once we realized she could climb out of her crib the project took on a new urgency, made only worse on vacation when Grace proved to be able to climb out of the pack-n-play too. Last Sunday we headed off to Ikea to buy a bed. Early on Grace made it clear that the one with the attached tent was her favorite. Unfortunately the tent was dark blue and therefore ruled out, but we did get the bed that the tent was attached to. Tuesday night Daddy assembled the new bed and after a little over tired crying, Grace slept the night away. Wednesday I only had to help her back to bed once before she finally fell asleep. Last night she went to sleep without a problem.

Now napping is a different story. Wednesday she napped in her chair (Daddy stayed home with pink-eyed Grace) And based on how things went today, I would like to get the crib back down from the attic. :-)

Here are some pictures of the assembly and sleeping beauty.

Birthday Time!

2008-08-10T19:01:00.005-04:00

My Big Cheese turned two. What a difference a year makes! In the past year, Grace has gone from a baby to a little kid.

This year, because of the timing of Grace's birthday along with our summer vacation, we decided to have several smaller birthday parties instead of one big party at my house. As it turned out this was probably for the best since I wasn't feeling well leading up to the weekend before Grace's birthday. This is also why there aren't as many pictures as I would like.

We started with a party at Grandma Gail's house with my side of the family. Grandma and Amy did a great job putting the little party together and we thank them very much. The only really damper on the day was the weather which was 100 degrees, overcast and very, very humid. Grace didn't notice as she spent most of the day in the kiddie pool that Amy brought over. Her cousin Gray joined in the fun too.

After swimming Grace got ready for the party.

Aunty Amy made a great cake for Grace!

We finally got to break in Grandma's new picnic table. Do you think Gray was wondering why Grace got cake and he just got fruit?

The next day Grace's friends Ian and Allison came over for a pool party. Still not great weather, but good enough to play in the pool. Ian wasn't so sure about the big pool so we moved onto Grace's kiddie pool which we broke soon after we finished filling it, then finished the day with the sprinkler.

Ian's mommy Jen made yummy cupcakes in honor of the birthday girl!!

Time for our final round. Grace spent her actual birthday, July 26th, packing to go on vacation and swimming at a picnic for our dance studio (Mommy and Daddy ballroom dance). The next day, Neil's family joined us in New Hampshire for what I thought was going to be a great day of sun and swimming in the lake. Once again, the weather was not really in our favor. It was cloudy and rainy. I was very, very bummed that Neil's family drove all the way up to New Hampshire and didn't get to enjoy the lake.

Bubbles with Uncle Matt.

After a good nap it was time for cake. This cake was huge and tasty!!

The day wasn't a total wash. Grace had great fun playing with Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Kevin and her aunt and uncles. She recieved some wonderful presents which she played with all vacation long. And I think we have once and for all cleared up the recent issue of the difference between Grandma Gail and Grandma Nancy.

More pictures:

Grace's 2nd Birthday

Even more in my Album on Kodak Gallery

July 4th

2008-07-05T18:43:00.002-04:00

Happy Fourth of July! I wish I could post some great pictures of Grace and her friend Ian playing in the pool, but the cool weather and lack of sun kept us out of the pool yesterday. Instead I will share some pictures from Memorial Day.

If you have any problems with the slide show the pictures can also be found here:

Memorial Day '08

Happy Mother's Day!!

2008-05-11T18:53:00.006-04:00

When Neil asked what I would like to do for Mother's day I knew I wanted to go some where. My co-worker had mentioned that Southwick's Zoo lets Moms in for free on Mother's day so we made a plan and asked Grandma Nancy to join us. Grandpa Kevin, Maggie, Andy and Matt came too!

We arrived before Grandma and Grandpa so we spent a while looking at the animals near the entrance. Grace was not impressed with the kangaroos or the wallabies, but loved the tortoise. We checked back with them several times and even made sure to say good bye.

We checked out the various birds and monkeys before headed to the petting zoo area. The petting zoo is really a bunch of small goats that accost you for bits of corn you get out of a gumball machine. A little overwhelming for someone shorter than the goats. Grace tried feeding them, but I think she preferred to watch when they weren't swarming her. I'm pretty sure that everybody else enjoyed feeding the goats too.

It was pretty cute when we noticed that Grace was walking along just like Uncle Matt.

After the fun and excitement of feeding swarming goats what could be more fun? How about feeding pushy deer? Grace seemed to enjoy feeding the deer probably because there was less of them and she could sit protected. By the end she was trying to feed them a piece of corn at a time. Even picking up a piece that the deer missed and bring it to her.

After lunch Grace finally got to go to the part of the zoo she had been trying to get to all day -the rides!

The Merry-Go-Round was first and she had a blast with Daddy. Every time they came around she had waves and smiles.

Next was the car ride. Mommy didn't realize that there wasn't enough room in the car ride for Daddy. As he finish buckling her in, visions of Grace trying to climb out as the ride was moving danced in my head. When Daddy started to walk away from Grace she had a look of panic, I thought the ride would be all over. But she didn't cry; in fact, she loved it and didn't cry until Daddy pulled her out. Even though she laughed, smiled and hammed it up for the crowd I still worried with every lap that she would try to escape, but she didn't. Such a big girl.

Then we moved on to the Bear ride which went up in the air. Honestly, I could barely watch. Grace loved it.

A little ice cream and a trip to the playground with Andy and Maggie, and much to my surprise it was almost 4:00. I am still amazed that we made it that long with out a meltdown. What a trooper. As we were leaving, I loved when Grace caught Grandpa Kevin by surprise and called him Poppa.

What a great day! I can't remember what we did last Mother's Day, but I'm pretty sure I won't forget this one.

Grace was asleep about 5 minutes after we left.

School Picture Day!

2008-05-11T18:24:00.005-04:00

Thursday was picture day at Grace's day care. Unfortunately it wasn't warm enought to wear the new dress that Grandma Gail had bought for Grace the weekend before, but she was still pretty cute in her Easter dress! When we got home from work\school we went out side and took a few pictures. It was really windy.

Bubbles!

2008-04-22T20:08:00.002-04:00

I bought Grace a big bubble tumbler and she loves it! Especially when Daddy blows bubbles with her. Friday I brought out the bubbles while Daddy was at work and she showed no interest in them until Daddy came home.

Both Daddy and I were surprised when Grace showed that she could actually blow the bubbles herself.

Here's a bunch of pictures that Daddy and I took that are pretty cute. In the second picture below that is her picture "cheese" face. Some times in comes out better then others. I think she was annoyed that I was disturbing her bubble blowing with picture taking.

For the die hard Grace fan's I created a movie of Grace playing with bubbles last week. Yes, in the first part of the movie Grace is wearing her PJs outside. It was PJ day at the day care.

Spring is Finally Springing

2008-04-16T19:55:00.003-04:00

Finally the warmer weather is here. I thought it would never come! Grace is starting to get crazy about going outside. "Outside!" she cries. We're trying to get outside as much as we can play and go for walks. Grace can pretty much walk our whole neighborhood with a little prompting, we have her search for the G for Grace gas line things in the side walk. "G for Grace" we say when we find one and she stands on it.

Last Thursday it was really warm when we got home from work/day care so we took our dinner outside and had a picnic.

Happy Easter!

2008-04-01T19:50:00.004-04:00

Easter sure was busy this year! It was so busy that we started the weekend before at my friend Jen's house. Jen had a great early brunch Easter party. Grace and I went, leaving Daddy and his cough at home. Grace loved all the food Jen prepared. She was the last one at the table still eating away. I would love to say that Grace had fun playing with Ian and Rowan, but she still looks at the boys with a little wary, just the way Daddy wants it. But she definitely had lots of fun playing with all of Ian's toys. :-) We sure do thank Jen for a great day!

On Good Friday we headed down to Grandma Gail's house. Grace was excited to see her cousins when Amy stopped by with them around lunch. It was cute to see Nolan, Grace and Grayson all banging away on Grandma's piano.

Saturday was a busy day. We went to Racebook for the Easter Egg hunt. Grace was all dressed up for the party. It was a cute surprise when we saw that she matched Grayson. We had lunch, then watched an entertainer and out for the egg hunt. Nolan went with the big kids and came back with an amazing amount of candy for the short amount of time he was "hunting". Grace went with the little kids. She belly laughed as she put the first few pieces of candy into her basket. There was a ton of candy out on the lawn and she sure did enjoy picking it up until three older girls descended on our area and picked up all the candy. I had never wanted to push a kid out of the way so bad. It was the issue of the candy itself, but the fact that Grace was enjoying picking up off the ground. She had no idea that what she was picking up was edible she was just enjoying the activity. The girls missed a few pieces that Grace joyfully picked up. My favorite part of the whole day was watch how happy that basket of treasure made Grace on the car ride back to Grandma's.

By the time we got back to Grandma's it was nap time. After nap time it was time for Grayson's birthday party! The big One! We had lots of fun playing at Nolan and Gray's house and helping Gray open his presents.

Easter morning the Easter bunny left Grace basket of all sorts of stuff. Unfortunately we didn't have long to check it out as we were heading to Grandma Nancy's house for brunch. Grace had lots of fun hunting for the eggs that Grandma Nancy had hidden. Grace sure does love the baby that Uncle Matt gave her. She even sleeps with it. We were so happy to see Papa, but Grace was a little shy of him. The funny thing is that she's been saying his name ever since. We had a great bruch and played some more before heading off to meet Grandma, Grandpa, Ian, Beth and Tim for an early dinner. Neil took Grace outside where she said, "Ruuunnn" and took off. It was hard to capture her for the long ride home.

The pictures can also be found at: http://www.kodakgallery.com/kellykelly/main/easter_08

RIP Dear Mole

2008-03-27T18:50:00.003-04:00

At last the birthmark is gone. We got up at 5:30 this morning to be at the UMass day surgery center for 6:30. We were a little early, but quickly brought back to the area with all of the other people waiting for their surgeries. I question the need for us to be there at 6:30 as we just sat there until after 7. Grace took it all in stride until people wanted to poke at her, but who can blame her? She wouldn't even let the nurse put the ID braclet on her. A cup of magic cherry juice fixed that. She didn't even mind the nurse that carried her away around 7:40.

The doctor came out to the waiting room about 30 minutes later and said everything went fine. Ten minutes later they sent us back to the recovery area to find a very sad Grace. She did not like the stuff on her hands. She had a heart monitor on the finger of one hand and bandages on the other holding on an IV. Once these things were removed, the nurse was out of sight, and juice applied, Grace was feeling better, but still very sad. As quickly as we could we got her dressed and out the door. We were in the car and on our way home by 9:30.

At home Grace was still wobbly. More juice and Cheerios helped, but it wasn't until she went off with Daddy upstairs and read a big pile of stories that she seemed to start to get back to her old self. After lunch and a nap you wouldn't even know that anything happened this morning. We didn't even have to give her Tylenol for pain.

The stiches come out in a week. I'll save you the picture of what it looks like at the moment. Let's just say that the bandage covering the stiches is gross. Grace was a trooper today and we are very proud of her.

Dancing Fool

2008-03-04T19:44:00.004-05:00

Grace loves to dance, especially to her favorite song Mahna Mahna.

Off to the Aquarium

2008-03-04T18:47:00.002-05:00

A few weeks ago we went and bought some new fish to add to our fish tank. Since then Grace as been showing more and more interest in the fish and very cutely says, "fishies". She loves to help feed the fish. Friday morning she knelt on a chair in front of the tank for like 20 minutes watching them eat. That's when I knew it was time to take a trip to the aquarium so off we went on Sunday.

We got up bright and early so we could maximize our time in Boston before Grace ran out of steam and needed a nap. I was all excited to see Grace's reaction to the fish of all shapes and sizes, but it was the penguins that she really enjoyed. I think she thought the fish were neat, but it was the penguins she kept asking to go back to. Unfortunately they were in the process of closing the penguin exhibit, so after an hour of being there they had removed most of the penguins.

After the aquarium we wandered over to Quincy Market for lunch and then did a little shopping. Outside Faneuil Hall was a guy doing balloon animals who made Grace a dog hat.

It was pretty clear after the Croc store that it was time to start heading home.

Before we left we grabbed a snack.

Grace was out before we got out of Boston, although that doesn't mean a whole lot since Daddy took the extra long way out of Boston. :-)

It was a great day! I can't wait for it to get a little warmer so we can take Grace to Mystic to see the fishies and penguins there.

Bigger and Bigger

2008-02-28T10:23:00.002-05:00

Grace had her 18 month checkup yesterday and she is doing great. She is now 2' 9" (or for those who prefer metric she is .84m) and 25 lbs 14oz (or 11.7kg). Her doctor said she is just the right height and weight and ahead of the game on talking.

Grace had to get one shot which appeared to not be nearly as bad as having a bandaid on her leg although she was over that once I put her pants on her. She's so funny in the Dr. office as long as no one strange looks, touches, talkes to or thinks about her, especially once she has the little gown on. She loves to pull out and sit on the step for getting up on the table and check out everything she can get her hands on.

Another Snowy Day

2008-02-25T14:37:00.002-05:00

Santa forgot to bring Grace a sled for Christmas and I discovered that it is very, very difficult to find one afterwards. Toy's R Us online had the perfect one online for $2.50, what a bargain! Plus $15 shipping. Grrrr. Sam's Club had one that was $25 and not really what I wanted. Toy R Us the store had one, but it was for older kids. Finally we found exactly what we wanted at Dick's. Daddy and Grace tried it out in the store on the carpet, it was great fun. Now all we needed was some snow. The snow finally came, but Grace wants nothing to do with the sled. She didn't even really like having it outside with us. Daddy and I are bummed.

So here are some pictures of what Grace does like to do in' the snow. Throw it. Daddy taught her all about snowballs. She likes to throw them and say, "Baaalllll!!".

Happy Valentine's Day!!

2008-02-14T19:30:00.003-05:00

Grace is getting so big and is starting to have such an interesting personality. Her personality is very much a little bit of Neil and me. We decided her "what are you, stupid?" look (which she uses often) and annoyed growl are from me and the way she is very quiet when she's trying to figure things out comes from Neil.

Grace is really starting to talk. She's starting to put words together and will gladly tell you "No". She insists that I hold her drink when we go out to dinner (and not Neil). She proudly will show you how she can zip and unzip her jammies and will generally need to be zipped after falling asleep. She loves to dance, play outside and is very into Elmo. Her favorite thing to play with is her baby.

I have one of these pictures hanging on my bulletin board and look at them whenever I'm on my laptop. They are from last Valentine's Day.

Here are a few from this year.

Christmas Pictures

2008-02-06T20:51:00.001-05:00

Well the Pats didn't win, but spring training starts next week. In the mean time enjoy some much over due Christmas pictures.

Christmas was lots of fun! Grace got many wonderful toys which she enjoys playing with and thanks everybody for. This slide show goes from just before Christmas thru Christmas day at Ned and Amy's house. The last picture is my favorite. It's Grace and her cousin's. Although the ones with the silly smile were she has one eye closed are pretty cute too!

If you would like to just click through the pictures : http://www.kodakgallery.com/kellykelly/main/christmas_2007?

GO PATS!!!

2008-02-03T17:06:00.000-05:00

Grace is already for the Super Bowl!! Grandma may have gotten her to say, "giant" it was clear that "Go Pats" is much easier to say. Interestingly "Go Sox" still causes her to point at her foot.

Santa Party

2007-12-22T18:40:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday Grace went to party with Nolan and Grayson. It was a very special party because Santa, Mrs. Claus and Frosty the Snowman were there. Santa rode up in a sleigh draw by 2 big horses. Grace was a little shy with Santa and Frosty. Frosty tried very hard to befriend the curious Grace, but she was just interested in watching him from a distance.

Grace and Mrs. Claus.

Grace and Nolan dancing.

All of the good little boys and girls received a present from Santa!!! Grace got a baby doll, Nolan got a thing for making paper airplanes and Grayson got toy phone.

After the party Grace and Nolan played in the snow.

Snowy Day

2007-12-21T19:04:00.000-05:00

I wish I this was of Grace playing in the 2 feet of snow we have on the ground right now, but instead this is a few weeks ago after our first snow.

Christmas Card Picture Part 2

2007-12-07T21:06:00.000-05:00

I failed in Hershey at getting a Christmas card picture. I needed to move forward and try something else. Daddy was hanging Christmas lights so I bundled up Grace and headed out. Grace was not interested in posing for me. She was interested in driving around in her car.

Then we became interested in "helping" Daddy with the Christmas lights.

Lots of cute pictures, but not a Christmas card picture. My quest continues.

Devin & Kate Got Married

2007-12-07T20:07:00.001-05:00

Tummies all full of Thanksgiving dinner we headed off to Harrisburg, PA for Devin & Kate's wedding on Saturday. Our thought was that Grace would sleep the whole way and we would be able to quickly put her to bed at the hotel and we would all have a nice restful night's sleep. It didn't work out that way. Grace was ready to party at 1am when we reached the hotel. I think we finally all fell asleep around 2:30am.

Needless to say on Friday morning no one was moving too quickly, but we knew we didn't want to hang around the hotel. We went to investigate a museum I had spotted while trying to find some breakfast. The museum was cute. The was a toddler area we played in for a little while, a water table that both Grace and Daddy enjoyed, but it was the trains there that were a hit.

That afternoon we went to Devin & Kate's wedding rehearsal and dinner.

Grace may be cute, but so were the bride and groom.

Saturday was the day of the big wedding, so Grace started the day off with a swim.

After an early nap, Grace got ready for the party.

No time for lunch before we headed off to the capital building, so Grace had lunch there.

Now I wish that I could show you all of the wonderful pictures I took of the ceremony, which was beautiful, but unfortunately I wasn't paying attention and my camera fell on to the floor and broke.

The reception was a blast. Grace met 2 new friends, Aiden and Summer. Grace loved watching them and copiyng them, especially Aiden. Once the dancing started I don't think anyone danced as hard or as long as Aiden, Summer and Grace. It was awesome to watch Grace dance around the floor and try to copy all of Aiden's cool moves. He's quite the dancer. When he spun around on the floor, Grace would lay on the floor. When we was dancing around, Grace would get in front of him and try to dance with him. It was neat to watch. All three rocked it late into the night.

At the reception Grandma Nancy rocked Grace to sleep so Mommy and Daddy could stay until the end.

The next day we had breakfast, said our good-byes, had a nap and headed off to Hershey.

Now here was my big plan. I bought a cute Christmas outfit and my plan was to spend the day taking pictures to get the perfect one for our Christmas card.

The battery died on my camera soon after that picture. Bummer. Hershey Park was lots of fun. They had a large part of it blocked off and mostly just little kid rides open. Grace got to see Santa's reindeer and sit on Santa's lap. She had great fun driving a car and decorating a cookie. After the park we had a fun night hanging out with Devin and Kate.

Monday morning we packed up and headed back to Hershey to go to Chocolate World. We went on a tour around Hershey where I finally saw the Hershey Kiss street lamps. After the tour ended, we rode the "factory tour" ride, had a great lunch and headed home.

It was a long but great weekend.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2007-11-27T19:43:00.000-05:00

Happy belated thanksgiving! We had a busy Thanksgiving this year.

Before we left for Grandma Gail's house Grace had her 15 month checkup. Her doctor said she is doing great! Grace is now 32 inches tall and 24 lbs 14.5 oz. They said that she's in the 75th percentile for weight, almost 90th for height and 90th for head size.

Now on to Turkey Day. We headed down to Grandma Gail's Wednesday night and had a great dinner on Thursday. Grandma did a great job and it was nice to have everybody all together. Grace had lots of fun getting to play with everybody!

My favorite part of the day was when we sat down to give Grace and Grayson some dinner. After Grace was done her dinner she enjoyed watching Uncle Neddie give Grayson his dinner. I think she wanted to help. She kept leaning on his tray and trying to give Grayson his bottle. At one point she took his bottle and hooked him up with her sippy cup. It was very cute to watch. I can't wait to see if Grayson is crawling next time we see him.

This was the picture of the night.

But these are cute too.

I started working on a project to take pictures of all of Grace's family to put on our fridge. I didn't get everybody, but I will at Christmas.

Cruise Part 3.5: How big is the ship?

2007-11-11T14:42:00.000-05:00

We sailed on Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas. Its passenger capacity is 3,114. Its length is 1020 feet. Its gross tonnage is 138,000. It has a 3-floor dinning room that seats 1500, 15 decks, a theater, meeting space, shops, 2 pools, some hot tubs, a buffet, an ice skating rink, etc. But what does that all really mean?

Can you find my dad in this picture?

Here's a closer look.

Here's the ship from across the water on ground level in St. Thomas.

Now here's the ship from Paradise Point in St. Thomas which is 700 ft. up.

Cruise Part 3: Aruba

2007-11-11T14:28:00.000-05:00

This was Neil and my third time to Aruba. Between spending a week there a couple of years ago and being there on our previous cruise we had pretty much, been there, done that. So we decided to take Grace over to the Butterfly Farm. Grandma Nancy, Grandpa Kevin and Maggie came a long too.

It was very, very hot at the butterfly farm. Which is why it was very unfortunate that none of us brought along beach stuff. Turns out there was a perfect place to enjoy the water across the street from the farm. Grace was the only one who truly got to enjoy the water.

Cruise Part 2: First Day At Sea

2007-11-11T14:17:00.001-05:00

Our first full day of cruising was a day at sea. We started the day with breakfast then took Grace to a baby play time. Unfortunately, there was only one baby there, but I Grace still had a fun time playing with the toys. Then Mommy and Daddy enjoyed a Salsa lesson while Grace hung out with Grandma Gail. After lunch Grace had a nap and Mommy tried, but failed, to win a free cruise playing Bingo.

That night was the first formal night in the dinning room. Everybody got all dressed up for dinner. I think Grace's favorite part of the night was went she filled her diaper causing Mommy to have to change her. Being that Mommy was in heels she was having a hard time carrying Grace so she walked like a very good girl over the the elevators. When the doors opened Mommy got on to hold the door for Grace who promptly took off laughing. Needless to say we missed that elevator and had to wait for another.

Cruise Part 1

2007-11-11T14:02:00.000-05:00

Last month we went on a week long cruise in the Caribbean with my parents, Neil's parents and his sister. We had lots of fun and I wanted to share some pictures with you.

The trip started out in San Juan. We stated the night in Old San Juan not far from where the ship docks.

Once at the cruise terminal it didn't take long for us to get on the ship. Grace took some time to enjoy the view from the balcony of our cabin before we headed off for lunch.

Finally, the day ended with a muster drill and dinner. Grace enjoyed modeling the life jacket, but quickly wanted nothing to do with it.

Step by Step Trick or Treat with Grace

2007-10-31T20:47:00.000-04:00

We go out in the front yard. There's Big Kids across the street. Grace runs towards them. I catch her to prevent her from running out into the street.
We go to our first house. Grace picks out a piece of candy and puts it in her bag. She picks another. She picks a third and offers it to me. I decline. She puts it back in the bowl. She picks a fourth candy. She decides the first candy is no good and puts it back. She shows me the second candy. We finally decide to move on to the next house. We walk halfway and I pick her up.
House #2. She insists on climbing the stairs. A similar candy selection is performed. This time, she decides the correct course of action is to offer to take the entire bowl of candy.
House #3. Actually, fairly quiet. Grace decides to just go with it. I think the large number of pumpkins intimidated her. Either that, our she just wanted to ring the doorbell again.
House #4. We start to walk up and she decides she doesn't want to go. We get several twizzlers anyways.

Next year, she might actually say something. It's okay, though - the candy is really for us more than for her.

Happy Halloween!

2007-10-31T19:56:00.001-04:00

This was the first holiday that Grace could really participate in and I think she had fun. She certainly didn't understand why we kept putting her in a fancy dress. And I don't think she understood why all the people keep coming to our house and taking stuff from her bowl of "toys".

If you can't tell from the pictures Grace was Alice from Alice in Wonderland.

The Halloween celebration started on Friday night with a party at Grace's day care. The day care put a nice party together with all sorts of activities which were mostly for bigger kids. We hung out with the toddlers over at the dance party. Unfortunately, I think Grace was a little confused about why we were there and all of the people. She eventually warmed up and danced a little.

Tuesday we carved our pumpkin, well Mommy carved the pumpkin. Grace lost interest pretty quick and Daddy supervised. I worked hard on this pumpkin so feel free to leave a comment about how awesome it is.

Finally, today, Halloween. Daddy was pretty excited to take Grace out Trick-or-Treating for the first time so I made sure and left work good and early. Good thing, there was an accident on the highway so it took us an hour and fifteen minutes to get home. That's ok, Daddy had supper already. After supper Grace and Daddy got ready.

But before they left Grace had to check out how awesome Mommy's pumpkin was.

After Daddy and Grace returned Grace was happy to help Mommy hand out candy by picking thru the bowl and taking all of the candy out. Then putting some back in. She also enjoyed taking the small round candies and throwing them out the door when I opened it. She insisted on being next to that candy bowl picking thru it until we put her to bed. I know she didn't know that she could eat what was in the bowl. I don't think I will ever truly understand her fascination with the bowl of candy.

One more of my pumpkin...

Oh you were thinking this pumpkin huh?

Monkeys, Goats & Emus - Oh My!

2007-10-07T20:56:00.001-04:00

With the last breath of summer and a need to procrastinate from house work, packing, and work work I suggested to Daddy that after lunch we take a ride to Southwick's Zoo. We had been talking all summer about taking Grace to the zoo but, it was a busy summer so we never made it. So off we went. Daddy was very excited.

It's not a huge zoo but it's very cute and there wasn't really a crowd so we could let Grace led the way. There are a lot of Monkeys and Monkey like creatures and most of your standard zoo type animals. The neat thing is that there are picnic tables right aside most of the enclosures so you can enjoy a snack and taunt... I mean watch the animals. :-)

I don't know that I can say for sure that Grace liked the animals. She really studied them, I think she especially liked any where that she could stand and watch the animals by herself. If Grace could really talk and say what her favorite part of the zoo was I suspect it is the slide in the playground. She was definitely annoyed that the small merry go round wasn't running. I had to carry her crying away.

Southwick's had two really neat areas where you could interact with the animals. First we walked around the Deer Forest which was basically a big enclosure with deer that you can walk around in and feed the deer. As you can imagine the deer are not afraid of people. Grace and I sat on a bench while I tried to get the deer to come close. I had one eating out of my hand. The fun ended when another deer found out supply of corn in Grace's stroller and ate it.

Then we took Grace into the petting zoo, which was really just an area with a bunch of goats that we about as tall as Grace. At first she didn't really know what to make of them especially when they surrounded her. I tried to get us some food to feed them from one of those gum ball machines but the goats are too smart. They know where the food comes from and were eating it before I could get it out. They crowded all around me and one nibbled my shorts so I freaked out and just put the food on the ground. We probably let Grace run around for 10 minutes and she touched a few goats.

Petting this goat took a bit of a wind-up. Grace had her hand out walked towards the goat with her had out. Then we she got to the goat she just barely touched it with one finger.

Mommy's favorite goat.

We were sitting having a snack and Grace wanted to play with my camera so I showed her the pictures I had taken. When I came to this picture she said, "bird".

We certainly had a fun day and can't wait to take Grace back next summer.

At the zoo

2007-10-07T20:05:00.000-04:00

Monkey.

Monkey monkey monkey monkey monkey monkey monkey monkey monkey monkey monkey monkey monkey monkey monkey. Monkey monkey monkey monkey. Monkey monkey monkey monkey monkey monkey monkey monkey monkey monkey. Monkey. MONKEY.

Monkey monkey monkey monkey monkey. Monkey monkey monkey monkey monkey monkey monkey. Monkey monkey monkey monkey monkey monkey monkey monkey.

Maybe I should let Mommy tell the story.

(PS: Monkey?)

First Cupcake

2007-10-05T19:38:00.000-04:00

Well, this wasn't the first cupcake she's tried, but it was certainly the first cupcake she ate.

There seemed to be a little bit of disappointment when Grace showed little interest in her Birthday cakes. It seemed like she just hadn't gotten that taste for sweet stuff yet. That problem seems have been solved, I suspect from getting juice at daycare. Grace seems to very much now enjoy both ice cream and cup cakes. I believe these picture are of what everybody was looking for at the birthday party.

For the sake of completion, here is a picture of Grace's first time really eating and enjoying ice cream. Specifically, we were having ice custard at Rosie's Orchard with Grandpa and Nolan. I know the picture doesn't look like she was enjoying it but she was. I wish I had a picture of Nolan. He had rainbow sprinkles every where even in the treads of his shoe. I wouldn't be surprised if Amy and Ned are still finding them. :-)

The Purse

2007-09-25T19:35:00.000-04:00

The big vacation is only a few weeks away so Monday afternoon we were out shopping for some sneakers and pants for Daddy. Our finally stop was a quick trip into Old Navy and we found this little purse in the baby department. Mommy thought it would be cute to put it over Grace's shoulder and let her walk around the store. Grace with the purse was much cuter then one could imagine. Mommy quickly decided that although Grace was being very cute it was a silly thing to buy, but then Daddy, who's normally the level headed one said, "I guess Grace needs a purse." So Daddy bought Grace her first purse.

A little early for Christmas

2007-09-23T19:50:00.001-04:00

I came across this on youtube. It has nothing to do with Grace, but if you enjoy the show Scrubs you'll love this. It's a Charlie Brown Christmas - Performed by the cast of Scrubs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20Of_mna-Rs

Things we learned from The Big E

2007-09-19T20:20:00.000-04:00

Grace likes piggies.
Crowing roosters must be afforded our full and undivided attention.
Ferris wheels go really high.
Carousels must be held onto for dear life, even if Daddy is holding on too.
Corn dogs = yummy.
Lemonade through a straw = yummy.
Raspberries = yummy (okay, we technically learned this from Grandpa).
Even frying doesn't make cauliflower taste good.

A spoonful of ceral makes the Mommy so proud!

2007-08-31T16:22:00.000-04:00

It was definitely cool when Grace started feeding herself and drinking from a cup, but there was something about watching her get her spoonful of cereal to her mouth that made me so proud. She's been able to scoop up the food for a while, but didn't have the brain arm connections for getting it her mouth. I guess something clicked this week. I think that is one of the most interesting things about babies for me, one day they can't do something and then the next day they can. It's like something magical happens in their brains while they sleep.

For some strange reason it made her seem like much more of a kid then walking does.

Feet Were Made For Walking

2007-08-26T19:05:00.000-04:00

Thursday when I picked Grace up from day care her note said that they thought she'd start walking this weekend. Both of her teachers commented again on our way out that they thought she'd walk this weekend. This seemed a little odd. Why this weekend? She's been talking the odd step here and there for a couple of weeks, why did everybody seem so sure she'd start walking this weekend? Sure enough, that night, Daddy came up the stairs Grace, put her down in front of me and she took 3 steps over to me. Now, either the people at day care have ESP or Grace was doing that all day and they didn't want to ruin the surprise for us. I suspect its the latter and I much appreciate it. :-)

So we spent the weekend trying to get Grace walking on tape. We were at a party Friday afternoon and I got her to walk about 10 feet. I was sure after that it would be a breeze to get her walking on tape. It wasn't. Below is the best I got.

Summer Vacation

2007-08-19T21:48:00.000-04:00

We spent a great week at Lake Sunapee. The weather was a little hit and miss, but Grace had plenty of time to play in the sand and the water.

The week started out with Jen, Russ and Ian coming to stay for the night. We had a great day on Sunday, but the weather on Monday was rainy. I was disappointed to not have another day for the babies to play in the sand and I know they were too. We were excited for Grandma, Grandpa and cousin Ian arrived on Wednesday. By Saturday Grace and Ian had become great buddies. She hopes that we see him soon again! He's definitely Grace's favorite teen aged boy cousin. ;-)

Mommy's favorite moments of the week were watching Grace play in the water. On Sunday she showed no interest in crawling in the sand. By the end of the week not only would she crawl in the sand, but she would crawl right into the lake up to her head. Mind you that the crawl into the lake including crossing rocks.

Mommy and Daddy both enjoyed watching all the ways Grace changed in just a week. She really started freely standing and getting up without holding on. She started taking a step at a time. She started pointing at things she wanted, like Grandpa's french fries. At the very end of the week Grace started saying Hi. It's very cute.

Here are the pictures that Mommy and Daddy took on vacation in movie form. This time Mommy figured out how to put music in the background. Enjoy!

Who Cut The Cheese?

2007-08-18T20:04:00.000-04:00

If you can't teach your pets and small children to do funny tricks to amuse you, what good are they? We taught Grace to raise her hands when we say, "Who's the big cheese?". We recently discovered that it's the word Cheese that makes Grace raise her hands. Some how I don't think you'll find this nearly as funny as Mommy and Daddy do.

First Hair Cut.

2007-08-18T19:42:00.000-04:00

Grace's first official hair cut took place on Aug. 8 around 12:15pm in New London, New Hampshire. Mommy had been tiring all methods to keep Grace's bangs out of her eyes, but I think even Daddy finally became annoyed. So we did it. Don't worry, we didn't touch her crazy curls, just the bangs. Grace sat like a very good girl in Mommy's lap while the lady explained just how to cut baby bangs. It was very good information, but I vowed before Grace was born to never cut her hair.

I might be hard to tell from the pictures but, I think just cutting her bangs really changed her face from baby to little kid.

Before.

After.

It hurts to be a big cheese.

2007-08-16T11:06:00.001-04:00

Grace had her 1 year checkup this morning. She is 23 lbs 10 oz, 30.5 inches and her head is 18.5 inches around. For those of you who keep asking they said she's between the 75th and 90th percentile for weight and height and 90th percentile for head size. She had to get 3 shots this morning and have blood drawn. Mommy didn't realize that she had to get blood drawn this morning and was a little unprepared. They took it from her arm and she cried as much about being held and having the band around her arm as she did about the needle.

Grace is almost walking. She has started taking a step at a time and can stand up without support. In the past week she's started crusing a lot more. She looks to go from one thing to the next instead of just crawling. Grandma, Grandpa and Ian believe they saw her take 3 steps when we were on vacation, but as Mommy and Daddy didn't see it we decided it doesn't count. :-) She loves to walk holding your hand. If we're not careful, in crowds, she'll take any hand she can find.

Grace can clearly say da, ma, cat and hi. Sometimes she'll say "Hi da" to Daddy. I think she's also saying dat meaning I think "What's tha?t". At the very least that's what we're going with. She's definatly started to repeat words (time to start watching our language), Sunday we were able to get her to say "Matt" and "Hi ggie". Next time we'll have to teach what "Matt" and "Maggie" mean.

Grace loves to play in water. She had great fun playing in the lake on vacation last week. If we sat her just on the edge of the lake with a bucket and shovel she was happy as long as you occasionally refilled the bucket for her. By the end of the week Grace was happy to crawl right into the lake up to her head. I think she would have kept going if we didn't stop her. She loves to swim too. Doesn't like to be in a float. We've caught her trying to pull herself out of the float in the pool a few times. She waves her arms and kicks so much you'd think if you let go she'd swim away. It's very tiring for whom ever is holding her.

We just finished our last can of formula on Monday so she drinks mostly milk and water. She doesn't seem to excited about juice so we don't bother. She happily drinks from a sippy cup except for her bed time bottle. She put baby food behind her months ago and will pretty much eat anything we do. Her favorites seem to be chicken nuggets, broccoli, watermelon and peas. She only has her 8 front teeth so we don't give her anything that really needs to be mashed with molars. She definitely doesn't like anything that is really sugary.

Next month Grace switches from the infant to the toddler class at day care. If anyone is interested in Grace's art let me know. We are starting to get a little preview of the amount of art work she'll generate in the toddler class and its a lot. A real lot. And she only goes 3 days a week!

Grace is definitely not an baby any more, she's becoming a toddler with her own opinions, likes, dislikes and personality. This year has gone by very quick. It is amazing to she how much she has changed in such a short time. Sometimes I wish that she would just stop changing and say as she is forever, but then I close my eyes and try to imagine what she'll be like next month or next year or ten years from now and time can't move fast enough.

Simpsonize Me

2007-08-01T19:18:00.000-04:00

You have to admit Fox has done a bang up job of promoting the new Simpson's movie. I would think you'd have to be living under a rock not to know it was out. Below is what Grace would look like if she was a character on the Simpson's and the picture it was based on.

Time to Party Like You're 1

2007-07-30T15:37:00.000-04:00

Grace wanted to say thank you to all of her friends and family that came to her party. The weather was perfect and she had a great fun day! We hope you did too! Grace loves all of her new toys and plays with them often. Mommy had to put all of the baby toys away to make room for the big kid stuff. I put together a movie of pictures for you to enjoy!

This is Mommy's first attempt at putting together a movie with pictures. She promises to get better with practice. :-)

Life Is Good

2007-07-08T21:05:00.000-04:00

Due to our lack of Red Sox tickets we did the next best thing we could come up with, we went to Life is Good at Fenway. Soooo we didn't get to see a ball game, buuuut we did get to spend the afternoon at Fenway.

When we ordered the tickets I didn't know what to expect. We read something about music and pictures in the dugout, but no real details. It turns out that its a great afternoon for kids. There was kids music, a bunch of games, jugglers, magicians, a backyard athlete contest, all kinds of stuff. The pictures were in the visitors dugout and the line was very long, therefore no pictures in the dugout. Anyways, who wants have have their picture taken were the losers sit?

Grace enjoyed her first Fenway Frank, loved dancing in the stands and watching people go by. Daddy enjoyed just having an afternoon at Fenway, even if there was no game. And Mommy enjoy just watching them have fun. Although I would have liked to stay until the end, something about feeding Grace hot dogs for 2 meals made me want to head home to find some veggies. We left around 3, but not before I bought a cool Life is Good shirt and we bought Grace a bear at the Red Sox store in honor of her first trip to Fenway.

In the pictures below you might ask, why is Grace sitting in the world's ugliest umbrella stroller? Questioning the maneuverability of our big stroller we ran to Target on the way to Boston and pick up that $10.99 beauty. I must admit that its not the prettiest, but it does match its surroundings pretty nice and it was a lot easier to move around the crowds. Grace was very cute in the stroller and kept swinging her legs.

First Watermelon

2007-07-06T21:30:00.000-04:00

Daddy brought home a big piece of watermelon for Grace to enjoy. Luckily it was hot, so we stripped her down to a diaper, went outside and let her enjoy. It was straight to the tub once we was done to clean up the sticky mess. Is there anything that says summer more than a baby covered in watermelon juice?

Happy Fourth of July!

2007-07-05T14:44:00.000-04:00

Happy Fourth of July? Seemed more like April yesterday. The day started out warm and sunny, we did a little yard work and got the yard all ready for our little cookout. Then the clouds moved in, but it was ok we could still be outside, right? By the time Jen, Russ and Ian arrived it was chilly and rainy. I was bummed. I was looking forward to spending time outside. Oh well. We still had fun!

Grace spent a lot of time studying Ian. She normally likes to study people, but she really studied Ian. Ian is so fun to watch. He has mastered the art of walking and is fast. He kept doing laps around the house going from one thing to the next. What a cutie! I couldn't help think about next summer when they really start to be able to play together. They will a little team of trouble. As long as the adults out number them when they are together I think we'll be ok.

No Tickets

2007-06-29T20:09:00.001-04:00

Look at me. Don't I deserve tickets to a Red Sox game? I'm already to go with no game to go to. This outfit is too good for just watching the game on TV! Plus Mommy doesn't really let me watch TV.

Father's Day

2007-06-29T19:40:00.000-04:00

For Father's Day we got Daddy a hiking backpack. Daddy decided that we would go Geo Caching. Initially, I was not impressed with the backpack but once we got going it was lots of fun.

Check out the view along our hike.

Nothing like a cool drink when your hiking.

I was much more comfortable once Mommy and Daddy fixed the pack so I was higher.