Magic Garden

So, I went to a toy store before we went camping. I found this really cool retro-type toy called the Magic Garden. The kids (and adults) were pretty into this growing item. You had to set it up and then water...then watch. Oh, how it grew. Look, the pictures say it all.

Camping with our friends

Well, we were invited to join a camping group with our friends, Kara and Ryan. They have two adorable children, Matthew and Natalie (ages 3 and 5). So, naturally we were excited to get started. We had our first campout in January. Everything went well...except for the winds that nearly tipped us over. LOL

We arrived on Friday at the same time (unplanned). Then, we were able to get checked in and hang out a bit at their camper. Then, the next morning we had a potluck breakfast where we introduced ourselves to the camping group. We were later invited to join. We played at the park, ate dinner at another potluck and played games the rest of the night.

It was a great start to a lot of good times camping with our friends. Ryan and Scott have been friends since third grade. I feel like I've known Kara forever, too. They are reall easy-going and our kids got along so well! We can't wait for the next trip in a couple of weeks!

Introducing Our Newest Member of the Family....Rhino

Guess what Grant asked Santa for this year? Yes, a hamster. Well, he asked for a rabbit, too (and the dogs were super excited about this request). However, we felt that he could not have a rabbit with the dogs. He has been asking for a rabbit for two years.

Thankfully, the movie Bolt came out and he then moved to wanting a rabbit or a hamster. He asked for Santa Marbleworks and a hamster. So, Grant was a good boy. He received both Marbleworks and a hamster.

Surprisingly, he named the hamster, Rhino (just like the character in Bolt). He has a ton of nicknames for him. He calls him, "Rhino, Rhines, Reo, Rhinnie, R-man, Rees"...the list goes on.

Jessica's house and fun at the beach!

Well, our cousin Jessica lives about two blocks (at most) from the ocean. So, we finally got together to go to her house and visit with her. We rode our bikes at the beach and then went out to eat. Jessica is such a doll. She has such LIFE with her personality. She just makes me smile. Anywho, we met up with her at the beach and she, Grant and I rode bikes while Scott rode his skateboard. It was a fun time!

Then we went back and saw Jessica's house. She has three roommates and a WONDERFUL house! Katie, her best buddy, and Jeremy met up with us and we headed two blocks away to a restaurant and some YOGURT!!!! We went to a place called Yogurtland!!!! Oh, how I wished there was one next door to me. Oh, maybe that wouldn't be such a good idea. LOL

Thanks Jessica, Katie and Jeremy for the fun times! I hope you enjoyed your night of movies after we left! :)

Calling All Shepards

Okay, so Grant was delightful in his Christmas program at our church. He played the role of Shepard #4. He did a fantastic job. A few weeks ago, his preschool had a program and Grant did well with this. He said his lines slow, clearly and on perfect timing. However, the rest of the program he spent the entire time either trying to take off his shirt, doing the "pee pee" dance, or picking his nose. So, for the church program, we went over things to do and not do. Well, I am happy to say there was no dancing, picking, or stripping. However, the wonderful Sunday school teachers were so excited because they found these Shepards their staffs. Well, these staffs were about five feet tall. The shepards consisted of four boys between the ages of four to six. Now, I don't need to tell you how this is going to end. Well, I nearly had a heart attack about five different times. Especially since Grant came close to knocking over the four lite Advent candles. Oh, my goodness. Well, anyway we made it through without injury, candles catching the church on fire or continuous picking of the nose. In my opinion...it was GREAT! LOL



You can judge for yourself with some still pictures:

Time Flies

I know that I have been really bad at updating this blog. I am now on Facebook and that takes up some time. Plus this time of year is just crazy! I was looking at some pictures and my comment, blog and question is about how quickly time flies. This is a picture of Grant 1 day old (at the hospital) and the other one was taken last week. How big is my little boy?

Soccer and more

Grant is growing up so fast that I cannot find the time to record it. I am enclosing some pictures of the past few months of him playing some soccer.