Baby Grant is THREE!!

We had a great Saturday celebrating Grant's Birthday. I loved our quiet morning at home that started with a birthday donut and gifts. Grant knew exactly what he wanted for his birthday this year... (a "blue with white race car") meaning a stock car from the "Cars" movie, which his dad found (of course), and I believe that our fleet of race cars is now up to 16!
showing me how old he is...
2 race cars, a Chick Hicks trailer, a big Lightning McQueen, and an Imaginext bad guy (Grant calls him a robot, or a monster.

Singing Happy Birthday, round two, when Papa John and Nana Jane came over.







Saturday also marked Day 1 in underwear for Grant, so I will have to post an update on that soon... could it be we are almost a diaper-free house!?

Friends

Joel had a field trip this morning for preschool and Grant was SO sad that he didn't get to go with Joel to Gymnation, but his eyes lit up when I told him that two of his little buddies were going to come over while Joel was gone. He was so proud to have his own friends. These are his buddies Andrew and Will (they were both in his toddler ECFE class this year) and are son's of friends of mine, Daina and Julie. Aren't they cute little buddies!?

Paint!

Thanks to these fun little wooden toys from Grandma Jane...oh how

these boys

just

love

to

paint,



and paint!

Tough Guys

I love how this picture captures the"super-hero tough" look. And no, Joel is not punching Grant in the face... he is holding up his arm to show his super-hero tatoo:)

May 7, 2011

This morning, 3 friends and I ran the New Prague half-marathon in probably the most perfect weather I have ever run in. We all came in under 2 hours and are very happy with ourselves. My time was 1:55.28, and although I wasn't able to beat my last year's time (1:54.10), I will keep in mind that I was also injured for 6 months after last year's race from pushing myself too hard. It is a little sad that the race is over, as training with these dear friends has been inspiring and fun and I don't want it to end. However, I am sure we will continue running and will find the next race to train for soon.

Graduation

Today's was Grant's very last day of "preschool" (as we have been calling it this year), although what it really is called is "ECFE (Early Childhood and Family Education) Toddler Class". I have been attending these classes with the boys since Joel was born and it was a little emotional to say good bye this morning at our last class. Through these classes over the last 4 years, I have learned so much, had MANY wonderful, honest, real, conversations with other moms, and have met many wonderful life long friends. I had no idea that our days in ECFE class would go so quickly! Next year, BOTH Joel and Grant will be big "preschoolers" and this ECFE mom will just be needed for drop-off and pick-up:)

The beloved "parachute" (one of Grant's favorites)

... and speaking of "beloved"... the beloved Daddy got to come to class today as well. Grant was thrilled.

Teacher, Lisa, helping Grant with some painting.

The boys around the trains... not an unusual sight in class.

New Sport!

Joel had his very first karate lesson today! He loved it and I was so proud of how well he paid attention and listened to the instructors. Getting to class was anything but smooth... he did NOT like the karate suit and was screaming (if that is even the word for the terrible sounds he was making) and trying to rip it off his body. He actually did take it off once as we were attempting to get out the door. Normally, I wouldn't really feel the need to do this, but I KNEW he would love karate once we got there, so I physically forced him into the outfit and carried him out to the car screaming. It was a good thing my mom was here as well because Grant was screaming and hating his karate suit just as much as Joel, so it really did take two of us to get them out the door.Once we got there, he warmed out immediately and wanted to go into the room with the kids doing karate. They spent most of the time just stretching, jumping jacks, making some noises and a few kicks. It was fun to watch.

Unfortunately, Grant decided to just watch as well (although he was also signed up for the lesson). He is a little young, but I figured he would want to be out there if Joel was, but I guess I was wrong. We have 8 lessons, so who knows, maybe he will change his mind. Otherwise, he can just watch with me and try again another year if he wants.

Adventures at 1017 6th Avenue

I finally grabbed my mom's memory card and downloaded some pics from her camera from this winter/spring. I didn't edit them at all and a few are blurry, but still cute. The little guys continue to spend a couple nights a month at Nana and Papa' house in Buffalo. Jeff and I get out beloved "date nights" and the kids have have all sorts of fun, as you can see below... in reverse order I think...playdoh not wanting to get their picture taken after bath.

dinner guests, Aunt Kathy, Aunt Lisa, Uncle Dan and Uncle Bob

painting.

track building

jumping.

playing with neighbor Gabby

more track building

water shooting

wrestling

making cookies.

Maple Maze

more painting

movie time

more visitors (Cousin Christine)

working out on the Gazelle?...

baths...

more jumping

fooseball

coloring

eating

more trains

As you can see, they have been busy at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Thanks for taking all the pictures Mom!