World Series 2013

A lot of people dream about going to the World Series their whole lives, so the fact that I've gotten to go more than once makes me feel very blessed. 

We attended Game 5 Monday night in St. Louis with our good friends Josh and Nicole. Even though we all had to work the next morning (well not Nicole, lucky dog) we had an awesome time and thankfully all made it home by 2am. 

The best seat for the game is definitely at home watching TV, but you cannot beat the atmosphere at the ballpark. I always blow big money on food and this game was no exception.....pulled pork, french fries, chocolate chip cookie, cupcake, chicken tenders for drew, nachos, and several drinks......yum! 

this cost $10 and was worth every penny

If we get the opportunity to go again someday, I sure hope Griffin is with us!

27 Months Old

This month we have realized our little boy is turning into a parrot. He will repeat anything and everything that you say, whether you ask him to or not. I'm pleased that most of the time, it comes out quite understandable......although, there are moments of frustration. The poor guy can be so serious and repeat the same jumbled phrase over and over, before giving up and actually physically showing me. 

We've always tried to do a good job of not creating separation anxiety by sneaking out or leaving him somewhere without him knowing. He seems to really understand the idea of "leaving" since Drew told him he would be going on a trip Monday and Griffin has yet to ask where his daddy is. He happily chats with him on the phone each evening and then waves "bye" to the phone when he's done. I don't usually drop him off at daycare in the mornings, so this week I've enjoyed him asking me for a kiss and a hug before he says "bye momma" and runs off to play with his friends.  

Other things to note:

--favorite word: no.....hands down winner

--number of teeth: 16 

--potty training status: hit and miss - he does really well at daycare, but not as willing at home
--likes to pick his clothes out, and developing an attachment to his coat - he carries it like a blanket....is that normal?

--loves animals, especially his cat Rocky -- the nicest, most loving cat in the world, see video:

Here's our monthly photos:

He's also learning more colors, letters, how to count and all kinds of things that make me realize he's growing up. Daycare has also taught him his name:

And one more of the silly guy:

Fall is here!

It didn't work out for us to make it to the pumpkin patch last weekend, but Sunday afternoon we made time before a baby shower and headed up to Spring Hill Pumpkin Patch. Tammy (or "Ta Ta" as Griffin thinks she should be called) was willing to go with us and we enjoyed having her. The weather was perfect and it wasn't too busy since we went right as they opened. 

So much to do at this place.......hay ride, train ride, slides, swings, tires, corn maze, and on and on. I think we could have spent all day here so an hour and a half was definitely not enough. Griffin was able to burn off a lot of energy and showed how fearless he is. 

As always, click on a picture to make it bigger.

he mastered this in no time

wish I would have taken video, this slide
launched him on his butt or face every time

she got a good, looking at the camera, smile from G man

peekaboo!

he wasn't willing to tackle this "train" by himself

I'm so glad he didn't catch on to the fact, this was a hay bale playground
this is as far in as we went

an exaggerated "cheese"

we'll call this the "Michael Jackson"

Fire Station Tour

Each year, the PAT (Parents as Teachers) program has a night at the Cabool Fire Department for the kids to come learn about fire safety and as a bonus, play on the trucks. As much as Griffin likes fire trucks, I knew he would have a good time. Uncle Brent volunteers, so Griffin enjoyed seeing a familiar face and trying to keep up with Briley running around like a wild man. He apparently got so excited to be behind the wheel of a big truck, that he peed his pants......a negative side to potty training with "big boy underwear". Thankfully, we noticed before another child got up in the driver's seat to take their turn! 

this is not Griffin's artwork, but similar to what he is capable of!

Briley the mini fireman

Adding a little something to the giant masterpiece

he thought he had to drive the whole time

seconds before the "bathroom accident"

the first and hopefully only time in the back of a police car

I wasn't able to upload the video here, so you'll have to go to YouTube. 

Mamaw turns 100!

We have a very special little lady in our family.....she's a mom, grandma, great-grandma, and Griffin's great-great-grandma! To most everyone, she is known as Mamaw. She is one of the sweetest, most genuine, and caring women I know and she's always made me feel very loved. She loves God, working puzzles (over 300 a year!), Tiger Woods (more so before he went off the deep-end), and washing the pots & pans after a big meal (she thinks it's her way of paying rent). Drew has always loved how you can count on her to get every stupid joke he or his brother would tell, by her little smile or laugh when everyone else would be silent. On October 2nd, she turned 100 years old! We have been anticipating this birthday for many years. Maybe because she actually preferred not to make it to this milestone, while we all knew that she would. The day that we lose her will be heartbreaking, but knowing how strong her faith is, and the fact that she can't wait to get to heaven will make it a tiny bit easier.  

I have planned for forever to try and get her on the Today Show with Willard Scott through his centennial birthday/anniversary announcements. Another thing I love about her was her repsonse to a particular question on their form to submit. It was "What is your secret(s) to longevity?" ---- besides the fact that it is up to God, she said "Having the will to take things as they came!" That's good advice, I don't care who you are. What I didn't realize is (apparently they get so many requests) that you should submit your form and picture 6 WEEKS in advance. I did not see that coming.....I'll just expect the letter from Willard that all of the hopefuls get in the mail sometime soon and shoot for 101 next year. 

I quickly found a few old older photos from recent years.........

2011

 

2012

2009

On Wednesday evening we stopped by to see the birthday girl and Griffin got to tuck her in bed:

This weekend we celebrated with a big party including all kinds of extended family. It was nice to meet all of her remaining nieces/nephews and I'm not sure who all. She had a lot of siblings (none of which are alive still) and it was nice that their children and children's children could come wish her a happy birthday. 

Aunt Sherry has a connection to Brad Pitt's
parents, so she surprised her with a signed photo!

the Williams side

a majority of those who attended

it's too bad Sherry had her eyes closed in all 4 shots like this that I took

her great and great-great-grandchildren

interesting tidbit: Annah, kneeling on the right, was
Miss Hawaii 2012!