Are you ready for some pictures????

We're back from our mountain adventure! Despite the fact that all three of us (yes, my super human genes gave out on me) are sick, we still had a great time! I really shouldn't question why I got sick...Like I suspected, Graham had serious sleeping issues while we were away which means he ultimately ended up in bed with us. So, 'sleeping' (if you could call it that) with two sick boys means that the Mommy gets sick too. After doing a whole lot of nothing the past day, we all seem to be on the mend.

Our flight to Colorado was a family reunion of sorts so Graham wasn't short on willing family member to entertain him. Jeff's parents were seated directly behind us on the plane, so Graham amused himself for quite a while by popping up to say 'hello' and play a few rounds of 'peek-a-boo'.

Playmates!

Reading with Halabeoji

After an uneventful and sleepless flight for Graham, we made our way to the hotel to get ready for the rehearsal dinner. I have to admit, I was a bit apprehensive as I wondered how Graham would hold up for the evening. He really wasn't feeling well, and because of the time change , the dinner didn't even start until Graham is normally fast asleep. I had visions of him throwing food and screaming out of frustration during the toasts. Thankfully, I couldn't have been more wrong. Graham was a perfect angel! I am not exaggerating and anyone in attendance that evening, will tell you that Graham wasn't anything less than charming for the entire evening! WAY TO GO GRAHAM!

Uncle Jon, Daddy, and Graham

When it came time for the toasts, I pulled out my secret weapon...a box of raisins! I've recently discovered that giving Graham his own box of raisins to manipulate keeps him occupied and quiet for at least 10 minutes. Not only did it keep Graham busy, but he decided that he wanted to be more involved in the toasting process. When the guests would raise their glasses to toast, Graham would put his raisins in the air and 'clink' them with the glasses of his neighbors. When the guests were laughing at a toast, Graham always had to be the last one laughing and would throw his hands in the air and giggle until his voice was the last one heard. To say that he enjoyed entertaining the crowd is a definite understatement!

Cheers!


According to Graham, his horse was thirsty. I think we did a pretty good job keeping our active toddler entertained and happy!

No, it's not champagne, it's sparkling cider and Graham got a real kick out of his first taste of carbonation. I'm still not sure why he's licking the glass, but again, it kept him entertained...

Demonstrating 'The Wheels on the Bus' for his tablemates


After a rough night with a very minimal amount of sleep, I again wondered how Graham would hold up for the wedding. And again, I was pleasantly surprised. I think it's time that I give my little guy more credit for being able to hold it together when it really counts! Other than a small melt down when the band began to play (Graham was petrified of the string bass) he did a pretty good job. During the ceremony, raisins and a few cell-phones were our saving grace and during the reception slices of lemons kept him smiling for quite a while. Both the ceremony and reception took place at a beautiful castle right in the mountains and during our down time, Graham had a great time running around the grounds and going up and down the stairs countless time. I was hoping all the fresh air and activity would encourage a good nights sleep, but that wasn't in our cards. Graham (and his exhausted parents) wouldn't get a good nights sleep until we were safely back home. For Graham, there really is no place like home!

Graham was very curious about his Daddy's boutonniere

Mesmerized by the water fountain before the wedding ceremony

Burning off some energy before the wedding ceremony

Graham sure is lucky to have two such adoring Grandma's! He really loved his Halmoni's corsage!

Weddings are hard work!

Waiting in the security line at the airport before flying home. I think Graham's face is saying "Soon, I'll be in my very own crib!!!"

Last but not least, Jon and Catherine, the beautiful Bride and Groom!

I do need to mention that the credit for several of these pictures goes to Mark, Jeff's cousin, and amazingly talented photographer!

Time for another adventure....

Tomorrow Graham will be leaving for his next adventure. We're flying to Colorado Springs because his Uncle Jon is getting married! Wouldn't you know it though, that today, of all days, both my big boy and my little boy woke up with nasty colds. I'm preparing myself for what could be a challenging few nights at a hotel with Graham. Sleeping at hotels isn't somethings he's mastered quite yet, and I'm guessing his displeasure regarding his sleeping arrangement is going to be heightened as he's not feeling well. At least I'm not sick...if both parents go down, there's a real problem! Since Graham has come home it seems as though I've developed super human genes. :) Other than food poisoning (which I unfortunately had no control over) I've yet to be sick even a single time. I'm ingesting vitamin C in mass quantities and hoping that my healthy luck holds out. Wish me luck!

I won't be updating the blog while we're away, but check back in a few days for an update on our most recent Colorado adventure. I can promise you some very cute photo's of Graham...let's just say that his wedding attire makes him look like a living doll!

Since my little guy isn't in a picture taking mood today, I thought I'd include a cute photo from this weekend. Here are the boys reading the Sunday paper-Jeff with his cup of coffee and the sports section and Graham with his milk and the Target ad.

Just to make you smile...

Yes, Graham put the boat on his head, and yes Graham thought he was quite the comedian as the boat remained balanced up there!

Happy Birthday Alexandra!

We were out the door bright and early this morning. Much to Jeff's dismay though, we weren't out the door quite early enough for a quick stop at Starbucks. Graham's Daddy has a need (as he puts it) for coffee each morning and unfortunately it just didn't happen today. We had our monthly class at Children's Home this morning. Before the parents and children separate from each other, there is always some group time in order to ensure that the kids are all comfortable and settled. Today, there was a 'craft' for the kids to work on and being that I'm the one normally assisting Graham with his artwork, I thought it would be nice for Jeff to offer some guidance. I have to admit, I was pretty amused watching my boys diligently finger paint a pumpkin!

Painting with Daddy. Next to Graham is his friend Liv assisted by her Daddy.

Normally after class we go straight home and try to coax Graham into eating lunch before he goes down for a nap. After playing all morning with his friends, he's normally very exhausted and keeping him awake that long can be quite challenging! Today though, our class was just the first item on our agenda, as we were on our way to help Alexandra celebrate her 1st Birthday! Graham had fun playing with all of Alexandra's toys and was most entertained watching her sit in her highchair with her birthday cake. Alex was very dainty with her treat and Graham stood in front of her doing the sign for 'food'. Apparently, he wanted the cake and I have a feeling he wouldn't have been so neat with an entire cake in front of him!

Miss Alex has quite the collection of musical instruments and each time we visit her, Graham always plays with this drum

Graham wanted to help the birthday girl open her gifts


Turning 1 is hard work and Alex needed a nap after indulging in her birthday cake. Graham went missing for a few minutes and I found him standing quietly next to a sleeping Alex and gently rubbing her head....how cute is that?

The Apple Orchard

This first picture obviously has nothing to do with our morning excursion, but it's too cute not to share! I caught Graham sharing his crayons with Elmo. He appeared to be deep in conversation and didn't notice me observing him. Lately, he's been really into playing 'make believe'. Whether it's cooking in his kitchen and feeding his creation to Elmo, or feeding imaginary food to his animals, Graham is proving to have a great imagination!


Now, onto our morning adventure...

We (Graham and I, along with my Mom and her good friend Linda aka Birthday Girl!!!) spent the morning at Minnetonka Orchards. Located on acres of rolling hills with trees in all shades of red, yellow, and orange, the location was absolutely picturesque! This place has it all-a petting zoo, pumpkin patch, corn maze, tractors to climb on, hay rides (Graham's first ride!), and of course the apple orchard.

Graham was intrigued by the goats on top of the building. Yes, the goats are real, and yes, that is a full size barn!

Graham meets his first pony

Graham liked the small pumpkin, until...

he spotted the big ones! Too bad they were too heavy for him!

Enjoying a walk in the woods complete with giant stick. He's ALL boy!

Still collecting sticks

After our morning in the crisp, fresh air, we were all more than ready for lunch. We headed to one of my favorite lunch places. In fact, it was just a year ago that Camille's was Graham's first American restaurant experience! So many restaurants are impatient when toddlers are dining, but the staff at Camille's is so wonderful. Everyone is so sweet and they can't do enough to help! They actually remembered Graham from a year ago and couldn't believe how big he's gotten! Thankfully, the mess he left today didn't even compare to the mess he left one year ago as a nine month old baby!

Amusing us all....he thought the bowl on his head was hilarious!

One year ago....can you believe how much he's changed in just a year??

Graham the sculptor...

The creative juices were flowing for Graham at school this morning. For the first time, he had the opportunity to play with play-dough. After seeing how much fun he had with it, sculpting worms, balls, and other 'modern art', I'm wishing I would have offered him this toy much sooner. When I walked into the classroom and saw the table covered with play-dough and all the fun accessories that go along with it, I had visions of Graham eating it, throwing it, and smearing it through his hair. He definitely proved me wrong though! He chose a chair, sat down, and didn't move for nearly 15 minutes! Very rarely does anything keep his attention for that long so I was impressed to say the least! We were supplied with the recipe for this amazingly soft and non-toxic play-dough so whipping up a batch is now on my weekend 'to do' list. Pre-Graham I spent my time in the kitchen creating gourmet meals for Jeff and I, and now, those same pots and pans are used for making play-dough...my how things have changed!

Reading and Writing...

Graham usually spends a good part of the day running, jumping, climbing, and chasing Annie. But, there are the occasional moments when he decides to sit down and take a break from all the action of the day. When he does sit down, he normally makes himself comfortable with a pile of books. I can't even begin to tell you how happy that makes me! I am an avid reader and have always hoped I could pass on my love of books with my children. So far, it looks like I've been successful in my endeavor. Just today, when Graham woke up, we read stories for close to 3o minutes curled up together under a blanket. He's proving to have quite the attention span!

Then, this afternoon, I was in the kitchen making dinner, and suddenly realized that the house was quiet. I couldn't hear Annie's tags as Graham chased her with his toy vacuum, and I couldn't hear Graham's sequels of delight. I peeked my head into the living room and this is what I discovered...

What a great way to relax!

When he grew tired of his books, he moved onto bigger and better things-writing! I have no idea what he was drawing, but he worked very diligently on his project, even starting over a few times. When he was satisfied, he tossed the magnadoodle and his books onto the floor and got a mischievous look on his face. 'Active' Graham was back, and he had big plans for Annie-chasing her around and around with his dump truck-what fun for her!