A visit with Halmoni and Halabeoji

This week is MEA in Minnesota which means that students and lucky teachers have Thursday and Friday off from school. Since Graham's Halmoni is a teacher and was home from work today, we decided to pay the Olson Grandparents a visit. Graham was happy to play with his giant lego's and run around their house pausing only long enough to look at a few photographs to point out 'Mama' and 'Dada'. It was such a beautiful morning that we decided to bundle up and take a fall walk through the woods. Graham again enjoyed playing with sticks and leaves en route to the park. Thankfully, he's not too upset when I take the sticks away from him when it's time to go inside. I'm just waiting for the day when he wants to start his very own collection of sticks!

Playing with Halmoni

Graham is modeling a gorgeous hand knit wool sweater that one of his Halmoni's friends in Korea made especially for him!

What a beautiful day! As an added bonus, check out the amazing glowing stroller!

Bryant Lake

I know, I know, I'm behind on my blogging duties-sorry!!! I'm going to be honest, last night I was just too tired to make an entry. Once Graham was sleeping for the night we had to deal with Annie...I don't know what she got into outside, but whatever it was, was horrible. The stench was potent to put it mildly. So, despite Annie's protests, she took a very sudsy bubble bath in the laundry tub. At times, it took all of my strength along with Jeff's to contain her. She despises taking a bath, but there was no other option. After her stench was diminished to my satisfaction, I was just plain old tired and crashed on the couch!

Now, onto Graham...the past few days Graham has had the opportunity to explore the paths around Bryant Lake near our house. As you can see from the following pictures (taken on different days) there is a pattern to what he must have in his hands. The fact that leaves and sticks cover most of the path make it difficult to really walk too far. Each time Graham takes a step, he stumbles upon a stick that in his mind, is far superior than the last! It's slow going for us!

Rainy Monday

We woke up this morning to dreary, cool, rainy weather. I suppose the weather is exactly what we needed around here though. Graham's cold is nearly gone, but another day around the house without too much adventure probably did him good. We were really lazy this morning as we both hung out in our pajama's as I read book after book to Graham. His favorite books right now deal with anything related to transportation-planes, trains, trucks, tractors-if it has wheels, he loves it! Occasionally, I'm successful at throwing an animal book into the mix. but that's only if I'm lucky!



After lunch I brought out the play dough which happens to be one of Graham's new favorite toys. Thankfully, the play dough in our house is the homemade non-toxic variety since Anna (as Graham has recently started calling her) helped herself to a play dough worm that escaped the safety of kitchen table. I wish I understood why a blue blob of dough looked tasty to her.

While I got dinner ready, Graham entertained himself with his animal collection. His newest addition is a giraffe, which I caught him kissing on several occasions!

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?