Back to the zoo...

As I impatiently wait for the phone to ring, I've been trying to remain very busy. Although Graham and I paid a visit to the zoo last week, we headed back there yesterday with my Mom so Graham could show his Grandma all his favorite animals. If you ask him what his favorite zoo creatures are, he'll tell you he likes the owls, fish, and otters. Luckily, we were able to see all three of those up close and personal. Also impressive, was the giant grizzly bear Graham had a very close encounter with. My Mom on the other hand, was forced to face her fear with Graham's new furry friend...bears just aren't her thing....

Hanging out with Grandma

Hello Mr. Bear!

Graham and Miles

We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast with my family this morning and Graham was thrilled to see Miles. He talks about him constantly and stares at his picture which we proudly display on our fridge, so to see him in the flesh, made Graham one very happy guy! Graham even tried to share his bacon and eggs with Miles. When I reminded Graham that Miles couldn't eat big boy food yet and that he only drinks milk, it only took Graham a second to try and hand over his sippy cup. I think my little guy is going to make a great big brother! Now, along those same lines...tomorrow is Monday, the start of a a new week...here's to our travel call coming very, very soon!

Who likes cookies?

You'll have to please excuse the crazy hair Graham is sporting. We were playing in the snow and walking in the woods this afternoon and his crazy hair is nothing short of amazing hat hair!

This video clip isn't really that exciting other than the fact that Graham busts his Grandpa and his love of cookies! Graham was devouring his lemon Girl Scout cookie then he started smearing it all over his face and the table so I grabbed my camera since he was acting so goofy. I think it's pretty funny that out of everyone in Graham's life, he answered 'Grandpa' when I asked him who likes cookies....not a good answer since his Grandpa is trying to eat healthy foods and stay away from sugar. But, he is correct, Grandpa does love cookies!

At the very end of the clip, it's hard to understand what Graham is saying, but luckily as his Mother I'm able to translate! Since he knows I was recording him he's asking for the camera so he can watch himself.

Messy, Messy, Messy

Graham had the opportunity at school this morning to get very messy! He's wearing a very serious expression as he concentrates on his masterpiece, but don't let him fool you. He LOVED this foamy white paint and protested when it was time to move on to the next activity. I'm not always the best at encouraging these types of messy projects at home, so I'm thankful that his teacher is more than happy to let 10 very independent toddlers go to town in her room!

Speaking of messy, Graham isn't the only messy thing today...our weather is messy enough that I feel compelled to mention it. Yesterday it was beautiful and warm and right now as I sit at the computer I can barely make out the neighbors house through the blowing snow. Yes, a blizzard has arrived to dump the largest amount of snow that we've had all winter. Lovely.

'More Owl!!!"

Graham and I enjoyed a nice morning together at the zoo. The weather is near 40 degrees today which is fabulous. Yes, 40 degrees in a Minnesota winter does qualify as being fabulous! At the suggestion of a few of our friends, we decided to check out the 'World of Birds Show', something we've never done before. The show is about 3o minutes long and I worried that it wouldn't hold Graham's attention for that long. Boy, was I wrong! As the large hawks flew very close to our heads, Graham was extremely entertained. He was also very impressed by the talking parrots, although now I'm wondering if he assumes all birds can hold a real conversation. His favorite though, was a giant owl. I didn't know it made such an impression on him until he decided to announce it to the entire auditorium. The host of the show had the audience clap for the owl, then it flew off stage. The room got quiet as the trainers got ready to bring out the next bird, and Graham chose that exact moment to yell at the top of his lungs "More Owl!!!" Much to Graham's dismay, the owl did not reappear, but Graham's request did get the audience, and trainer, laughing.

Laughing at the monkeys

Waving to other guests at the bird show. He has a mouthful of milk here, and he was threatening to spit it out....that explains the goofy look on his face!

Stickers for everyone!

We had lunch downtown today with Sara and like usual, Graham thoroughly enjoyed his time with her! Sara was kind enough to allow Graham to decorate her Blackberry with yellow smiley face stickers. Then, Graham decided that not only should he wear a yellow sticker on his face, but Sara should also. What a great sport Sara is! Graham was in such a great mood today that I was able to find the perfect pair of shoes (I conveniently parked at the big downtown Macy's and the elevator conveniently opened into the giant shoe department!) to match my bridesmaid dress for Sara's wedding. Although the wedding is still a few months away, I was happy to find something now, because shopping for shoes with two children doesn't sound appealing!

A hat model in the making?

My parents have been vacationing in Hawaii and recently returned. Graham was so excited to see them and turned into a wild boy when he saw his 'Ahma' for the first time. Every day while they were gone, Graham would tell me 'Ahma Back' meaning that he wanted her to come back home. Finally, on Friday morning I told him we were going to the airport and did he know who we were picking up. He thought for a moment and said 'Amel ya ya!' I wish that was the case, but he quickly forgot about his sister when my mom jumped into the car next to him. Once back at our house, Graham discovered my Mom's beach hat in her suitcase and then the party really began!

Graham loves showing off his tongue

Being our silly guy

Graham didn't stop smiling for my Mom!

Today we ventured down to Northfield to visit St. Olaf. Although very cold outside, it was beautiful and sunny and we thought it was the perfect opportunity to stick Graham in the big chairs we always take his picture in. Too bad we didn't realize that all the outdoor furniture was taken inside for the winter! I guess the next time Graham sits in his chair he'll be sharing that spot with Amelia! Despite the missing furniture, we did have fun wandering around campus and letting Graham get used to his school! :)

Checking his mailbox

Very pleased with with what St. Olaf has to offer!

Sitting on the famous 'Who's meeting me for lunch?' bench (you have to be an Ole to get it!)