Another Sunday of fantasy football

We just don't see much of this anymore these days.

Not a Yeti

No matter what you might think, this is NOT me. Its definitely a yeti. This is is unequivocally, completely, 100%...not me. I'm much better at walking than this guy. Don't fight me on this.

To the best of my ability,
HAJ

Yeti Sighting

I know there are skeptics out there. You know who you are. There are people out there that won't believe this video is actually me. I'm sorry for the grainy picture and the dark lighting. We were at Chili's. There are witnesses, those people in the booths saw me. Jeez, some of you people act like a sighting me walking is as fake as a sighting of Big Foot or Nessy. This is me! I swear!

If ifs and buts where candy and nuts, every day would be Christmas,
HAJ

Little E

These days I can hardly walk by Miss Barbara Blue, or any car for that matter, without wanting to drive it. I just love to play with the steering wheel. My parents blame this phenomenon on Gpa E. When we were on vacation we spent a lot of time driving the boat, and his car, and Dad's truck, and I think I became an addict.

All for one and one for all,

HAJ

Cherry Tomato Cheeks

You know how when you break out the camera and take photos, and you end up taking 45 pictures, just to get one good shot? Well, this is that shot. I bet Dad took a hundred photos of me this day, and when he got this one, he said, "Oh my God!" Mom thought maybe he'd been stung by a bee the way he was so taken a back. But it was this shot. A pretty good one, if I do say so myself.

This was taken on Sunday, out on our deck. It was probably my last day to play in my pool, as the weather is getting cooler, quickly. I also spent the afternoon picking off the cherry tomatoes from Daddy's plant. Mom spent the afternoon making fun of my butt dimples.

Live to love,
HAJ

PS - Much love out to my cousin Japper! Happy One Dude! I'm glad you're finally here!

I See Why My Dad Likes Golf

Sometimes you just gotta take the day off, play a few rounds, and hook up with the beer cart girl!

Quick as lightning,
HAJ

Daddy's Shoes

I might not like my shoes, but Daddy's are sure interesting.

HAJ

PS - Shout out to Tasha and Ben, on Saturday was their wedding anniversary. I promise as soon as Mom trusts me on a plane, we're heading out to see you!! Hope you had a great day!

Last Day Of Summer

Yesterday we spent the last official day of summer driving around in Miss Barbara Blue. Soaking in the sun and feeling the wind blow through our hair. Its very sad to see it go, especially since that means I have to wear socks and shoes. Yesterday, they put a sweatshirt on me and it was hard enough having sleeves!

How now, brown cow,

HAJ

I Like Girls

This is me and my friend Rosaleen. Her mom, Bridget, just sent me this photo and I wanted to share it with you. I just love Rosey, that's what I like to call her. I think she's so pretty and so sweet, and I love to kiss her and hug her. Mom was scared I would eat her, since I'm so much bigger and have a reputation for being a brute. See...I can be a sweetheart when I have to be. Rosey just brings it out in me.

She can eat cookies in my bed,
HAJ

Month 15 Archives

Dear Hanky Panky,

This month, to date, has been the most challenging for me and your papa. Seems to be you're at a "hard age," full of "phases". You don't know what "no" means yet, and you're into everything. And when I say everything I mean everything. There were still many moments of glory: you say Mama and it really means you want to tell me something. You say Mama, and it really means you want to tell your dad something. You say Mama, and it really means you want to tell Bridget something. And on and on. It so cute though. We think you called Gma, Nana when she was here, so she's very excited to have a name.

I don't know how to break this to you, apparently you don't remember, but it gets freakin' cold here in Minnesota in the winter. It actually starts about now, late September. So, this leads me to tell you, that....you MUST wear shoes, and most definitely socks. Right now, you hate the mere sight of your shoes. The socks are on for one second, and you're immediately pulling them off. I'm just trying to protect your piggies, that's all. I swear to you, this is not some form of a mama-on-son torcher machine.

Contrary to popular belief and the obvious, you have turned into a bit of a picky eater. Seems you may be a vegetarian. You still love all fruits and veggies, but most days I can't pay you to eat meat or breads. I don't know how you're keeping your weight up on a fruit and goldfish based diet, but I think its just in your genes. Even when I try to eat veggies, seems like the weight doesn't just fall right off like the skinnies say it does.

The big news of the month is you started walking!! No, not real consistently; you'll give us 5 steps one day, 3 the next, then on the next day you don't want anything to do with it at all. You are so funny when you walk. You look like maybe you busted into Daddy's Bud Lite stash.....did you?

This is a challenging and amazing time in your life. I'm challenged when we go out to dinner these day and you sit in your high chair and scream. Scream so loudly and so high pitched that all of the wine glasses are shattering behind the bar. So we leave. Without dinner. Please let this be a short phase. On the other hand, I'm amazed when I ask you to go "over there" and you do. When I ask you to get your ball, you do. When I say, let's read a book, you go get one and bring it to me. I'm not sure where you learned all that, but you're parents must be some sort of genius type folks.

Loves Boogie, Mama

Stat Check

I had my 15 month check up this morning, which also included two shots, one in each leg. Grrr... I'm really getting sick of those things. But the good news is, there are no shots at the 18 month check up. Whew! I gotta admit, I will miss those M&M's mom sneaks to me afterwards, when the nurse leaves the room.

Here are my stats:

• Weight: 28lbs 12oz - 92%
• Length: 31.5" - 64%
• Head: 48.4cm - 83%

So, basically sitting about the same as last check up. I think we're all a little relieved that my head has stopped growing. You know what I mean, you've seen my dad right?

Blood is thicker than water,

HAJ

Camera Fun

Yesterday Dad and I got a hold of the camera and had a little photo shoot. We were just playing around so I thought I'd share a couple of my favorites with you. Pay no attention to the bruise on my forehead. We're referring to it as, the first of many, "Mystery Bruise". I thought I'd grab an apple to add a bit of color to the photo. And I always love shots like this because it looks like I'm fending off the paparazzi.

Hank Out

Lazy Day

Smile! Even though its raining here today, all day, I'm still in a good mood. Despite really not wanting to get out of bed today because its just so nice and warm to lay there while the rain is tapping at your window...and its just so cozy...and just 5 more minutes, please Daddy ... zzzzz ... snort! What? Where am I? Oh, sorry, I fell back asleep there for a second. Its just one of those lazy Tuesdays.

Big shot,
HAJ

Fantasy Football

I spent all afternoon yesterday checking on my fantasy football team. Mom and I are on the same team. We did OK, we're beating Molly, still, but our guys didn't do so hot. We only got 5 points out of LT. He was supposed to be our big point getter every week. And don't even get me started on the Vikings. Looks like another year of me being emotionally unavailable to them.

Keep going in the same circle,
HAJ

PS - I have to send a late shout out to my pal Brady, it was his 3rd birthday yesterday. Hopefully our parents will get their stuff together and figure out a time where we can come visit you.

I Said, No Socks!

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

With all the talk about walking, I haven't had time to tell you I got my hair cut on Thursday! The faux hawk is back people. It was just getting too long where it wouldn't stay up anymore.

I guess you could say I did OK at the beauty salon. I didn't mind it at first, as you see above. Then as soon as he put that cape thing on me, I was not cool with that. I stuck my lip out and started crying like it was the saddest thing that ever happened. After being distracted and settling down it was too bad. Although I had to show the barber guy how to use a comb!

Here's another angle of the finished product. The best part of the trip was I got a sucker, and a bottle of my OWN gel for my hair so I don't have to sneak Dad's all the time.

In a week to ten days,

HAJ

Adventures in Walking....

OK, here they are. A few clips of how hard I've been working. Sometimes I feel like I got it, other time I feel like I don't got it. Anyway, I hope you enjoy a few of these clips, they seem to make Ma & Pa die laughing!

If at first you don't succeed, try try again,

HAJ

Lights, Action, No Camera

Here's GGE, and me, reading a book, about dogs and ..... pee! Ha, no, it just rhymed, I thought I was on a roll and then I wasn't. I had a such a great time with her, and I miss her. I don't get nearly as much attention as when she's here, along with Gma E. I'm going through withdrawals.

Well, looks like the camera is dead. Daddy is buying us a new one today. No worries though, I really wasn't into walking yesterday, and I'll try to hold back today until Dad gets home from work with the new camera. I just don't want you to miss ANYTHING!

That does the trick,
HAJ

The Wheels Are Falling Off

First thing first. Mom's camera broke on Monday while she was at a golf tourney. This is very bad because I'm really starting to kind of enjoy this walking thing. I took 5 steps on Monday. Of course the camera missed. I practiced a lot last night, taking two, maybe three steps. Dad is in hot pursuit on getting the camera fixed today, or Mom and I are going to buy a new one tomorrow.

I guess Palmer took 9 steps the other day, but the next day he didn't take any. Except for pushing me around in my wagon. I haven't heard where he's at in the last few days. I'm really trying to work on this. Not that its a competition.....who am I kidding?! Everything is a competition, just like everything is a fashion show!

Cooler than the other side of the pillow,
HAJ

PS - Special anniversary shout out to Molly & Tom. I just can't believe its been 10 years already. Molly, you must have been a child bride. Congratulations, I'm very proud to have you as my dear friends.

Practicing walking

I'm Sorry, So Sorry

I have so much to tell you about and just no time to do it. Does this little innocent look, puppy dog eyes if you will, make up for it? Will you ever forgive me?

You know, I really do love you,
HAJ

PS - I can't forget to send a shout out to uncle Addison! Happy Birthday, I love you man. And I wasn't able to send another shout out to Bergan yesterday too, happy belated, you totally killed at fantasy this weekend. Nice.

Rooooootbeer Floats

This weekend has been very busy and very fun. Yesterday I got to hang out with Daddy all afternoon while the girls were at a pre-shower luncheon. Whatever that is. I'm sure there was just a lot of giggling going on. I don't need to be there for that kind of stuff.

Dad and I went to Lowes, went for a drive in Miss Barbara Blue, and then had ROOT BEER FLOATS. I have the best dad in the world. Then last night Gma &GGma babysat me and Palmer while our parents went to a birthday party. They got home pretty late and they still smell like campfire! They better not have had smores without us.

Wake up and smell the coffee,
HAJ

PS - Lots of shout outs today...Happy Birthday to Gpa W, Brookie, and Big J! Have a great day and be sure to eat a at least 4 pieces of cake.

Never Give Up

Knife Flipping

We went to Benihana!! This is one of those Japanese joints where they do all the cooking right at your table. Our chef Carlos (I don't think he's Japanese.) was the best. He did all kinds of tricks and knife flips and everything. The best was the volcano he made of onions. It was definitely a great, fun experience and the food was fantastic. We'll be back. Especially for the ice-cream and fried bananas for dessert.

Dollars to Doughnuts,
HAJ

High Flyer

Guess what!?!? Aaahhhhh! Gma E and GGma E are coming to visit today! I can't wait to see them! They are flying here and this will be GGma E's first time on a plane! Can you believe it? I've even been on a plane. Twice. I hope the pilot gives her a "wings" pin like they gave me.

We have a big weekend planned with dinners, and lunches, and showers for New Auntie. We're going out to a very fun dinner tonight, but I just can't tell you what it is because its a surprise. You'll have to tune in tomorrow to find out!

Like peas in a pod,
HAJ

Where's My Nose?

I told you pictures were coming. If you want to know where my nose is, I'll be sure to show you. You'll be sorry you asked.

Love me or leave me,
HAJ

More Food Talk

So, you're probably going to have a heart attack, but I really love to chew on apples. I can't get a big enough bite for me to choke, so I think its OK. I mean, I really almost ate the whole thing. I'm getting so daring in my food choices these days. I think the State Fair brought something out of me. The other night we went out for Juicy Lucy's at the 5-8 Grill & Bar. The next time you are in town or wanna go out to dinner with us, make us take you there. It was like no other, and then I can have another bite of everything.

Upper crust,
HAJ

First Steps

We all knew it was coming, I just didn't know I'd like it so much! The next step is doing it by myself. Have got to keep up with Palmer!!

The Great Minnesota Get Together

Yesterday we spent the day at the Minnesota State Fair. Wow. I've never seen so many people, or seen so much food on a stick in my life! What a day. I'm going to give you the run down on the sites and a study in all foods fried.

We went with Palmer and his parents, uncle Derek, and New Auntie. As a side note: please remember we didn't eat all of this food individually. We shared each item. Between 8 people. Promise.

Starting out, Mom pulled out the big guns with her daring inquiry into fried alligator curds. They were yummy believe it or not. Tasted like chicken. Next came the breakfast burrito and the mini donuts. The burrito wasn't the best, but the donuts were light and fluffy. Uncle Derek grabbed the next interesting item called the Scotch Egg. Its a hard boiled egg, wrapped in sausage and deep fried! This was amazing and will be eaten again next year. We rounded up this session with the hand rolled pretzels, the best in the biz.

Next we wandered over to the pig barn. On the way, we saw the fire hydrant that a run away bull ran into the day before and killed himself. Then WE ran into a little trouble too! Finally, when we got there we saw the fair's largest hog. And let's just say he was large in every aspect. I don't even know what that means.

Next on the agenda was the Baby Walk put on by one of the local am radio stations. About 40 or so babies lined up with their parents, and they had to say the baby's name to these two old guys. If they approved of your name, you were allowed through with no problem. If not, they fog horned you. Palmer got fog horned. So funny! I made it through fine considering those guys are big sports fans, but they didn't let me go without making a few comments about how I should be a linebacker. I'll figure out how to down load the podcast so you guys can hear it. We ended up with free Twins tickets, so not a bad deal at all.

After that, we decided to do some more eating. New Auntie got fried fruit on a stick, which was rich and tasted like cobbler. (forgot to get a shot of it.) Daddy headed right on over to the Spam booth and had fried Spam curds. Not bad dipped in a little ranch dressing. Then we stopped at the WCCO booth, my Mom is a sucker for those news anchors, so we pretended we were Don Shelby and Amelia Santinello.

The day ended on fried pickles and fried macaroni and cheese on a stick. Both amazingly great. See, I told you there was fried food galore. And we just touched the tip of the ice berg. There's always next year. Although I think I just might skip the whole thing and stay with New Auntie's parents and park cars in their front yard. Somebody's gotta pay for all this food!

The much fatter and happier,
HAJ