Presents Galore

We had yet another Christmas yesterday! I just can't believe all the presents. To be honest, its a bit over whelming for me, and I haven't gotten through it. I can only do about two at a time, and then I need a break. I can tell you so far I've gotten the greatest dog book and a train. Today we're off to great-grandma E's for....wait for it.....yeah, you know.....STRUDLES! Don't be jealous!

As luck should have it!
HAJ

Surprise!

Yesterday we had a surprise birthday party for Gma E! She had no clue. We just told her we were going out to dinner to celebrate, and when we got there, her closest friends and brothers and sister were there! She was so surprised, and even shed a few tears. My great auntie M made her a book that recapped pictures of her whole life. Gma just loved this book! I'm so glad I was here to celebrate with her, because she the best Gma in the business, and I love her very much.

Happy Birthday GramE,
HAJ

We've made it home! We got a new computer so we have to blog by phone today. There is only major loads of laundry going on today. Love, HAJ

Noel

Merry Christmas everyone! Santa came to Aunt Niki and Uncle Larry's house. I can't believe he found me down here in Texas, but he did. We all must have got our apology letters in to him in time, because we made quite the load. He even ate the cookies, and the reindeer ate the hay. All of the reindeer even signed a letter for me, so now I have all of their autographs. I can't believe that this guy just comes and leaves presents; its too good to be true! I'm going to be good all year this year, just to make sure he comes again next year.

Merry Christmas!
HAJ

Waiting Is the Hardest Part

Today my cousins and I are in full on prep mode for the BIG MAN's visit tonight. Some of us a little more desperate than others. There has already been one "I'm sorry about yesterday" letter written to Santa this morning, along with a "last minute" letter when someone remembered they forgot to ask for a certain toy. We have cookies, milk, and a bag of hay for the reindeer sitting by the fireplace ready and WAITING! Oh the waiting...its TORTURE!

Happy Christmas Eve from Texas!

HAJ

Jump Jump Everybody Jump

And more jumping! I love jumping!!

Month 18 Archives

Dear Henry,

Yesterday you turned 18 months old. That's like, a real age. People ask, "How old is he?" I say, "Oh, he's a year and a half." What? Its like saying, "Oh, he's 9. Oh, he's 38." I just need a sec to get used to it. And you're a big boy. Yesterday someone couldn't believe you were just a year and a half. They said you looked like Brian Urlacher. I'd take it as a compliment...maybe even foreshadowing.

I read somewhere that when a baby is 18 months old, they know, on average, 12 words. And when they turn 2, they know 12,000 words. So we are ready to hear all you have to say. I mean you talk constantly, and sing, but I can't understand most of it yet. Since winter is here you've added boots, gloves, hat, and coat to your vocabulary. My favorite addition of late is when you sing the E-I-E-I-O part of Old McDonald right on cue. And after six months of sleeping with your Bob the Builder doll, you require it, you care about, and you ask for it. "Bob?" Along with your blanket, which so far remains nameless.

Its Christmas now as I'm writing this, and we're in Dallas with G&GM. You've been loving playing with their little dog, Sugar, and so far she seems not to mind you. The other night we went driving around the neighborhood looking at Christmas lights and you about flew our of your car seat you got so excited. You definitely have the Christmas spirit little one. As long as Santa says the required 20 feet away, like the restraining order says, you're a little beaming light of all that is good.

Merry Christmas, and a slathering of kisses....love, Mama

Texas Day 1

We arrived safe and sound in TX yesterday. The flight was great, and if I do say so myself, I was great! I didn't cry once, and I loved looking out the windows and playing peekaboo with the kids in the seat in front of me. I think we'll be doing a lot more of this flying thing.

When we got to Fort Worth, Gammy and Grandpa took us to the Fort Worth Stock Yards, aka Cow Town. We saw an amazing parade with long horn cows in it, and then we got our picture taken with a real horse with a real cowboy (he thinks he's John Wayne.)

Then we did a little shopping and went to dinner at a place called Booger Red's Saloon. Where they specialize in Buffalo Butt beer. Here's why they call it Buffalo Butt. And this is what it looks like on the other side of that wall! But there were a few things that concerned me. Like I'm not sure if this is up to code or not. And I wonder what this beer tastes like? They had super cool saddles as barstools. Its Daddy's dream to have these at his bar some day, even Mama was down with it.

Today we're doing a little more last minute shopping, and then steaks for dinner! Yay! We're off to Houston to see the rest of the fam tomorrow, so stay tuned.

Eat and run,
HAJ

PS - Special shout out to G&GE celebrating their 38th anniversary! That many years is way beyond my brain works. See you next week, and I love you!

We made it to Texas y'all!

Travel Time

Well folks, today will be spent packing, doing laundry, organizing,etc.... Tomorrow we're off to Texas! Postings will probably be a bit more sporadic, but nonetheless will continue. There will be so many adventures there for me.....lots of bloggable (its a word!) material. So, this is not a good-bye, but only a "see you later alligator."

The waiting is the hardest part,
HAJ

False Alarm

So Saturday morning I woke up at 5am crying. I know. I can't believe it myself. My ears kinda hurt, and there was dried boogers in my hair, and all of it was bugging me. Daddy got me all cleaned up, and I went back to bed. Later that day, Mom's worried I have an ear infection, (she doesn't want me to get on a plane on Thursday with an infection) so she hauls me off to the Minute Clinic. The doc at the Minute Clinic won't treat me because I'm not 18 months old (I will be on Friday, but don't get me started.). Mom talked her into looking into my ears anyway, and she said that I definitely did have an ear infection and I need to see my doctor. Crud.

This brings me to yesterday, which was the soonest I could get an appointment, so I trucked on down to the clinic and saw my A-#1 doctor. She looks in my ears and sees nothing. Whew! So, either my super hero power is super healing powers or the doc at the Minute Clinic is a wack-job. I'm pretty sure I have super healing powers though.

My father didn't raise any idiots,

HAJ

Missing: One Pheasant Family

Yesterday I was busy helping Dad shovel off the snow from the deck. The pheasant family has been fully buried for two weeks. Poor boogers. Its actually getting a little better here this week; we'll be in the 30's! Hold you hats!

I absolutely love going outside and playing. Well, not really playing. Mom has me bundled up so tight that I really can't move. And if I fall, I surely can't get up. So I mostly just stand there and supervise any activity. But, if you try to take me in the house, I'll only go kicking and screaming. I can't do much out there, but its sure better than being inside.

There's no free lunch,
HAJ

Hank's Dream Introduces...

I'd like to present to you a new feature on the Hank's Dream blog: we've been thinking about it for a while, and we're very excited for this next project. I've decided to start reviewing restaurants! Now these will be done from the perspective of a little kid, and not some stuffy, old adult. I go out to eat with my parents at least 4 times a week, if not more, and I have a lot of knowledge about dining out. I have a few favorites, and a few places I probably won't go again. I will share my knowledge and experiences, and hopefully give you a few new places to make your parents take you for a nice lunch.

We're going to start with our new favorite restaurant, Joey's Seafood and Grill. It just opened up in Golden Valley. We went for lunch yesterday, and for lunch last Saturday too. Foreshadowing....we love it. When they sat me at the table, they had nice, clean high chair. This is a plus, trust me. Then they gave me a small container of goldfish crackers. Creative! I loved them and they kept me busy while waiting for my meal. Along with watching the fish in the aquarium. The waitress even knew I'd love watching the fish, so she sat me at the closest table to the aquarium.

They have a nice selection on the kids menu, including fish and chips, corn dogs, and hamburgers. Along with a few other seafood goodies. Last week I had the macaroni and cheese. This was kid style mac & cheese, (think Kraft), but they added extra melted cheese on the top. It was very good, yet very, very messy. I don't think Mom will let me have that again. Today I had the mini corn dogs - I hated them, but my parents thought they were great; very crispy. I just have never had them before and wasn't down with them. They also have a great selection of sides for kids, besides french fries (which are very good with some kind of yummy seasoning), they have fruit, yogurt, and rice options.

OK, do you want to know why I didn't like the corn dogs? I was thrown off my game right before my meal arrived. Guess who showed up, out of the blue?! Man, is he kinda scary when you see him in real life. I kept my distance, but I did get a candy cane out of the deal. I just couldn't focus on anything after that. I'm still reeling.

If your parents take you to Joey's Seafood and Grill, (I see one is opening up soon in Sioux Falls!), they might want to try the Blackened Mahi Mahi Tacos. My parents HIGHLY recommend this dish, and Joey's is known for their fish and chips, as well as an extensive beer and wine selection. And if you have a non-fish lover in the group, there are burgers and many chicken selections.

Out of a possible 5 H's, Joey's Seafood and Grill gets.....HHHH1/2

Slicker than a wet noodle,
HAJ

Captain Kyle, Entertainment Director

Last night when Mom and Dad went out, my cousin Kyle came over to watch me. We had a great time, and he brought his fancy camera and we took a bunch of pictures. He posted more on my comments section of yesterday's post....check 'em out!

We did all kinds of stuff....we had a fashion show, we ate, we drank, we danced. And when all was done, I just had to crash. It was so fun hanging out with Kyle, I hope he comes over again sometime. Mom and Dad hope so too because he fixed the DVD player (that wasn't broken, just user error) and he didn't think midnight was late when they got home!

Moment of truth,
HAJ

PS - All photos courtesy of Cousin Kyle, have you ever seen anything so clear? What a talent.

At Leat the Ice Held

Now that I'm into hats, I'm loving this Cookie Monster one my cousins got me in Turks & Caicos! Thanks guys, now I see the thrill!

So, Daddy got back late last night from ice fishing in Canada. He said it was the worst few days of his life. It started out bad and just got worse. His fish finder broke, he ran over his NEW ice house with the 4 wheeler, he lost his auger cover, then they ran over the ice house again. If that wasn't enough there was a small fire, then the 4 wheeler broke down, then there was a massive blizzard and they were almost stranded on the ice, if not for some nice locals to help them out. They also refered to Daddy and his buddy as Twin Idiots from the Twin Cities....all in fun. Anyway, he finally made it home around midnight, so we're just glad to have him back.

A day late and a dollar short,
HAJ

Tacos and Boots

What could be better than tacos for lunch and static in your hair from your winter cap you ask? How about NEW BOOTS! I got new Cars boots today, and they even light up when I walk. I can't really see that though, but you can when you watch me walk! It might not be a big deal to you, getting new boots, but for me its a relief. Remember how I talk about my "thick" feet, not necessarily wide, but "thick"? Well, I was having the darnedest time finding boots to fit my feet into, and without boots Lini wouldn't let me play outside i the snow with the other kids. I know. So now I'm ALL set......just in time to go to Texas where its 83 degrees. I just can't win.

Have a little nip,
HAJ

PS - I need to send a special shout out to Auntie Gina, for its her birthday today! We won't say how old, but she'll always be younger than Mama.

Patrick's Three!

Saturday night was Patrick's birthday party! He had a Thomas the Train themed party because he absolutely LOVES Thomas! He even got a Thomas cake! Everyone was there including Frannie and Lucy. Mom took this picture of Frannie's bottom and Frannie was so embarrassed, so I decided to take it one step further and put it on the Internet. Rosaleen was there too. I guess she'll probably kill me someday for putting that one on the Internet too. Patrick got lots of trains, tinker toys, and are real live computer. I can't wait until I'm as big as him!

Attention span measured in micro seconds,
HAJ

Sick Day

Well folks, I'm sure you noticed I was not here yesterday. I had my very first official sick day. I even missed school. I guess almost 18 months is a good run without being sick, but it finally happened. Just to ease your minds, I was really only sick on Sunday. No fever or puking thank goodness! I felt great yesterday, and today I'm a million bucks. But Mom didn't want to expose me to the other kids at school, so we played hookie.

I was weird being sick, and I didn't like it at all. I would walk over to Mommy and want to be picked up, and then when she did, I would do the "back arch" move, and want down. Then when she put me down, I wouldn't put weight on my legs, and I would lay on the floor and whine until she picked me up. Then I would do the "back arch" move......do you see the pattern? The whole day was filled with those kinds of actions. I just mostly was tired and had a bad cough and I think a sore throat.

But today I'm great! Don't you like how I'm learning to smile for the camera?

Colder than a Midwestern Minnesota Welldigger's gizzard,
HAJ

PS - Thank you all for your readership. If you notice my little ticker in the bottom right corner, we finally have 10,000 hits! What an amazing milestone!

No Pictures Please!

That dang paparazzi won't leave me alone! Don't make me go Sean Penn on your behind!

Keep your nose out of my business,

HAJ

Two Of a Kind

Two of a kind. Wasn't that a bad Olivia Newton-John movie in the 80's? Anyway, Daddy and I have matching hats. We woke up to -3 this morning. I'm not sure if I'm going to make it this year. Its just been so cold that your boogers freeze as soon as you walk out the door.

Sweet fancy Moses,
HAJ

PS - Shout out to my main man Patrick who is THREE today! Can't wait to party tonight Dude!

Happy Holidays!

Hey everyone.....go ELF YOURSELF!

HAJ

18 Month Check Up

This is me chomping on an M&M Mom used to distract me after my flu shot today. It worked. Along with the sucker later, all is forgiven. So yes, we made it to my doctor appointment, with no problems. And not that you want to know, but yes, its snowing another 2-4" here today. More expected this weekend. I'm not sure what's going on, but the oldies are saying this is what it was like when they were kids.

Here are my stats, cuz I know you're dying to know:

• Weight - 29lbs 11oz - 91% - Mom thought I'd hit the big 3-0 this time, but no go.
• Height - 33" of long and lanky-ness - 76%
• Head - 49.5cm - 91% - The usual, I'm an ego maniac.

Doc said I am happy and healthy and that Mom and Dad are doing a great job! She was very impressed when I stood on my tippy toes and tried to jump. I'm sure no other kids my age even attempt such feats.

With a full head of steam,

HAJ

Can't I Discuss Anything But Snow?

I'm busted. You can tell this isn't a really recent photo since there's no snow on the ground. We got another 6" yesterday. Jeez. Last winter we didn't see snow until February. Today Mom didn't even make it to her dr. appointment. Instead of a half and hour, it took her an hour and a half to get there, so she had to cancel. Tomorrow I have my 18 month check up....I think I have to get a shot.....maybe it'll blizzard again tonight!

Tip of the iceberg,
HAJ

Hello There

Hello there. Its snowing again. Blizzarding in fact. The powers that be are saying 4-8". 16 more days until I'm in Texas.

Another dog day afternoon,
HAJ

Yay For Yogurt In a Tube

I've discovered yet another food, or maybe its more of a way of eating another food that I'm just loving! Go-Gurt! Yogurt in a tube! I wish I would've thought of that one, I'd be a millionaire by now. I had the blueberry flavor, and its really good, and not really too messy. Grab tube, slurp it down, and you're on your way. Maybe I should be their spokesman.

Don't do as I do, do as I say,
HAJ

Reindeer Run 2007

As you may or may not have heard, we got about 10" of snow yesterday, give or take. That being said, and everyone around here knew it was going to happen....we still went out and did the Reindeer Run of 2007. In all fairness, they said the snow wasn't supposed to start until around noon, and we thought we'd be done and home and warm and cozy by that time. Boy were we wrong!

There was no snow on the ground when we headed out for the day. But by the time we got to the lake were the even was taking place, it was a full on blizzard. It sure didn't stop man nor beast from showing up! We went with Jerrid, Brooke, P-man, and his mom and dad, Martina and Brian. After some careful consideration, Mom and Martina decided to stay back with me and P-man in a nice warm tent. They decided it was too much for us and they didn't want our cheeks getting frost bitten.

I was happy to stay back, but sounds like everyone else had fun walking. Even though its called a "run" they mostly walked, and ran a little. Don't let Daddy fool you when he talks about how he once ran "during" a 5K, and how he now has a trick ankle.

Afterwards we all headed out for bloody mary's and apple juice! Then P-man headed over to our house to play and hang out during the blizzard. Mom tells me some of her favorite days are blizzard days, now I see why.

Silly as a goose,
HAJ

PS - Shout out to Uncle Derek!! Happy Birthday buddy! Call me and I'll take you out for a big steak dinner! Love you!

Am I a Cool Kid Now?

Remember how yesterday I told you it was so cold here, and its like 8, and all that. So Mom decides to give me a popsicle for dessert. Weird, I know, but WOW! Its like a giant sucker! CHERRY! I've never loved her more, than I did at that moment. I even loved my new stained lips.

So, we woke up this morning and found our lighted deer we have in the front yard like this. Mom is dying laughing and wants to leave it. The question is, does this mean we're cool? That the teenagers in the neighborhood are screwing with our stuff? Like how all the cool kids get their houses tp'd, but the nerds get egged? I just hope we're on the cool side, because its quite funny! Of course, I don't know what any of it means.

Heavens to Betsy,
HAJ

Not So Shocking

Hey guys! Its cold here. I mean really freakin' cold. Its 9 right now. Why is it we're shocked every year when it gets cold? We all live here. We've all lived here. We know its going to happen, yet we're floored every time the first cold front hits. They're even saying 5-10" of snow for Saturday. Snow I am not ready for, but at least we have a kick butt hill for sledding behind our house.

Remember how this summer when Mom and I went to the park and I hated the swing? Well, things haven't changed. I still hate the swing.

Set like a jelly,

HAJ

Keepin' It Real

I Do!

Tree Watch 2007 Part II

OK, here it is! This is our Christmas tree for 2007! She turned out a little smaller than we thought, but she's just so loverly. GmaE put all the lights on, and everyone helped decorate. Well, actually I didn't help. When I woke up from my nap, this is what I found! Also found this, but that's a whole 'nother story.

Head in the clouds,
HAJ

Tree Watch '07

This weekend we went out and found our 2007 Christmas tree! Its always a fun day, and this year G&GE came with us. We loaded up with Ho Ho Mocha Mint Lattes and hot chocolate and headed out to the country. We searched and searched and here's the one that caught our eye. I call him....Timmy. No, not really, it just seemed appropriate.

Daddy and Gpa cut 'er down and then we loaded 'er up in the truck. On the way to get the extra needles shaken off the tree, Gpa had to stop to pee and we saw a goat. I don't think the incidents were related, but who knows. The cute teenage kids put the tree in the shaker machine and shook it, and then wrapped it in plastic, and brought it to our truck. Mom just likes to go to see the cute teenage boys.

Tune in tomorrow to see the finished product...

Hop on over to my house,
HAJ

Turkey Recap

I thought I would finish recapping our Thanksgiving here in The Grove. It was our first Thanksgiving spent in our house. G&GE were there and so were the newly weds. Although we woke up to snow, we all managed to have a great time. Since when would a little snow damper your appetite? We had all the trimmings and fixins including a brined turkey that was so juicy. If you have not brined a turkey before, I recommend it HIGHLY. I ate so much I nearly split my pants! The best part is that I'm still not old enough for the clean up!

If I have to look at one more piece of turkey, much less eat any more, I think I'll explode,
HAJ

Too Easy

Someday they'll pay, and they'll pay dearly. Trust me on this one. I mean, honestly, a puppy hat? Real original Parents, real original.

Dressed to the nines,
HAJ

Turkey Day 2007

Happy Thanksgiving to everybody! We just got done eating turkey, potatoes, buns, cranberries, stuffing, beans, gravy, and Lord knows what else. I'm too stuffed to move my fingers to type. Happy Thanksgiving to all, and I'm very thankful to know each of you and thank you so much for tuning in to read about my days.

Love, XXOO
HAJ

Month 17 Archives

Hanky Poo,

Its amazing what a little boy you are. You're so grown up. You wear jeans, and regular shirts like big boys. There aren't many more outfits you wear with snaps. You're Dad is so thankful. You like to watch a few TV shows now too. For instance, you're watching Barney right now and have given me 15 minutes of peace. Praise Barney. You also are starting to dig Elmo (I can't wait to show you what you're getting for Christmas!) and you are into the Teletubbies. I remember before I had you, I heard parents complaining about watching Barney and Teletubbies, etc... And I thought that I would just not let you watch that stuff, then you'd never figure out who they were and then there would be no problems. Well, I'll probably eat these words one day, but I'm diggin' on Barney, the Tubbies don't bother me either, and I think I love Elmo more than you. Its fun, and its fun to watch you laugh and get excited when you see them.

I was thinking about some of the things you like to play with....toothbrush, wooden screw driver...they seem fairly normal. But I'll keep it a secret that you like to walk around with my eyeliner and blush brushes. I just assume you think its a pencil and paint brush and its your artistic sides coming out.

The shoes are a non-issue now! You'll wear whatever we put on your feet. The secret was to start with socks, and once you got used to them, the shoes were no problem. The only challenge involving footwear these days, is finding ones that fit on your thick feet. Not wide, but thick. There aren't very many that can stretch enough to get your dogs in there. I remember cousin Cody had the same problem, and he's got normal feet now, so you should be fine. Whew. We were all so concerned. Jeez to have such problems.

You're uncle Derek and new auntie Chris got married this past weekend. You were the ring bearer. You got to wear a tuxedo for the first time, and I've never seen anyone so handsome. Well, except for your papa. In the days leading up to your big moment of walking down the aisle I wasn't worried about whether or not you'd do it, it more about how many times you'd stop and say hi to all the guests. You're nothing if not a ham. But when the time came, one second before it was you're cue, you melted down and refused to go. I looked down the aisle and saw the flower girl coming, but you were no where to be seen. I felt so disappointed and I was so mad at myself for feeling that way. You're just little, it was too much to expect from you, but I thought I really knew you and your love of attention. Then during the ceremony, we paused to remember those that have passed before us, and they said your brother's name. And I cried and remembered how lucky we are to have you, and I didn't care if you walked down the aisle or not or if you ever did anything at all or not. I am so proud of you and so happy to tell everyone that you're my baby! After the ceremony was over and Derek and Chris walked back down the aisle, you popped a sucker in your mouth and strutted down that aisle like you were the bees knees. That was my first, real, truly proud moment.

Your Huckleberry, Mama

Best Pals

A one-sided conversation over heard between Henry and Grandpa, after returning from Cold Stone Creamery:

Gpa: Henry, now if anyone asks you, you didn't eat any of my chocolate ice cream. No matter what, you can't rat me out for sharing my ice cream with you. Its almost your bedtime for goodness sake.

Bachelor Man On the Loose

Now that's what I call a party! This whole weekend may have been the most fun I've had in my whole life, to date. I've never had so little sleep, and I've never cared less about it. I took a 3.5 hour nap yesterday afternoon, if that tells ya anything.

So, as usual we're waiting for more photos to arrive from all my aunties and everyone, and I'll post them as they come in, because there are some really good ones out there. The one above is of me and GpaE in our tuxedos! Talk about a couple of hotties. Uncle Derek was handsome, these two weren't half bad - but the beauty of the day was New Auntie. I'm just so happy she's officially part of our family now, I almost get a little teary eyed.

I did half-way good on my ring bearer duties. I melted down (no one knows why, and I'm not telling) right before I had to go on. But after the ceremony, I cruised my little behind right down that aisle with my head held high and a sucker in my mouth. So, Mom and Dad we proud of me that I redeemed myself in the end.

When the ceremony was over, all the wedding party went on a trolley ride around town and I guess they had fun. They were all a little silly when they got back. I went to the hotel with G&GE, and tried to nap, but no go. I just had to party. I really had a great time at the dance, (you know how I get). I stayed until almost 10pm! Then Bridget came and got me and I spent the night in a house with three other girls. (Frannie, Lucy, and Rosaleen) The best part of that was the next morning all three girls BATHED ME! I know all you guys out there are jealous! I had a three way already and I'm not even 17 months old!

Right on!
HAJ

PS - I would like to send a special shout out to all of New Auntie's family - the Mitsch's and all. Thank you for being so nice to me, and letting me crawl and climb and walk all over you and your areas. You guys are so much fun, and I'm so happy and proud to be a small part of your family too.

I need to rest after this long wild weekend!

Rehearsal Dinner

The rehearsal dinner was last night! Wow! Mom and Dad let me stay up until 10! I was pretty much melting down at that point but I still didn't want to leave. There were so many people there, and they were all so nice and fun. They let me run around a whole bar and meet everyone. And I ate a Nookie Juicy Burger for dinner! Its a burger filled with molten cheese. Don't worry, Gpa E blew on it until it was ready for me. Oh, the man was there and I got to spend some good quality time with GGpaW too!

We're getting ready to don our tuxes for the day today. I'll be sure to fill you in with a recap tomorrow afternoon.

Pillar of society,

HAJ

Dancin' Machine Part II

Do you like my new haircut?

One game at a time,
HAJ

Relaxin'

Sitting on the sofa, snugglin' with Papa, drinkin' a little milk, watchin' a little boob-tube, winding down from another wild day of being one. These are the days.

Great day coming up today...G&GE are on their way here to visit ME! OK, not totally just me, but we all know, mostly me. Actually, the wedding is finally happening this weekend....Uncle Derek and New Auntie are finally getting hitched! Seemed like forever ago when Mom went a meddling into their lives.....

It just goes to show,
HAJ

PS - HAPPY DAY to my cousin Annie!! I hope you get lots of Dora stuff! Have a fun party!

You Can't See Me

I can see you, can you see my little eyes peaking through? Mom and Dad laugh at me because I like to sit on the couch with them, snuggling with a blanket. Only I like to get under the blankets. I just sit there, chatting, with a blanket over my head. Its the only way I can get comfy.

Dressed to kill,

HAJ

Next, Mount Everest

Some of us have bigger hills to climb than others,

HAJ

Best Friends

Some people think its weird that I walk around everywhere with a toothbrush. Hey, in this day and age you take a friend where you can get one. We hang out on the deck together, we check on the tomato plants together, we play in the yard together. And only a true friend would be there by your side when you just want to be quiet and listen to the birds awhile.

Wear your heart on your sleeve,

HAJ

When It Rains...

Just when Mom was about ready to drag me down to the dentist for x-rays to see if I had anymore teeth in this head of mine.....here they come! You can see the one there to my left, cute little guy. Then, shortly after noticing that one, I looked up at Mom laughing and she saw some little somethings towards the back of my mouth. She grabbed my face, and said, "Open you mouth son!" Of course I just died laughing, but there they were. Molars!

Throw modesty to the winds,

HAJ

PS - Pay no attention to the bloody snot coming out of my nose. Much appreciated.

Last Single Days

We went out to dinner last night with Uncle Derek and New Auntie. Its their last weekend of being officially single. Why they spent one night of it with me, is beyond me. If I was them I'd be out heeding the call of the wild. OK, I don't know what that means, but I surely wouldn't be hanging out with a one year old my last Friday night of being a single man.

Uncle Derek did teach me one important lesson yesterday. A lesson, I believe, every red blooded American should be taught at a young age by an older, wiser member of their immediate family. The dip of the fry into the ketchup. Yay for me! Its a bit messy, but just another reason to love it so.

Like uncle, like nephew,
HAJ

PS - Shout out to my cousin Ethan whose birthday was yesterday! I can't wait to see you next week!

Its Heeerrrrrreeeee

I haven't told you yet but I joined a little group, well, I don't know if you call it a group. Its more of a thing to do. Any way, its called NaBloPoMo. It stands for National Blog Posting Month. There's a few thousand of us bloggers out there that are doing this, and we're all posting everyday for the month of November. I usually post everyday anyway, so I thought what the heck. Also, it might be nice to draw in a few more readers, and its working. And even better, I've found a few new blogs to read myself. Its pretty fun so remember to check in everyday.

I hate talking about business. Sorry about that, back to real life. If finally happened today...here in The Grove. Check out this picture, but you can probably see it better here. The first snowflakes of the season. As big as my head, but not quite as big as this one.

In over his head,

HAJ

Is It Wrestle or Wrastle?

Remember a couple of weeks ago when Daddy was in Chicago, and Mom went to New Auntie's bachelorette party, and I got to hang out with Patrick? Well, the photos have finally emerged, and boy is there a tale to tell....

We sat down to watch a new episode of Thomas the Train. I was sitting there, minding my business, and Patrick kept saying, "I've seen this one; its a rerun!" And I was trying to tell him that it isn't a rerun, its a new episode. I was very excited about it because this episode was starring the train named Henry, and I was just shocked to see it. Well, apparently Patrick had enough of me, and then he did this! Can you believe it? Well, he might be 2 years older than me, but I can hold my own. Can anyone say, "Take Down, Two Points"!?

The bigger they are, the harder they fall,
HAJ

Morning Madness Part II

So, after I have scooched off that bed and have gotten my freedom, I head on into the bathroom. This is where I like to explore Mom's drawers. First I head over to this one, and take out random things and hand them to Mom. Then she replaces them and tells me not to dig around in there. Then I head on over to the other one. This one has all kinds of little things in it, that I like to throw in the sink or maybe chew on a little. Here's what Mom's sink looks like when she gets home from work. Aren't you glad you don't have me messin' up all your stuff?

Don't sweat the little things,
HAJ

Morning Madness

So, I'm sick and tired of being trapped on the bed when Dad gets up to take a shower and I can't follow him. So, I've finally figured out how to scooch my little behind off this bed, that, by the way, is taller than the largest oak tree in California. Here's how it happens: First I position myself towards the edge of the bed, and the key is "backwards." Then I start to scooch, and then I scooch. More scooching. Hey, I never said it was a quick maneuver. More scooching, and one more scooch. FREEDOM!!

Win one for the Gipper,

HAJ

Play Hard, Live Hard

Patrick came over to my house yesterday to play, while our parents watched football. We were actually the good, quiet ones while the adults were all screaming and hopping around the living room. Something about Mom having Adrian Peterson on her fantasy team. Who knows?

Patrick and I played hard all day long and I got real thirsty. AND, the best part is we had matching outfits on. We were football players for the Bulldogs. Patrick pulled me all over the house on my bus, and then we played Fort with his mom. There's a clue of each person that was in our fort in this picture. I consider it a great day anytime I can spent it playing Fort.

I forgot to show you this piece of art I made at school the other day. Its decoration for Halloween. And I want to thank my pal Pat (Brady's Dad) for sending me this cool pin from when he went to the World Series a couple weeks ago. It's for the Hank Aaron award they gave out at the game that night. What a cool piece of memorabilia.

Statistics are for losers,
HAJ

I'm Blue For Red Butts

Rub a dub dub, I was takin' a tub, cuz my butt is red and we're soakin' it dead! Ha! I know you all wanted to read about my red butt first thing on Sunday morning, but hey, its true and sometimes the truth hurts. Unfortunately it hurts me more than you. The good thing is, bathing with my papa is one of the great joys in my life. Kinda like how Mom's new microwave is one of her great joys.

Finer than frogs hair, split three ways,
HAJ

Sports Fanatic

There ya go Grama E and GGrampa W! My first Yankee hat! Its a great hat too, all worn out and faded because my guy Jerrid that really wears it, is a huge and dedicated fan. I knew you'd be so proud of me.

Last night we went out for pizza and then we went to the Wayzata vs. Champlin Park high school playoff football game. It was my first football game and it was great! Everyone was so loud and cheering and kids were playing everywhere. I even made friends with a gaggle of giggling high schools girls who all had to hug me before I went home. Dad was happy and proud that I got a little action.

Grasp at straws,
HAJ

Life Saving Tip

Just an FYI for everyone out there to know....just a little tid bit to put in your back pocket....a safety net, if you will - always keep a sucker within your reach around me. If I start to loose it, or you really need me to be good, and I don't want to cooperate, just give me a sucker. Any kind will do: Dum Dum, Tootsie Pop, Blow Pop, what ever strikes your fancy. You'll count your lucky stars you did.

The truth will set you free,
HAJ

Free Candy!

What an amazing night! I just had the BEST time, I think maybe so far in my life. Did you know that when you knock on people's doors they give you candy? And, almost better than that, all kinds of fun kids come to your house and you can give them candy? It was so great.

Mom and Dad took me to a few houses around the neighborhood. That picture is of me at our neighbor's house. Check out all the loot I got. I really like carrying my candy bucket around. Mom and Dad rang the door bell and hid, and I just stood there with my bucket and people gave me candy!? Mom said this is the one night a year I can have candy for dinner.

The hardest part of the night was watching all the kids leave and go play and run around outside. I wanted to go with them so bad. Every time they left, I cried. But Mom said maybe next year I can run around with the kids for awhile. Here's hopin'.

Get the edge on the competition,

HAJ