New haircut!

Month 25 Archives

Dear Henry,

I am so behind on your letter yet again this month. Between working, planning vacations, planning for visitors, time is flying and I can't believe another month has passed. I am so behind, I had to steal this picture from auntie Brookie's blog. Sometimes its the aunties that seem to take a little more care. Remember that.

These days, you're starting to get interested in the television. You love to watch Caillou, which is good and bad. He's a little bald headed kid that whines a lot, but on the other hand, it allows me a little time to cook dinner and a good bribe to get you to come in the house. Speaking of bribes, you're at the perfect age to take one. God bless Mr. DumDum for his sucker invention. I couldn't get you in the car, in the car seat, through a grocery shopping trip, or stay at the restaurant for a little extra time out of the house with friends, without a baggie full of suckers. They'll probably arrest me for child endangerment on the days I let you have 6 suckers during one grocery store trip, but I do what I gotta do.

You repeat absolutely everything we say. Doesn't matter the length or complexity of the word or sentence for that matter. People tell me you talk more than an average 2 year old, but I cannot be surprised considering your father, and that people in his family are nicknamed "Windy" (not just because they're gassy.) Just this morning when you were leaving for school, you ran over to me and said "I need to have kissy Mommy!" I say that to you every morning before you leave, and today the tables were turned. No better way to start a day.

We're going on vacation in about 3 weeks, and we all could use it, that's for sure. Your big job for vacation is to get over your fear of sand. You won't walk on it. Even with shoes on. Even when you're being held, and that person is walking on sand. You're just a bit uncomfortable. Our cabin is surrounded by sand, so get over it.

I'm learning that really any amount of sugar over a DumDum or so, throws you into fits and craziness. You suddenly run around like a mad man, or starting stomping your feet and throw yourself to the ground and then you head butt the ground. These things only happen when there has been excess sugar. So, having seen a few of these episodes honey, I'm sorry, but we're going to be even more strict on the sugar intake. I'll never give up my sucker bribes, but any more than that are going to really be watched. Unless of course you're with your grandparents (any of them), then anything goes. But you don't really need it because you're as sweet as a booger butt anyway.

I need to have a kissy baby,
Mama

Feeding the ducks at Minnetonka!

Golfing with Gammy!

Check out this new fort!

Watching tv AND mowing the lawn! What could be better?

Cute Alert

Mama has taken over today's blog...

Hi all! Sometimes there are just some cute pictures I need to share with you, that Henry was a bit embarrassed about. They're just so cute I couldn't keep them to myself. Like the first one for instance, when you're two, that is the only time this is cute, and oh my how cute is it? And he really is so brave in the water, and so funny. He's a crazy little boy sometimes, but then there are times where he's just as sweet as sweet can be.

Thank you for letting me share.

Hank's Mama

High Diver

Now imagine me doing this in the big kid pool, because I do.

HAJ

Fond Farewell

The last day of G & G E's visit included brunch, like it always does. They, along with my parents, really like to go out for brunch when they're all together. We tried out a new place, and it was REALLY good. Dad recommends the Breakfast Burrito, but I thought my pancake could have used a little something extra. After we were finished eating, G&GE headed back to Aberdeen. Its always sad to see them go, but we'll be together for a week next month on vacation, so no sad feelings here.

Catbird seat,
HAJ

Fight Fire With Fire

Saturday night was the grand opening of uncle Derek and auntie Chris' new house. They had a big BBQ, and invited all the fam. Derek was in charge of grilling, and Grandpa had to come in for a little rescue...something about grease fire and flame ups. I got to eat outside on the deck, and even had and loved my first cucumbers! Let's not talk about the weight limit on that deck, shall we?

After supper we started a bonfire, and even had s'mores. I ran into my two new girlfriends, who I first met at the wedding. This is Sally and Emily. They are both so pretty that I got a little shy when I first saw them, but in no time we were all hanging out like old friends. There's no doubt sure I'll be at the next family function.

Grandstand play,
HAJ

What? I Like Them This Way

Took a little break from bloggin' this weekend, but I'm back and ready to roll. G & G E were visiting, and we were as busy as usual. Friday night we grilled out in the back yard. It was really hot outside, but then the storm came through and cooled everything down. It wasn't a severe storm, so Grandma wasn't scared. Sometimes she gets a little scared of the thunder.

The next day we took them to lunch at the golf course. We got to drive them in Miss Barbara Blue too. I love to go to the golf course because we get to eat outside. And this time Grandpa took me over to the golf carts and let me sit on one. I also got to see the golf cart garage.

I will recap the rest of the weekend as this week goes on. Be sure to check back for coverage on Uncle Derek and Auntie Chris' house warming party....you know how crazy Auntie Chris' family is and you don't want to miss it. Although, from what I remember I don't think anyone was electrocuted, so that's progress.

Hook, line and sinker,
HAJ

PS - I need to send a few shout outs: Happy Birthday to Tom G, Cousin Andrew R, and Gr. auntie Jodi yesterday, and to Gr. uncle Butcher today! Love all you guys!

Happy Birthday Cuz!

Love you cousin Presley! Happy Birthday!

HAJ

I Like Mine Crispy

I've tried it before, and haven't liked it. I've tried maple brown sugar, and I've tried peppered. I've tried it limp (Grampa Jack) and I've tried it crispy. All of these options have lead to nothing but fake gagging and turning up my nose. Most of you aren't going to believe this, but I'm talking about bacon. Well, Mom made BLT's last night for supper, and my eyes have been opened. Now I like it limp, now I like it crispy, now I like it peppery and maple sugary. Now I just like it and I gotta have it. Doesn't hurt when there is Miracle Whip on toast and some yummy tomatoes squeezed in between - you can keep the lettuce. That's for another day.

Even a blind hog finds an acorn once in a while,
HAJ

Lunching By the Pool

What can be better than lunch by the pool? Mom whips me up a PB&J, throws on a couple of cheetos, a banana, and a nice icey cold sippy cup o'milk. I swim for a bit, then have a couple of bites, swim a bit more, eat a bit more...life is good.

More moves than a bowl full of jello,
HAJ

Sweet Summer Time

What a fun weekend. Sad to see its over. I even cried when I had to leave Mommy today to go to school. The weekend was jam packed with nothing but fun! Cousin Jerid and his cute girlfriend Ashley came to visit us. The first day we hung out on the porch and then watched fireworks! I got to stay up until 10:30! I thought the fireworks were pretty cool. A little loud for my tastes, but I clapped and laughed with the rest of 'em.

The next day we went to the lake to go swimming, play in the sand, and catch some rays. Thanks to cousin Jerid, I didn't catch any rays. Mom forgot my sunscreen, but Jerid borrowed some from another beach goer, and applied it properly. As you can see, I didn't participate in the sand playing either, I like my tootsies to stay on the towel, thank you. Daddy did drag me in the water, but I wasn't havin' that either. Plus, I wouldn't let Mom put on my swimming diaper, so talk about baby got back! OK, look, if its not a luxurious pool at the club or in some one's back yard, just count me out.

Yesterday started with more time at the lake with Brookie and Jerrid, a quick BBQ at cousin Kyle and Casey's to say goodbye to Jerid and Ashley (Is this getting confusing with all the Jerid/Jerrid-ness happening?), and then one more BBQ at Brookie and Jerrid's. I know, see, I told you I was busy. Tune in to Brookie's Blog to get a recap of the S'MORES!

See the world through rose colored glasses,
HAJ

Happy 4th of July!

Learning from the big boys!

Month 24 Archives

Dear Henry,

In all of the fuss and business of the summer, I'm finally getting around to writing you the two-year old letter. So here goes, and its all the usual things like I can't believe you're two, I can't believe how big you are, you're a little man and I don't know when it happened.

The most fun things about you now are the words that come out of your mouth. I always said I'd write down the things you say, and now I haven't. I need to do better and will work on it. There aren't too many words I can't understand anymore. We're having conversations kid! I ask you what you want for supper and you say "PIZZA!" And you are very interested in picking out which socks you want to wear, or to tell me that you don't want to wear that shirt. When I turn on the vacuum, you say "I'm scared Mommy," and I set you up high on the island in the kitchen so you stay safe.

You still have that little bit of chicken in you, which is great. I probably trust you more than I should, but when it comes to swimming you have NO FEAR. I think its great, but at the same time you really need to be careful. You go down the slides, jump off the boards, jump off the sides and the stairs. We have to pretend we aren't going to catch you because you won't jump to us; you think you can do it all on your own. You pop back up out of the water with your blue eyes gleaming, your mile long eye lashes dripping, and the biggest smile on your face. You never choke or seem to swallow water. I don't know how you learned to hold your breath. The Olympics are coming up, and I've been making you sit down and watch the swimming trials with me. When I tell you that Michael Phelps is on TV, you come running and say "Michael Phelps!" I just couldn't be more proud....maybe you'll live out Mommy's dream. I promise not to force it.

You absolutely LOVE playing outside. Everyday coming home from school is a struggle to get you in the house. And you have to be in the front yard because there might be a chance Andrew or Ethan could be out there. Sometimes I feel like they think you're stalking them, but whatever works for you. Gotta get friends however you can. You love digging in the dirt, lawn mowing, riding bike, and drawing with sidewalk chalk. The drawing one is my favorite. You keep your chalk in a special spot in the garage, and every time you bring it out you say "Look what I found!" Like its the first time you've seen it. Then you say "Mommy, I'm drawing!" Right after my own heart, plus I like to play that game with you too.

I love you my little Mini-Me,

Mama

Country Livin'

While I was being spoiled by Brookie, Jerrid, and Miss Kato all weekend, Mom and Dad were in Winona (pronounced WY-nona by the locals) for a great wedding. It was in a small country church, with the reception at the family's dairy farm. What a blast!

When they arrived, they parked the truck in the pasture, and headed over to see these guys. Samples were flowing all night of the yummiest smoked sausage in the world. That's all great and everything but they didn't bring me any left overs! Uncle Derek was a groomsman, and got a really cool gift I have to show you. Sorry Gma E, but I had to share.

Mom and Dad had fun on their own, and Dad even got Mom out there dancing. The only thing they didn't venture out to see were the cows. I guess there was a really sneaky electric fence around them, so the next time you city folks head out to the farm....be careful!

Midas touch,
HAJ

PS - Thank you cousin Kyle, Cindy, Auntie Chris, and Uncle John for the photos, and thank you Aunt Pam for the electric boogaloo.