I Need a Pool, STAT!

Just buy me a pool already, for pete's sake!

Summer Time!

Its summer!

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

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

Grape Popsicle

Cool treat on a warm summer day!

HAJ

Summer Is Here

Yesterday I got to see my great auntie Shally, great uncle Dick, and cousin Alex. They were in town visiting their friends Becky and Chuck, and so we went to visit all of them. It was probably again, one of the best days of my life. Ya see, we drove to their house in Miss Barbara Blue, and then guess what....they have a POOL! A POOL! I love pools! I love swimming! I spent all afternoon swimming. Then, as if that's not enough, they grilled us hamburgers and hot dogs and gave me FULL SUGAR POP! I had the orange flavored; you can tell from my mustache above. Which brings me to the fact that I fell asleep in the car (!) on the drive home, then Mom put me to bed when we got home, and I didn't get up until 7 this morning. What? Swimming wears me out, I'm human!

So the moral of the story is, I just want to thank all those guys for inviting us, and feeding us, and letting me play in their pool, and I'm sorry if all the orange pop I spilled brings an infestation of ants.

If your ship doesn't come in, you have to row out to meet it,
HAJ

Exteriors Company

I know this is a funny picture, but Mom thought it was cute and we don't have another one to put up for today. Anyway, its been kind of weird around the house lately. Even though The Cousins were here last week, even beyond that its been different. Ever since two weeks ago when that big hail storm hit us, Daddy spottings have been few and far between. He's just swamped with people calling wanting to get their roofs fixed. He leaves the house early in the morning, and then gets home right before I have to go to bed. I'm getting a little jipped on my Daddy time. I'm shouldn't complaining though, only because all of that just means that Mom and I get new shoes! And, especially because I have a birthday coming up....I'm hoping for a new bike!

Busier than a one legged man in a butt kicking contest,
HAJ

Hail Of a Storm

What a day! Yesterday was jam packed, exciting, and great! So many things...where do I begin? The day started off with Mom and Dad taking me to the lake, on the boat, for the first time this year. I had a great time, I loved it. I wore my life jacket with relatively no complaints. We ate lunch and cruised around a bit. AND, we got to ride in Miss Barbara Blue on the way there!

Afterwards I went home to take a nice long nap, only to be awoken by Daddy because there was a storm a'headin' our way. It looked like it was going to miss us, but it hit us right in the tomato! It hailed like crazy! It looked like it snowed here the last day of May! Daddy had to shovel off the deck (there's still some on the deck this morning, that hasn't melted!). He made a hail-ball about the size of my head. The hail ranged from golf ball to pea sized, and we escaped with no damage. Except for the cucumbers and tomatoes (which we need to replace today.) There was a really cool fog that filled the streets afterwards too.

After all the excited, and after the skies cleared, we headed to Brooke and Jerrid's for a bonfire party. P-man was there too! We played all night. After we got there, Mom realized she forgot my Pack-n-Play, which put a damper on the night. That means we have to go home early. But I surprised everyone when Brookie made me a nest bed on the floor with blankets and pillows and stuffed animals....and I fell asleep. Am I amazing or what?

To each his own like the man who kissed the cow,
HAJ

Open For Business

Last night was the first official opening of the porch! A little late this year, but it just makes us appreciate it all the more. Nothing beat brats on the grill and watching the Twins win while sitting on the porch.

Whatever lifts your skirt,
HAJ

Dance Fever

Who says a little white boy can't dance?! So I think its officially not summer anymore here, finally. After being 87 this weekend, I got my final day in the pool. But it is Minnesota, so anything can happen.

We were in Park Rapids for the weekend, and my uncle John took a bunch of photos. He is going to email them to me, and then I'll pass them on to you, so sorry for the delay on those. Mom was not into taking picture because everyone else was. These are what she came up with - here, here, and here. See? Worthless. Looks like we didn't have any fun at all, but boy did we ever.

Nine-day wonder,

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!

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

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

Rally Time

Here's a picture of me and my favorite guitarist, Tom "Val" Valentine. He's Patrick's dad. He's also responsible for teaching me how to fake sneeze and how to make that "pop" sound when you pull your finger out of your mouth. I'm sure these are all skills that will get me through the teenage years.

Can you even believe I caught a cold? I know! If I had a dime for every time I sneezed yesterday, well I sure as heck would be stickin' around here. I'd be retired on a beach in Bermuda. I'm definitely feeling better today, the sneezing is less. Don't worry, I'll rally for vacation tomorrow.

Life is not all beer and skittles,
HAJ

Summer's Going Too Fast

There's not much better in life than eating a summer fresh peach while laying in bed. You should try it.

I know, I know, I don't even want to get into it. I know my posting has been sub-par this week. Its the usual reasons, the same as everyone else, so I won't get into it. But, summer has just gone too fast. Too much to do, and three months time is not enough.

Today we're awaiting the arrival of Gammy and G-pa Jack! Then tomorrow, Auntie Niki, uncle Larry, and my cousins Larry, Pres, and Cody will be here. THEN - we all go to Brainerd for a week and meet up with G&G E, and Uncle Derek and New Auntie! We'll be there a whole week! I just can't wait. We need a vacation around here like nobodies business.

Well, we're off to the airport to pick up the first of the arrivals from TX!
HAJ

Koozie Time

Most of you who know my parents, know that they can't drink any beverage without one of these can koozies! I finally got my own this weekend, and what a difference it makes on my juice. Heck, when its 100 degrees outside you need all the help you can get.

Today we're busy! There's grocery shopping, cleaning, shopping for lights for the outside of the house. By the way, the house is really coming along, but not finished yet. Don't worry there's photos coming. Our neighbors are even saying how nice it looks. It seems maybe we aren't the hillbillies of the neighborhood anymore, and maybe they'll all just over look the dead grass.

Later today we're off to my Mom's office for happy hour! I know, I hope they spike my sippy cup. NOT! (I'm bring it back.) It's Mr. Gunkelman's birthday tomorrow, and he invited ME to come to his party! Can you believe it? The only reason Mom gets to go is because she has to bring me. Now we know how she rates.

It takes two to tango,
HAJ

It's Independence Day

Happy Independence Day everyone! Hopefully you are all going to be grillin' and chillin'. That's what we're planning on here in MN. Its going to be a beautiful, sunny and warm 85, low humidity, and that just means I'll be swimmin' in my redneck swimmin' pool all afternoon. Be safe and have fun, and remember, as all holidays go, this is a free day on your diet so go crazy!

I love being free, it's the best way to be,
HAJ

PS - Hope you're feeling good today Miss Molly.

Hot Daze

Its a hot one here in the Twin Cities. We're looking well into the 90's for our high today. I'm spending the day in a pool. Well, not a pool really, more of a bin. You know like you buy at Menards, and you store your winter clothes in until fall? Yeah that. Lini fills it up with water and I spend my day inside it splashing. Its more of a poor man's pool. Don't judge me.

Thanks to my new cousin Alex for the photo above. Its me at his mom's wedding over the weekend. Yes, I got yet another new auntie, named Melissa. She married my g-uncle Larry. Welcome to the family, and good luck putting up with us!

Give peace a chance,
HAJ