Henry found an old picture of Tom and Gina the other day...
HJ: This is Patrick's dad.
Mama: Yes it is. What is his name?
HJ: Tom
Mama: You're right! Do you know who the other person in the picture is?
HJ: Um...Addison?
Mama: No, but you're close.
HJ: Who is it?
Mama: Auntie Gina!
HJ: Ooooooo. I love Auntie Gina!
Rings a bell,
HAJ
One of my favorite new games is playing restaurant. We have a window above the kitchen sink that slides open and leads to our porch. I like to stand on the ledge below and take people's food orders like at a fast food restaurant. My specialties are chicken nuggets and tacos. Come on over and I'll whip you up a bunch! That is, when I'm not pretending I'm a lion.
It takes a big dog to weigh a ton,
HAJ
Dear Henry,
This month, the big thing was you going to gymnastics class. I'm thinking you may be too young (mentally) to really get the benefits from the class. Although there are two classes left, we'll see what happens. You talk and talk all week about how you love gymnastics, and you can't wait to go, but when we get there you just won't participate. I have to admit, as much as I hate to, this has frustrated me much more than I want it to, and much more than I expected. I'm out there on the trampoline and jumping through hoops (literally) and doing a freakin' hand stand, all to just get you to try something. I don't know what else to do. I want your dad to take you to class one of these next times. Maybe you'll be better for him. If not, I think we'll take a break and move on to something else. I really think you'll love swimming lessons this summer.
I suppose it all really boils down to the fact that you're still going through a really shy thing. I guess I need to get used to it instead of fighting it. You're dad told me he used to be really shy when he was young too. I know, I don't really believe it either. Its just hard, as a parent, to watch your kid sit by the sidelines and not try new things. This is the time in your life you are fearless, enjoy it! Ok, ok, I know I'm about as big of a chicken that there is, but I didn't used to be. And now that I'm typing this, I'm having flashbacks of swimming the short way across the pool because I was scared of the deep end. And I think I can hear my mom being frustrated with me because she worked nights, just so she could take me to swimming lessons but I wouldn't even get in the water. So yeah, hmmmm... Let's all just take a minute and rethink this whole thing.
In other news, you're hysterically funny. I was hanging pictures in the house the other day, and I was measuring and marking and everything, and you said, "Are you sure that's gonna work Mama?" When Daddy was driving you to school, you drove past a grassy area and you said, "That would be a good place for a lion to live." And we have this new fandangled thing called Bluetooth in my car, so whenever I'm on the phone, you have to talk to that person NON-STOP. Whether its Daddy, Grandma, Laurie, whoever. Grandma was even shocked. She said to me, why is he talking so much? I said, THIS IS REAL LIFE! When he's not being shy, he's talking constantly. You talked more to her on that one phone call than you have in a whole weekend!
So, let's make a pact, I'm gonna worry less about your shyness...and you, you just keep on talkin' little one. I only want you to share your funny stories and your unique outlook on the world with everyone.
Loves ya Booger, Mama
As some of you may or may not know, Mom signed me up for gymnastics class a few weeks ago. She did this in her quest to help me along as a professional baseball player, and to maybe help me get over some of this shyness I have these days. The first class was just OK. I didn't really want to do too much. The other kids are really good and VERY intimidating. Eventually, I did join in and then I was mad when we had to leave. The 2nd week was better, but I still was pretty tentative, but at least I participated in most exercises.
Act like a monkey in the zoo,
HAJ
On Saturday we packed up and headed north to Sauk Centre to Palmer's Grandma's house. Her name is Grandma Lulu. Every year she has the world's hugest Easter egg hunt. We knew we were at the right place when we drove up and just saw all kinds of stuff all over the yard! There were all kinds of toys, eggs, candy, bags, and baskets. It was like nothing I've ever seen, and boy did I run! Thank you Grandma Lulu, you're the best Easter bunny!
Gird up your loins,
HAJ
I had the craziest Easter of my entire life. I have a lot of pictures to share, so I thought I will spread them through the next few days to share with you. G&GE came for a quick visit on Friday. Grammy and I colored eggs! This is a really fun thing to do, and I could name all the colors. Well, except purple, who can tell what's purple or what's blue. Its ridiculous.
As sharp as a cafeteria meatball,
HAJ
Here's me in the morning, getting ready to go to school. Daddy makes a hamburger (breakfast sandwich) and I grab a banana. Then we both compete over who gets the last kiss from Mama before we leave. Today just might be the last day I have to wear a stocking cap and gloves. But don't worry, my pants are short enough, so if it floods in our neighborhood I should be fine. Someone please tell my mom that 2T's are no longer for me
Every man has his price,
HAJ
I thought, after all this time, I should show you guys pictures of my pals at school. They're all pretty cute, so get ready. Here is a picture of me and Megan. She is two months older than I am and she's really smart. She just had a new baby brother, Charlie (weird huh?). He's going to be starting school with us in June.This next picture is Lexi. She is 4 and will be starting kindergarten in the fall. We will miss her. She really likes pink and princesses. Next you all know and love my good pal Patrick! I love learning about monsters and ghosts from him! He's a huge fan of Scooby Doo and he loves solving mysteries.
Cute alert!! Get ready for these two little cupcakes. This is Ian. I couldn't pronounce Ian, so I started calling him EE-Nah. It stuck, and now that's what everyone calls him. He's almost two, and was the baby after me. He really is as sweet as he looks. And here's the baby, Zander. He is 9 months old, and he's just learning to crawl. Well, I guess its more of a scoot if you had to describe it, but he really gets around.
So there ya have it! These are the knuckle-heads I spend my day with and who I teach and learn bad habits from. We're quite a crew!
Follow in the footsteps of,
HAJ
Is it just me, or is everyone so excited for opening day!? IT OPENING DAY! I've been waiting since November for this day to arrive. Nothing is better than the first day of baseball...I can already smell the brats on the grill and I can taste that cool, smooth, ice-cold root beer. Let's go Twins!
Don't do as I do, do as I say,
HAJ
Wait, what month is it? Is someone playing a trick on me? I thought it was April, not November. Seems these guys were thinking it was Thanksgiving and they thought they'd deliver themselves to my dinner plate! This one was giving me the ol' stink eye, so I stayed clear of them and left my cleaver in the drawer. I think this was their April Fools joke. They're just lucky Grandpa E wasn't here because they'd for sure be in the fryer today!
