St. Louis

We just got back from a weekend trip to St. Louis. We headed up on Thursday. Grant did a good job in the car. But, then again, I don't know why he wouldn't. He watched his DVD player the entire time and did not sleep a wink.

We headed to the zoo on Friday. We really enjoyed it, especially the 5 baby lion cubs that were born in April, the giraffe that you could reach out and touch, and of course the train ride around the park.






















That night we had tickets to the baseball game. This was actually Grant's second MLB game. We reminisced about the his first one. He was about 9 months old and sick with a stomach bug.


I think Grant enjoyed the Build a Bear workshop at the stadium more than the game. I had it in mind to get him a FredBird, but as soon as he spotted the puppy dog, he just had to have it. We named him Louis and he's outfitted in a St. Louis Cardinal's t-shirt and hat.




















We got to bed VERY late that night. What were we thinking? Certainly a poor night's rest would not be fitting for the trip we had planned to Six Flags the following day.

Needless to say, Six Flags was kind of a bust... we hit traffic on the way and had to take an alternate route. Grant was so hot and grumpy he didn't want to ride ANYTHING. And Dale lost his very expensive phone.

Danny and Dale at least got to ride two roller coasters. I managed to get Grant on the train after a tearful protest, and we enjoyed the lazy river.

On Sunday, we stopped by Grant's farm before we headed home. This is a very neat petting/exotic animal farm which included everything from buffalo to elephants to Clydesdale's.




Grant loved feeding the goats. Note to others out there: Do not put a three foot tall kiddo with a bottle full of milk in a ring full of hungry goats. But after visiting the zoo just two days before, we were like "yeah, whatever, there's an elephant." We had a great time, but we were ready to head home.

"I'm Gonna be a Big Brother"

We're having a baby!!! This was the best picture I could get of Grant with the T-shirt I made him. And never mind the hat. He just found it and decided he would play dress up.

This is how we spilled the news to our families today. We showed up at the Chapel to see Nana. Grant told her, "I'm gonna be a big brother." She didn't get it at first. We called my Dad and brother. Grant also told them.

Next we were off to see Mimi at the beauty shop. She immediately noticed his shirt and got it.

Everybody is very excited as we are looking at another March birthday. Our immediate family March birthdays already consists of -- my Dad's, my brother's, my Granddad's, Peyton's, Brady's, and Danny's Dad. And mine may as well be in March -- February 28.

I am almost 10 weeks along and just beginning to not be able to hide it anymore. I had my first OB appointment today, and we could already hear the heartbeat. Ultrasound is scheduled in 2 weeks. I haven't been sick but VERY tired. Hopefully, I'll have my energy back any day.

Of course, we've asked Grant if he wants a baby brother or a baby sister. He says he wants a brother AND a sister.

We'll have to see about that!

Grant's First Letter "G"

At age 3 & 1/2....Well, actually, he drew his first one several weeks ago, but it just occured to me to document this monumental event. And the coolest thing was that he did it all on his own.

That thing below it is the letter "H". Clearly, we've gotta work on size control.

Camping

We got back last weekend from camping trip on the Natahala River in North Carolina. Well, our latest version of camping is in a 27 foot camper equipped with a full kitchen, shower, bathroom, couch, beds, and don't forget the TV (with satellite!)


Danny was covered up at work so Grant and I made the trip with my mom, dad, Erick, Angie, and the kids. Danny asked me what he was going to do over the weekend while we were gone. Not something you say to the woman of the house. I told him, quite simply, he could vacuum or do the laundry. He ended up doing both and dishes and he washed his car inside and out. Whoo hoo!




On Friday, we rafted the river just like old times. (I think I've been going since I was about 5 years old). Grant stayed behind with Nana. Rafting was pretty much uneventful with everyone managing to stay in the boat. However, it was Autumn and Peyton's first time. They had terror and tears in their eyes after the first set of rapids.



On Saturday, we found this place called Deep Creek. It's actually a very popular place for tubing. It was so cool. Like a natural lazy river. Grant stayed with my dad and the rest of the gang hiked 1.7 miles to the top and then took off on our tubes. We floated down for about an hour bouncing this way and that way, spinning and tumbling over the rapids. Grant got to ride with me for the last ten minutes. To quote him.... "This is fun, Mommy. I love this."


Seeing it through Grant's eyes, it was one of those moments when you're just present and nothing else maters. And for a moment, I was a 3 & 1/2 year old without a care in the world.