Mr. Independent

Grady has decided he is big enough to feed himself. So after a brief discussion with his Mom, she decided to let him feed himself.

Who would have known he is a face painter? That's right.

Cougar Town

Saturday night Grady had a visitor. Hillary's friend Jen's daughter Allie, came over to hang out with Grady. Brooks was the chaperon.After dinner they enjoyed horseback riding.
Then it was outside for a romantic swing under the stars.
When I looked at this picture I had to laugh at how relaxed Grady looks.
It also made me think of these pictures:Grady and Allie in their late 30's early 40's.
Allie and Grady in their late 70's.
This made me think of what it will be like when Grady visits Allie in college. Chug, Chug, Chug...
On a serious note, Allie was very helpful and Grady really enjoyed having her over to play. We would love for her to come back again soon.

Saturday At Home

Hillary went to the Badger game with her friend Tracy, so the boys stayed home and watched the game on TV. While mommy was tailgating, Grady was reading and Brooks was playing fetch.

"Make sure you let me know when it is game time, in the meanwhile I am just going to read about bugs."

"This book is making me hungry. Dad, are we eating lunch at half time?"

"Dad, this dump truck reminds me of John Clay!"

"Look what I can spell!"

Ten Months Old

"Two more months and it is CAKE time! Yeah!"

"...that's what I like about these play ground girls, man; I get older, they stay the same age." -Dazed and Confused

This morning we drove to a neighbor's farm and picked out some pumpkins. Grady was in charge of choosing them. He used the age old "taste" method for selecting just the right pumpkin. "Hey! Put down the camera and start carrying these to the van!" "This pumpkin is my favorite!" Grady and Mommy. Mommy gives Grady a gourd from the nice people who own the farm. Grady's car is pumpkin powered. "This is my Badgers pumpkin."

Grady Goes to Iowa

On Saturday, Ryan, Grady, and I drove to Cedar Rapids, Iowa to visit my Mom's side of the family. Aunt Lenore is my Grandma Evelyn's sister, so it was nice for her to meet Grady. In a way, it is like my Grandma meeting Grady. It was Grady's first trip to Iowa, and his first opportunity to meet the Iowa clan. He may not have been a little snuggling baby anymore, but they got a kick out of our growing boy.

Grady loved playing at Uncle Bob and Aunt Lenore's house!

Dick and Ken got a kick out of Grady, while Grady got a kick out of a singing turkey.
Aunt Lenore and Uncle Bob have a great tree in their backyard. Grady (with Dad's help) "climbed" it.
Look how far I can see from here! I've really mastered climbing trees.
Behind the scenes: Here's what you can't see in the picture above. Grady has promised to do all of his own stunts in the future.
Grady's first encounter with a leaves on the ground. Welcome fall!
Does this surprise anyone out there? Everything goes into his mouth!
Uncle Delmar and Aunt Irene surprised us with a visit!
Grady was given an adorable little dog that says his night time prayers. Thank you Aunt Lenore and Uncle Bob!
Tomato, Tomato...Uncle Bob keeps a huge garden complete with many tomato plants. We took home two boxes of tomatoes. (And I had my first adventure with canning ever. It went well as far as I can tell.) Grady was drawn to the tomatoes while we were there. Red, pretty...
I think I'll bring it to my mouth. Oh my...I can even bite into it! Mommy loves tomatoes and Daddy does not. Only time will tell how Grady feels about tomatoes.
For right now, I don't like them so much. We'll try again soon.
On second thought, I like tomatoes. Don't I look cute with my little tomato face?
Mommy supervises my tomato picking.
From left to right: Uncle Bob, Aunt Lenore, Dick, Aunt Irene, Ken, Uncle Delmar, Grady, Hillary, Ryan

Thank you for a wonderful visit. We had a delicious lunch and had time to visit and share stories. We can't wait to visit again soon. Maybe Grady will be walking by the next visit? We love you!

Milestone: Grady Stood On His Own

Last night, Grady pulled up to a standing position! In the past few weeks, he has pulled up but only on his knees. He pulled up to standing on his feet last night to get a better look at the water running into the bath tub. And he did it this morning again. So tonight we took a video.

Here is the video Hillary promised.

Packer Season

Grady has front a row seat. Brooks's seat is on the 50 yard line.
Grady demonstrates what to do when there is a fumble.
Grady moves up to the box seat with Dad.

Badgers vs. Bulldogs

Hillary was Here!
Grandpa, could you please put a cracker right here?
Thank you. By the way do you think the Badgers will win today?
I feel good today. I am thinking it will be a tight game.
Yep, for sure, Badgers by 3.
I wish we could hurry up and get to our seats.
Finally! Lets Go Red!
Grandma, thank you for teaching me how to clap.
How am I doing?
Could Grandpa get me one of those radio ear things?
Did you see that catch? He reached out and with one hand grabbed it.
This 10 week old baby was a few rows in front of us. Hillary said she thought he looked like Ben Linus from the TV show Lost. I have to agree!
Come on Mom just because the Badgers won in Double OT 34-31, I don't want to polka!
This is my Dad and me. I have taken him to two Badger games this season and they won both.
Dad gave me a lift so I could see better.
Dad gave me a lift back to the tailgate.
Ya, Ya gitty up horsey!
Back at the tailgate Grandma and Cousin Luke help me practice my clapping.
Whose idea was it to give me a chocolate covered banana?