Sunday, December 13, 2009

Olbrich's Holiday Express

If you have a kid, like trains, gingerbread houses or holiday plants, check out Olbrich Garden's in Madison.
My nephew Luke watching the trains.
Check out the detail on this Gingerbread house.
Grady watches as the train stops in front of him.
Luke was super excited.
Luke points out the Gingerbread train to Aunt Hillary and Cousin Grady.

Winter in Wisconsin

Saturday I drove out to my sister's home about a half hour South of Madison. Their driveway is surrounded by trees and with the recent snow it made for some neat photography opportunities.

Brushing Teeth

Another daily tradition is brushing Grady's teeth.
After a little help from Mom, Grady was all ready to brush them himself.
Back and Forth, Up and Down...next project toilet training!?!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Grady Jay Walking

Look what Grady started doing tonight...

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Snow!

Our thoughts differ on the recent snowfall most of the Midwest received. Hillary, of course, was delighted to have a snow day. Meanwhile my thoughts can be summed up like this...
After putting in a normal nine hour day, I came home for a couple hours before heading back into work for the night. While grabbing some video in front of the station, I decided to put my feelings into words.
Yes, we are the Weather Authority. No, I don't know what higher power decided that.
Curt Lenz, Chief Photographer, and Chris Woodard, Reporter, awaiting their 10 pm live report from the parking lot in the early stages of a blizzard.
Insert Your Own Caption Here
This was around 5am as the plows made their first of multiple attacks on the snow in the station parking lot.
Mid-morning the snow was still falling but had started to slow.
This about sums it up.
I arrived home around 1pm. The good news our friends, Paul and Bryson, had snow blowed our driveway while I was working. Thanks Guys! The bad news, Sun Prairie had yet to touch our street. (They still haven't as of 6pm.) I got stuck about a 1/2 block from home. Again, much thanks to some neighbors, Paul and Phil for digging out my stuck car.
Hillary and Grady look out just before I raked the roof and shoveled the deck off.
What age do children make for worthwhile snow movers?
There it is after somewhere between 12-19 inches of snow... a shoveled deck.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

I Am Here For the Party

Today, we were fortunate enough to celebrate Grady's first birthday with family and friends.
The afternoon got started with an early present from Grandma and Grandpa Phelps.
Soon after, the guests started arriving bringing gifts. Caleb carried this from three blocks away.
Our guests enjoyed snacks and lunch while the kids played.
Next it was time to put on the party hats! Caleb was ready.
Grady, Hillary and Abigail Walz discussing the physics of a top.
Grady and his Grandma Joan and Grandma Barb
Grandpa Randy and Grandpa Gary
Everyone gathered around and sang the Birthday song. Thank you to Abby for blowing out the candle.
Grady didn't think the exploding cigar joke was as funny as the rest of us.
Actually the car he chose off the top of the cake was covered in black icing.
Uncle Trevor gets a picture.
Time to open gifts. Special thanks goes out to Aunt Ashley, Aunt Michelle, and Jen for taking notes.
Grady is very fortunate . We also want to thank everyone for all the great toys and
money for Grady's savings account!
Grady also wants to thank his cousin Luke for helping him open gifts, the play by play/gift by gift commentary and the afternoon's musical entertainment.
(P.S. to Traci and Girls: we would really like to thank you for the drum! One word, Payback!)
Cam and Grandma Banks enjoying the music.
Thank you again to everyone for coming over and sharing in the day with us and more importantly Grady.


Video!

Who Is Ready For a Party?

Today is Grady's OFFICIAL Birthday Party
(Sponsored by Hillary!)
He like the rest of us were busy getting things ready.
He is either looking for the #$@! lid to a bowl for leftovers, or is practicing his frisbee throws.
Wrapping presents for Grady?
She didn't think that question was very funny.
Nor did he think they were great gift ideas.
Happy Birthday Grady
A special thanks to my co-worker Katie Rousonelos who made this cake. If anyone is looking for cakes in the Madison area. I can hook you up!!!