The Year of the Duck

I vaguely remember a time when Halloween was just one night.  However, I have learned that with a busy toddler, Halloween is a week-long celebration with numerous events and occasions to go out in costume.  We had SO much fun seeing Halloween through Grayson's eyes this year.  Here are some of the highlights.

First a school party:

Then a Boo at the Zoo:

Our friends, the Vaughan's, joined us

The Brannon's did too

G's first bounce house -- she actually loved it

Finally, Halloween day!

Photo opp with our neighbors, the Bensons

Fueling up for trick or treating with Olly

Minnie Mouse and the Duck

All in, let's go!

This is how we roll.....

Trick or Treat!!

Visit from Nana and Papa

Earlier this month Nana and Papa came for a visit from Arizona.  We had a fun-filled week and Grayson just loved having them here to take care of her while mom and dad worked.  Here's some highlights from the week!

  We went to the TCU vs Iowa State game!

 

 Dining al Fresco

 Gathering up my things....time to go!!

 Trip to the zoo!

 My friend Olly came too!

 More fun with Olly!



15 months

Yep, another month has ticked off the calendar.  Halloween is closing in on us.....mom hasn't found a costume yet.....eeeeek!     I really want Grayson to be a duck and I was hoping to find a costume at a store (rather than ordering online).   I had to have called every store in town Friday in hopes that SOMEONE would have a toddler duck costume.   Does this seem like an unreasonable hope!?  It's not like I am looking for an Angelina Jolie costume for my 1 year old.....wait, I think I actually SAW one of those.   ha!    So, it is looking more and more like the WWW it will be.    Grayson has had lots of fun and excitement this month with an extended visit by Grandma Kathy and a quick visit by Pops.   Tomorrow, she heads back to school -- we're hoping she won't protest!   We're also gearing up for a visit from Nana and Papa -- what a busy Fall we have!!    Here are the TWO 15 month shots I was able to get before she started teetering on the edge of the chair.  

 

 

September Football Fun

September brought the start of Fall, football season and, I wish I could say, cooler temperatures!   TCU had two home games in September and Grayson made it out to both of them.  They have had two away games as well, Kansas and SMU.  Steve actually went to the Kansas game to be a part of history as TCU competed in their first Big 12 conference game.   Steve and I both went to the SMU game which was in Dallas last night.   It had been pouring all day and didn't let up at all.   We wore our rain gear though and purple ponchos and stayed surprisingly dry.   It was an UGLY game but thankfully, TCU pulled out the victory.  We've had lots of fun tailgating and enjoying the new staidum.    Here are soms pics from the first two homes games:

Grayson's BFF, Olly, was at the Grambling game!

 Grandma Kathy and Pops were both here for the Virgina game

   

Labor Day Fun

We celebrated the end of pool season with the Killeens and Jeff at the pool.    It was a HOT day so we spent most of our time there in the water.   Sad that pool time is over, but looking forward to cooler weather and all of the fun fall holidays!   Here are a few pics of the day:

14 months

It is getting funnier and funnier to try to take these monthly pictures of Grayson.   I have a new respect for the ones that I often see of my friend's kids on Facebook, where they are sitting there, apparently content smiling with the 16 month sign next to them!  Our little photo shoot today involved bribery with a favorite lift the flap book.    Here's what Grayson has been up to this month:

• She will now bring me books or toys and sit in my lap so I will either read them or help her play with them.   
• Along the same vein, she is also rather fond of mom and dad and often melts down when we leave the room or the house.   On a positive note, she does not have separation anxiety at school, which we are SO thankful for.  She continues to love Miss Monique and her other teachers there.   
• I think she is starting to have a few more words for things.  Today she pointed at a picture of Herbie on the wall and see "heeee" --- i have noticed that sound before and I am beginning to think it is her name for him.   I also believe I regularly hear duck.   And of course, our favorite, NO.....lol.   With mama and dada sprinkled in.    
• She has loved the pool this summer.   Yesterday, she was actually hanging onto the side of the pool and keeping herself afloat!   We were so impressed.     I think we are seeing the beginning of a love of swimming!   
• We have dropped her before bed cup of milk.  She just wasn't showing much interest in it anymore, so one night, i just didn't bother and she went right to bed.   We still do rely heavily on Elmer the Elephant her pacifier friend.    She only gets to use Elmer in the crib or when travelling (a mom's gotta do what she's gotta do!) 

Here are some pics including a couple from one of her favorite new "games," playing peekaboo behind the curtain!

Happy Birthday Herbie!

Anyone who knows us well, knows that Herbie was our first baby, coming to us at 7 weeks old, untrained and in need of lots of love and guidance!  As a rescue pup, we don't know exactly when his birthday was, but we always celebrate it towards the end of August, a good way to also mark the end of summer.   As in most years, his pal, Hogan, came over with our pal, Jeff.  JJ, Tasha and Olly joined us as well.  I am bummed that I didn't get any pictures of Olly and G playing together.  As Grayson gets older, her and Olly are becoming more like two peas in a pod. In fact, this morning, Tasha texted me to tell me that Olly told her she was talking to G on the phone!  lol  I can't wait to watch these two grow up together.   

Here are the couple pics we got of the "party".   At least we got a good family shot!  In the second picture, Jeff is holding the doggie cupcakes that I made for our guests.   

Mackinac Island Adventure

At the end of August we made the trek up to Northern Michigan to attend Jason and Sara's wedding on Mackinac Island.  To get there, it took, two flights, a 90 minute car ride and a ferry ride!  Mix in a 14 month old and you get a wild weekend!    Grayson actually did awesome.  She was such a trooper, even staying with a babysitter (don't worry, it was a family member of the bride's sister) for the reception.   I had never been to Mackinac before and was so happy when I learned the wedding was there so we had an excuse to visit.   Here are some pics of the trip and wedding.  Congrats to Jason and Sara, glad we could be part of your special weekend!