New Year's Eve

Went up to PA to visit Ryan's cousin Miki and her family for New Year's Eve. Grayson went to bed of course but we had a great time ringing in the 2010 with their family and some of their friends. Since their kids are older, Grayson looks up to them and loved to play with them, and they are all so great with him, it was really cute to watch. The highlight was a cash register toy that he had a blast playing with, and he was so serious about it that it kept the rest of us in stitches.

Birthday and Christmas Year 3

This was the year that you wait for as a parent, the year that your child begins to understand Santa which makes it so much fun for everyone. Every time he opened a present, he would say with a sparkle in his eyes, " I am so excited or I can't wait." Of course, we went overboard as every parent does making it slightly overwhelming but who doesn't right? Part two of the day was birthday presents followed by a few neighbors over for cupcakes and singing. The highlight was Grayson singing to himself which brought laughter and tears to my eyes.

Halloween

Grayson's 3rd Halloween and he was very excited to dress up and even more excited to fill up his bucket with candy. This year he really understood what candy was all about, and he couldn't wait to get his new favorite lollipops. At the first house, he forgot the proper trick or treat and went straight for, "Can I have Candy?" But was very polite with a "Thank you" at the end. He did tucker out early because he wanted to be a part of the big kid crowd but couldn't quite walk fast enough. After a little frustration and a 3/4 full bucket of candy, he said he wanted to go home. Back at home he dumped his candy out, shared the chocolate with me, grabbed a blow pop and jumped on the couch to watch a show and enjoy his candy.

Vacation 2009

A 12 hour drive and our 2nd family vacation. Grammie Focht was gracious enough to let us use her timeshare at Daytona Beach and was a part of making it special. Grayson at first was scared of the waves but just like anything with him, on his own time he fell in love with waves and ocean and just like that a Beach Bum was born. We would usually spend the mornings at the beach and the pool and then the afternoons doing different activities like local parks. One afternoon, we went to the Daytona Experience so Grayson could see the "racy" cars and his favorite Jeff Gordan. Ryan showed us some of his car skills as the tire carrier in the big crew challenge while Grayson cheered him on. A day trip to Magic Kingdom was one of last adventures, the highlights were the "It's a Small World Ride," Mickey 3D movie, and the Dream Come True Parade. Another 12 hour drive home, and the words from our child that made it amazing, "Thank you, Daddy for the Beach."

Grayson's Big Announcement

On August 9th, Grayson had a video announcement for Grandma Cheryl and Grammie Focht.

4th of July Parade

Annual 4th of July Parade that it always fun, what is better than fire trucks, police cars and a flag to wave. This year the Ivey family joined us which was even more fun!

Happy 2 1/2 Birthday

Happy 2 1/2 to Grayson. Rain settled in to the area and changed our outdoor party plans. Thanks to Skye's suggestion .....the train themed continued but over at the Dulles mall instead of park. We started with the play area, followed with train ride. Grayson rode in the caboose with the neighbor boys,. Followed by lunch, carousel ride and Ryan's specially decorated funfetti cupcakes. It was a big success!