ABC's & 123's

I always try to catch Graham doing his "tricks" on video, but as many parents know, once that camera rolls out, they just stop and stare at you.  Luckily I was able to get a little piece of him showing off his smarts today.  We've been practicing our ABC's, and while G doesn't have the song down perfectly yet, he is able to identify some letters.  He's also been able to count to 10 (and sometimes a little higher) for a while now.  He didn't really do much for the video, but he started too!

It's Baaaaaack

Just when you thought the cracking up was over, we're back for video 4 of Graham cracking up!



See here, here, and here if you missed these three the first time around.

From Big Boy Bed to BIIIIIG Boy Bed

Graham has also moved out of his pack'n'play.  This is him at my parent's house in Evergreen!

22 Months!

Um, this kid is 22 MONTHS OLD.  In two short months we will have a 2 year old!  They ain't lying when they say time flies!

My Auntie Is Awesome!

Graham loves his only aunt!

Boys Will Be Boys

No Need For Supernanny!

Graham moved to his toddler bed!  I was a little nervous at first about him getting up constantly during the night and me having to bring him back to bed (his 2-3 hour daily naps and 12 hour stretches overnight have definitely spoiled me...he has always been such a great sleeper that I never became the dreaded "zombie mom").

The first day he got up twice during his nap, right at the beginning.  This was his very first time sleeping out of his crib, so I think he was just checking it all out.  That night he got up 5 times in the first hour and a half.  After that he slept through the night.

The second day he did not get up at all during naptime. At night he got up twice, once within the first hour and later in the night the second time.

The third day he did not get up at all during naptime. He did not get up at all during the night. It can't be this easy right? I mean, I've seen "Supernanny" where those kids get out of bed 137 times...

The fourth day was the exact same as day three.

**UPDATE** It has been nearly a month since Graham moved into his toddler bed. You know what? It was that easy! He never gets out of bed at naptime or during the night. When he wakes up, he simply sits in bed and WAITS for me or Michael to come into the room and get him. Clearly he picks up on new routines quickly...next up, attempting potty training?

Mommy Time

(LOVE the face from eating a sour berry)

Daddy Time

Sprayground Remix

We visited Centennial Center Park again!  The park was significantly less crowded due to many schools having started up again (total plus of being a stay-at-home mama is being able to bring your kid great places when everyone else is at work or in school)!  Graham, of course, had a great time.  The second we walked into the park, he could barely contain his excitement.

Just a little trickle of water!

All kinds of room to run around!

Graham loves running through the water

Driving Mommy around

Thanks for the hand, Cookie!



Even Bumpa is getting in on the fun



All that playng makes for a hungry boy

Why do we have to leave??!!??

Thanks to Michael's dad, Roger (or Bumpa to Graham) for always having his camera ready.  We wouldn't have half the great pictures we do without him!

What A Mouthful!

Of teeth that is!

He is currently working on his molars and fangs!

Exploring Evergreen

Yesterday my parents, Graham, and I visited Evergreen Lake Park.  It was a beautiful summer morning and we enjoyed walking around the lake and taking in the sights.  Although, next time, I will definitely bring Graham's jogger stroller as the trail is dirt  with wooden bridges across the water.  During the winter, the lake is used for ice skating - something we will definitely have to try when he gets a bit older!

A great morning topped off with a delicious lunch at Beau Jo's!

We also found a great kid's consignment store and scored some cheap fall duds for the little man!

Chillax

Just relaxing on Grandma and Papa's deck in Evergreen.

Fashion Forward

Graham is looking very stylish these days...

Happy Birthday To Our Marriage

Three years ago today Michael and I got married.  What a wonderful and adventurous 3 years it has been!

Tangled Up With Tangled

Graham absolutely LOVES the movie "Tangled."  Portions of the movie are viewed pretty regularly at our house (we've only sat through the entire thing 2 or 3 times).  Here he is sitting on Mommy and Daddy's bed and enjoying a few minutes of "Tangled" before bedtime.

Some More of Summer

We're spending the remainder of our summer playing outside, or as G says "Side!  Side!"

We've also contiued to have fun in the water.  We visited the pool at the rec center that my parents belong to in Evergreen.  It was nice that it was inside, so we didn't have to fight for pool space on one of the many VERY hot days we have had this summer.  It will also be fun to be able to go when the weather gets cooler.  Graham is a very thoughtful and cautious little boy.  He doesn't rush into anything and doesn't take a lof risks when it comes to new play environments.  On the day we brought him to the pool, there was the sweetest little girl (she was 3, almost 4) to show him the ropes and help him get past some of his intial hesitation.  He ended up having a great time!

Bubble Boy

What's more fun than using bubbles to make a beard or a crazy hairdo?

Summer So Far

Hard to believe that summer is nearly half over.  The Pretekin's have been busy.  Graham and I have been having a blast being at home together.  He loves to go outside, although with many 100 degree + days in June, we didn't get out as much as we would like.  We did however enjoy a trip to one of the local spraygrounds and a vacation to my grandparents' cottage in Michigan. 

Sprayground Adventure:

No fear of the water

At the playground, driving a car

Having the best time

Checking out surrounding terrain

Vacation time!

Napping at the airport

Floating in the water with Mommy and Grandpa (or as Graham has taken to call him, "Papa")

Raking the beach: a favorite activity

On the boat with Mommy

Daddy riding on the jet ski

Sitting on the swing with Great Grandma Dozeman

Riding in the golf cart through the woods with Grandpa



Sitting outside playing with some toys



Following Grandpa down the beach (I LOVE this picture)

Investigating a frog...dont' worry, he was let go soon after

Helping Grandpa drive the boat

Having a great time on a ride around the lake

Picture with Great Grandpa and Grandma Dozeman and Mommy

Finally venturing into the water on his own - in all of his clothes

Just sitting on the steps

Sweeping the dirt...in the woods.