Saturday, May 23, 2009

Hip Hip Hooray!! Brantley is 3 today!


Happy Birthday Little B! We've had a wonderful day celebrating Brant's birthday today. Brant wanted to spend the night at Grandma's last night, and he did, the WHOLE night!! This is the second time he's made it all night! So, around 8, we heard a little voice outside, and Brantley came in to say, "The birthday boy is here!" So, I popped out of bed and we started celebrating. First, a pancake breakfast...little B scarfed two! He opened a few of the smaller presents, then, on to the park! But, it wasn't open yet, so we decided to get B his new crocs (they are for the beach, and we were going to wait...but hey, it filled time!) Then, it was park time!! We rode all the rides, except for a false start on the airplanes (he hit a button that sounded like a mid-air fire fight, and it scared him), and played on the playground. It was getting hot by then, and we were hungry. Brant told us a long time ago that he wanted to go to Blue Ribbon for his birthday lunch....and so we did! They brought him a little birthday cake, with "tream" on top...whipped cream for those of you who didn't get that.

We returned home for more presents, from Grandma, and our big present, the "Better Batter Baseball" from Fisher Price. If you ask him, he'll tell you he got the "better batter baseball game" it's a hoot to hear him say it! Mom got him small soccer goals for the backyard, and a bag full of LOTS of things, like new jammies, an outfit, a Mickey video, and the traditional...new undies!! We had a small cake, as his big party is next Saturday, but he enjoyed it just the same!Around this time Daddy had to go to work. Brant was not happy with this, and asked for his Daddy all afternoon. We watched his new video, and took a short nap. After which, we went to a couple of stores. The whole time he was asking if we could eat at Daddy's resturant. So...in keeping with the birthday boy's wishes, we did. Sitting on the patio, with Mom and Brantley popping in when he could, we put the final touches on his birthday. But one last surprise was in order, one that surprised us all!! Daddy had arranged for a birthday strawberry shortcake to be sent out, with a candle on top...but the crew at the restuarant, who has literally watched him grow up, took it one step further. About 8 staff brought it out, and sang to him too! His little eyes shone, as he grinned and blew out his candle. The topper to a perfect day!
We came home, showered and snuggled. Little B and I read a few books (new ones for his birthday), then his eyes got droopy and he snuggled in. Sleep tight little man, growing bigger everyday. For all of you we weren't able to share this day with us, please know you were missed. We grew up not being able to be with our grandparents and extended family on birthdays, and everytime we could be with them on special days was extra-special. We love you all, and miss you too!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Strawberry picking!

I've not been very good keeping up with the posts lately. It's most likely because none of us want to come in at night, and we stay until we can't see anything! The grass is so green, the plants are in the garden and my flowers are doing well. We've even got a family of bluebirds in our box and hummingbirds zooming around! Spring has sprung and summer is on it's way!! Another sign for sure...it's strawberry time!
Our newspaper always prints a map of the strawberry farms in the areas. We picked one that we would go to, but couldn't figure out when to go. On Friday afternoon, I asked little B, "Do you know how strawberries grow?" When he replied, "In trees?" I knew we had to go! We squeezed it in on Saturday morning, heading out to the country in old clothes and sunglasses. When we arrived, around 9:30, it was already packed, and although we had to go further into the field, the strawberries were plentiful. Brantley and I had thought for sure that Brant would eat as many as he picked, but he didn't even taste one until his Daddy cut one up for him, and said he could! After that, everytime I saw him, he was picking with one hand and eating with the other. He loved it, and so did we. We picked 11.75 pounds of strawberries, and paid $11.75. Can't beat that!!

On the way home, we passed a dairy farm. It was beautiful and there was a field of calves along the way. We passed the fire station, on the other side of the field, and there, eating the clover by the road, were two escaped cows!! Of course, we went back to tell the farmer, actually, the farm hand, that I had to speak to in Spanish, that the "vacas" had escaped. A very exciting zoom down the road by the grandson on a four wheeler rescued the babies. We all felt we'd done our good deed for the day, and Brant got a close up of cows!
Later on Saturday, as Big Brant headed to the craziness of the resturant on Mother's Day, Mom, B and I headed to the Farmer's Market. I don't know why we've not been there before because it is awesome. The garden store there is extensive, and the nurseries that brought there plants had great variety. There was even a lady making the most beautiful flower arrangements. It's definitly more on the yuppy side, then that Deere side, but wonderful all the same. We went because Ronnie and Kathy, our neighbors, had invited us (unknown to Kathy) to celebrate her birthday at the Moose Cafe, located there. It was good ole' country cookin', with turnip greens, chicken and dumplins and the best mac and cheese! And tea out of mason jars! The severe storms came through right about then, so we escaped without getting TOO wet, but enjoyed dinner all the same.
Today, Mother's Day, (Happy belated Mother's Day to all who are reading this!) Mom, B and I went to the BDS production of Jack and the Giant, at the Paramount. It was a lovely way to spend the afternoon, although Brant didn't make it through all of it (the first act was over an hour!). Returning home, we napped, then cooked out burgers for Mom. The boys and I celebrated on Wednesday, with dinner out at Red Bowl (Asian food) and gifts. For those who can't believe we didn't have anything Apple, we've now branched into it...the boys got me an iPod Touch! I love it, don't know what I did without it, and have enjoyed the Apps already (Brant really likes the Etch-a-Sketch one!)
Well, I'll leave you now, as I need to get to bed. Love to all!

Friday, May 1, 2009

Happy May Day!

Hello again, from Carolina land! Happy May! In 22 days, Brant is going to be 3! The countdown has begun.
We've had a lot of things going on around here, and the blog has slipped by unposted for a few days. Nothing especially noteworthy, but busy nonetheless.
We've been busy planting and landscaping, and getting the garden planted as well. It's crammed full, as usual, and bordered by Brant's sunflower tunnel. Our house continues to improve, and an update pic will be posted soon.
Brant's preschool had an art show yesterday, and Mom and I got to go to it. It was in the morning, and they had all the art the kids had done for a few months up. The idea was you could "purchase" the art for a donation for the teacher's bonuses. Brantley picked a piece of art for me and Grandma to take to school to display.
Oh, on another note, Mom has the all clear with all her tests...there is OFFICIALLY nothing wrong with her heart or otherwise.
Today was May Day at BDS. All the students dressed up, teachers too, for an assembly where there was a May King and May Queen, court, and May Pole. They sang the traditional songs, and danced the dance. Next year, mark your calendars, even the K3s participate...Brant will be perfoming!! Bonus, it is a half day too!
Mom, Little B and I are all heading to Ironton this afternoon. Grandma's house sold and we are going up to get the last of the things Mom inherited. I'm looking forward to going back, as it's always good to see family, but I'm really not looking forward to seeing Grandma's house stripped of the things we are so accustomed of. But, of course, we will take a walk on the floodwall, down to the pump and wave at barges. Brant still remembers this from last summer, so it will be another memory for him, one that I'd hoped he'd be able to make each summer.
Little Tech, aka Brant, brought my camera up to me and said, "I want the camera to take a picture by itself!" How did he know that??? So, we set the timer, ran in place and click! Here it is for your viewing pleasure. Love you all...need us this weekend, call our cells. Brantley is working all weekend and is on animal duty!