Birthday Celebration

 Morning of Grayson's 3rd birthday- Wednesday, November 23rd. After finding his room covered in balloons, he ran in and said, "Mom, it's Halloween! No... it's Christmas!" Then I let him know, "No, it's your birthday!" He was way excited.

 Beaming over his birthday breakfast- Showstopper Pancakes!

He loved the signs he found around the house for him.

 He was pretty bummed when he found out his friend pirate party wasn't for a few more days... So we let him wear his pirate gear on his birthday! He loved it.

 Captain Grayson

 Tolman his firstmatey

 That night we went to Chuck E Cheese as a family. It was a hit and a great way to celebrate. Strider & Grayson were definitely in their element.

 Here they are playing Guitar Hero. We had pizza & played games all night.

 Grayson waited until we got home to open his presents. He loved them and it was so neat to see the excitement on his face as he opened each one.

The next pictures are from Grayson's pirate party Saturday, November 26th. Here he is at the beginning as they decorated their own pirate hats. Afterward they played pin the patch on the pirate. We didn't even have to blindfold them!

Then we had cupcakes and Max face says it all! They were certainly the highlight of the party.

 Grayson opening presents. 

 The other kids were so excited they didn't stay on the couch for long...

 See what I mean? There were 8 kids 2 & under.

  We did a treasure hunt to end. However, we never made it to the treasure (goodie bags)!! Along the way they found balloons and balls and that was all they needed! The goodie bags were given as they left. The kids were so adorable and Grayson was thrilled to have them come celebrate with him.

Teetering Tolman

 Tolman just before turning 10 months... looking cute, but needing a haircut!

 Tolman's first official haircut from dad. We also gave him his first sucker.  You can tell by the grin, that it was a hit.

 Limes not so much... love his little sour face though.

The boys wrestled me the other night and each other. No idea why Stride & I thought this would be a good idea. Perhaps because the boys were so tired and happy. It was fun. I love to hear their giggles.

Our little Tolman is trying to grow up way too fast and start walking. Here's a little video we took of his first little steps.

Halloween Highlights

 Our Ward Halloween Party! Mom & Dad Husker Fans, Grayson's the Shark & Tolman the Cowboy.

 Our Boys

Grayson was happy to be a shark. Here he looks fierce, but don't be fooled he's not saying "roar". He reminded us and everyone else all night that sharks don't say roar (despite their big teeth) they go "chomp, chomp, chomp".

 Our cute little cowpoke stayed busy crawling & cruising.

 Playing with his friend Maxwell 

 We went to the "parent-tot" party again at Strider's school this year. At the end the children go trick or treating to the different offices. We enjoyed Strider joining us for the event!

 Grayson loved the "witch hat" cookies I made for the party.

 While we were in AZ visiting we went to the Arrington Halloween Party. We didn't bring our costumes, but thankfully Brett & Amber had a few extra.  Here Grayson is Hiccup from the movie How to Train Your Dragon and Tolman is Superman.

 There's was lots of food, family, candy & games! Here Grayson is playing Plinko.

 Rotating stations with his cousin Pirate Ben to the little kid games.

 We also had a friend Halloween gathering the day after we got back from Arizona. The kids were sleepy because we got in so late the night before. The kids got to practice trick or treating to different inside doors. It's always great with good friends, food and a train table. :)

Daniel & Grayson.

Sorry for the jumble of Halloween events! On the actual Halloween, Grayson went trick or treating officially for the first time.  I got to take him and he was so good. He loved every minute of it and was very polite.  We went to a packed street called "Scary Perry" in our neighborhood. Grayson wasn't scared at all!  I think I was more worried than him. Wish I would have taken pictures, but I think we have plenty. ;) Sure made for a nice memorable evening though. Hope everyone had a Happy Halloween!



10 Months

Alright, lets be honest, its been a week and I'm still in denial that my little boy is 10 months old. Time just needs to slow down now that we're in the "double digit" months and I don't even want to think about using the "year" term in 2 months.  I got Tolman's 9 month pictures, but with the last minute trip to AZ and my denial issues... I haven't posted them yet. So yes... a month behind, but here they are!

 Tolman's been saying & recognizing "momma" and "dadda" these days.  He also loves his dad A LOT and enjoys every minute he can get with him.

 At his 9 month appointment he was 19.5 lbs & 29in and in the 40th percentile. Tolman is such a great eater. He eats our food and will also eat 3rd Foods chunky baby food. Grayson wouldn't even touch those, but Tolman LOVES them! I think it's because he likes the feel of them on his teeth. He has 6 teeth (4 on top, 2 on bottom).

 T-man is climbing up on everything (& everyone) and comfortably cruising furniture.

He can even stand on his own for a few seconds.

He is such a happy baby and loves to smile at everyone!

 He is also mischievous at times. He loves to tip over our fake tree and pull off all the toys from the shelves.  He enjoys playing & making a mess with refrigerator magnets.

 He also loves to snuggle with his monkey/rattle blanket at naps, so much so that we recently invested in a new one! We love this handsome boy and are so glad that his cute personality is in our home!

Grandpa Great

The boys and I took an unexpected trip a few weeks ago when I got word that my Grandpa Arrington passed away. It was really difficult to be so far away from family when I found out. We lived with my dear Papa or Grandpa Great (as Grayson refers to him) before moving out here to Maryland. He always took such great care of Grayson & I while Strider was away at Officers Training. He always wanted to come out here to DC and visit us. We loved him very much!

Here are pictures from the plane ride to Arizona. We left at 6am, had a whole row to ourselves and as the pictures show the boys took turns sleeping and playing. It was a great flight. Wish I could say the same about the flight home... it was a long & crowded one :(

Despite the circumstances, we were grateful that all my family could be together.  Strider was even able to make it for a few days despite his medical school schedule. We were very blessed.

Cousin song practice before the funeral. Nothing like the Arrington Family Song & I am a Child of God to get you going. I love my family. The funeral went well. A great tribute to an amazing man.

Grandpa's graveside. Putting flowers on the casket.

In honor of our grandparents, we've said bye with balloons.

Getting ready to let go

 We miss them.

 There wasn't a game, concert or dance recital these two missed. They were always there cheering us grandchildren on. And of course they still are.  What a legacy they have left. I want to be that kind of grandparent.

Families Are Forever

My mom & her siblings.

Katie, Wendy, Dan, Dwayne, Jeanette & Sherrie

Grayson & Tolman with their flowers for Grandpa Great.

At the funeral they read a note I wrote a little while back...

Nobody "plays" the Price is Right

Quite like GRANDPA

Nobody does Crosswords

Quite like GRANDPA

Nobody teases

Quite like GRANDPA

Nobody gives out cookies

Quite like GRANDPA

Nobody loved Grandma

Quite like GRANDPA!

While there is no one else quite like my Grandpa... I can't help but be grateful that he was my grandfather. He overcame several hardships in his life and he will always be an incredible example to me.  I'm grateful to find comfort in my Savior Jesus Christ and the knowledge I have that through his infinite atonement we can be together again.