Smoke filled sky

Last Thursday, the blue sky began to fade and as the sun set, this was our view outside. Friday, we awoke to the horrible smell of smoke in the air. The Santa Ana winds died down, thank goodness for the firefighters, which enabled the smoke to come inland and invade our sky.

I can only imagine how terrible their air is in San Diego and the rest of So Cal. Her's praying the worst is over.

Lots of love,

The Grady's

Sacred Heart Fall Carnival

On Sunday afternoon we took Emerson and Brennan to Em's school carnival. They loved it! The school did a great job putting it all together. It was complete with a pumpkin patch, carnival games, food, and even real carnival rides.

Lots of love,

The Grady's

Another Parrothead Party

Yes, I know we are a bit crazy...but we like that about ourselves! We headed to Vegas this past weekend for our 2nd Buffett show in two months. Some people might find that a bit over-the-top or even weird, but if you have ever been to a Jimmy Buffett concert (including pre-party) then you will understand.

We made the drive Friday night after work and after the kiddos were safely taken care of. We met up with a group of friends from all over, at a great dueling piano bar in NYNY hotel. Had a great time there, and even stayed up way past my normal bedtime! Slept in on Saturday (yes, past 7am!) and relaxed most of the day. Saturday night was the concert at the MGM Grand. Being that that was my 5th concert, my first Jimmy concert indoors, I knew it was going to be great. But, I didn't realize it was going to be that great!!! He put on an awesome 2 1/2 hour show! The whole weekend was a lot of fun and my lack of voice today is certainly tribute to that.

Yes, People do dress this way!

Enjoy the silly pictures!!!

Lots of love,

The Grady's

Pumpkin Season

Tis, the season for the pumpkin patch. This past Saturday, I took our kiddos and The Black's little ladies, with Jeff's parents to the pumpkin patch. Phew! This is why I choose not to have anymore kids, I already have four of them on occasion and it reminds me each time, why two children are plenty!

We had a great time exploring the pumpkin patch, looking for pumpkins that were just right. We also went in the petting zoo, a couple jumpy houses, and of course bought some kettle corn. What a great way to start the season!

Lots of love,

The Grady's

Mom...SERIOUSLY!

So this is what has been happening in our house lately....a long process that is still in the making. This potty training business is NOT easy!

Lots of love,

The Grady's

p.s. don't mind the dorky hair, straight out of the bathtub here!

just a regular weekend...

Sometimes it is so nice to have just a regular weekend at home. Not having to go anywhere in particular, or run to meet someone, or attend some event, or anything else. Emma asked on Saturday morning "Where are we going today?" and for once I said, "No where." She replied, "Well, who is coming over?" and I said "No one"...and she was baffled. But for once it was so nice to be able to get some things done and accomplished around the house.

Saturday, Jeff and Tad went to the USC-Arizona game in LA. Our great neighbor gave us her two tickets, as she was unable to go. Tiffany and I got a sitter for the kiddos for a few hours, so we could get some painting done on their new house. So for a little over 6 hours we painted and painted. We accomplished a lot more than we thought we could and felt really great about the job we got done. My mom and Scott came over to relieve the sitter and give us a hand. They stayed and we all had a nice relaxing dinner.

Sunday Jeff and I did yard work, and more yard work, and more yard work! PHEW! I hate weeds more than anything! We were able to get the lawn scalped, the courtyard trimmed and weeded, the outside toys cleaned up, and everything hosed off!

All in all, a very productive weekend and one that provided quite a workout for me! I am still a little beat and sore from all the work! Now onto another week!

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Brennan's Post-Op

So today Brennan and I went to see Dr. Gebhart for his post-op appointment. After the usual wait we finally got in a room and saw the Dr. He looked in his ears and said the tubes look great. We can stop using the ear drops (hooray!) and we should notice a big improvement in speech in the months to follow. He already seems to be improving on what he says and how he says it. He also showed me a picture of his adenoids. Apparently, they are always sent in for a biopsy, to make sure there is no bacteria/infection/strange cells/etc. to be found. Brennan were clean, but extremely enlarged, so it is a good thing we removed them.
I talked to him about ear plugs for bath time and we are clear for those now. If the tubes are still in place come next summer, we can talk to him about special plugs for swimming.
But for now....we are all set!

Lots of love,
The Grady's

The Moak's (i love saying that!)

We had a great visit from Stacy and Scott this past weekend! They flew all the way down here from Sacramento, just to visit with us. It was so nice to see them and just hang out. Saturday, Stacy and I took Em, Bren, and Lauren, and Kaitlyn to the Living Desert. The weather was just beautiful and the kids loved being outside. Jeff and Scott were able to wnjoy the great weather too, they played 18 holes of golf. Saturday night we were able to get together with Tad and Tif and have a great dinner and a rousing game of Balderdash. Sunday came all too fast, and Stacy and Scott had to catch their flight back home.

I really hope we get to see them again soon....or the kids are going to kill me....("Mama...where's "tacy" and Scott?").

Lots of love,

The Grady's