Seattle Part 2

A picture story...The University of Washington stadium, Emerson enjoying swimming in the spa, Emerson climbing the rock wall at the Pacific Science Center, Daddy and Brennan enjoying the electric boat ride on the lake, Em and Bren keeping safe with their life jackets, Daddy and Emerson on the front of the boat, Pikes Place Market, and finally Brennan with his little sneaky smile:)

Lots of love,

The Grady's

I am SO excited!!!

My amazing friend Carrie has been talking about flying out, with her great husband Austin, in October for the Jimmy Buffett concert in San Diego. Well, talking has turned into booking the flight, buying the concert tickets, and reserving the hotel room! I wasn't letting myself get excited over the talk....but now....I cannot wait!

Lots of love,
The Grady's

P.S. Still in Seattle...flying home in the morning...will post more Seattle pics soon.

Alki Beach

I was going to hang on to these for a later post, but changed my mind (thanks to Paige:))

We took a little scenic drive to W. Seattle to Alki Beach. My parents had never been there and I found it online (of course) as a great place to take kids. It was SO cute. Reminded me of La Jolla or Catalina, cutesy beach town with fun restaurants and beach access. The kids had a great time playing in the sand, collecting shells, running in the water, finding crabs, and just enjoying being outside.

Lots of love,

The Grady's

Comments...

I know that I, that many others, LOVE to get mail (you know the kind from the mailbox), emails (I check mine often) and comments on my blog. Yes, comments! I KNOW (or at least hope) that more people read the blog than Aimee and Paige (whom I LOVE for commenting!). I know there are more people out there.

I am calling you out! If you read and have any thoughts on the craziness that I write, please comment. I would love to hear from you!!!

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Overboard

No, not one of the kids...something else.

We are keeping the tooth fairy very busy this month! Emerson's front, upper tooth has been sorta loose for over a year now. It is the tooth that is next to the tooth that she accidentally knocked out over a year ago. But, over the last couple of weeks it has become much looser and we have just been waiting for it to come out. Yesterday, she bite on something during dinner and cringed because it moved the tooth even more. So, I teased her that she just needed to eat something else and maybe it would come out. So her and Brennan were up with grandpa having their treats, when she comes running downstairs saying "Mommy, my tooth is out! But, I don't know where it it." So we go upstairs to look for it, when grandpa whispers to me "I threw it overboard, I wasn't paying attention and thought it was a crumb!". LOLOLOLOL!!! After calmly telling Emma what happened and calming her down we decided that the best thing to do was to write the tooth fairy a letter in hopes that she would still come for a visit. Phew, diaster averted!

(the wording is entirely her own!)

Lots of love,

The Grady's

Seattle- Part 1

The kids and I flew into Seattle last Tuesday to visit grandma and grandpa on their boat. Both kids were so excited to go back to Seattle (we did the same trip last summer) and also to fly on an airplane again. I swear these kids are going to be expert travellers before the age of 10! And they LOVE it!

Here is our view from the boat each day.

More updates to follow!

Lots of love,

The Grady's

Tired of having pictures taken perhaps?

Haha!!!! Couldn't help but laugh at these shots!

Lots of love,

The Grady's

Our toothless wonder!

Another one bites the dust! (remember that song?!?!) Emerson has lost yet another tooth! That makes 5! And she isn't even 6 years old yet, like all the books tell you! At this rate she will have a full set of permanent teeth before she is 8!!! I mean the first tooth loss was not exactly natural (falling on your face never is!), but the other 4 have been completely anatural! Check out the new smile!

Lots of love,

The Grady's

I love presents!

I decided that I needed...no wanted....no HAD to have this one thing. It has been on my mind for at least 6 months. I have saved every extra dollar in my purse, confiscated every dollar (and even a $5 bill) from the washing machine, put away any money I have won at Bunco (I win frequently, they hate me for that, dumb luck I suppose!), and not bought that morning coffee....just so I could save enough to buy this. I mean, really, if after 6 months I still REALLY wanted it, doesn't that mean I should get it? So...it came yesterday and I am in love! It was SO worth the wait...now if I could just figure out how to use it we would be golden!!!!
Lots of love,
The Grady's

Had to share...

We had these pictures taken over Memorial Day weekend and I finally got the link to share. So excited with the results!

If you want you can see the whole session by going to https://smilestore.picturepeople.com/ and log in with kdgrady@yahoo.com and the passcode as "welcome".

Lots of love,

The Grady's

She is SO my daughter!

Yesterday morning Emerson and I were eating breakfast and she looks at me and says, "Mommy, can we change my room around today? I want my bed in a different spot." My craziness must be rubbing off on her!

The before...

The after...

Lots of love,

The Grady's

Independence Day

Happy 4th of July!
We celebrated the 4th at our friend's the Geraci's house, alongside the Black and Romano families. Swimming, bbqing, games, and fireworks, a perfect day. Oh, but did I mention it was still 110 outside? And humid? YUCK! Needless to say we still had a great day celebrating!

Brotherly/Sisterly LOVE!

Bathing Beauty Emerson

Brennan swimming with Auntie Tif

Lauren and Kaitlyn loving

The 4th isn't complete without some fun fireworks!

Lots of love,

The Grady's

in case you were wondering...

I didn't get sucked up by the vacuum nor did I get lost somewhere...I have been trying to make every minute count this past week. Today is my last day with no kiddos, their last day of summer camp. So all those uninterrupted hours of cleaning/organizing/etc. are gone at 3pm today. But I am sure I will still get plenty done at home (yeah right!) but one last day to relish running errands without dragging two kids with me in the 115 degree heat!
I hope to have some good 4th of July pictures to share after tomorrow!

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Vacation?

So the kids are at camp from 9-3 each day, which means I should have 6 hours all to myself. I could be watching movies, scrapbooking, getting a pedicure, reading a book, laying by the pool, whatever I want, right? Well, for the last 4 days I have cleaned all the carpets in our house, cleaned our couch with that same carpet/upholstery cleaner, cleaned out the linen closet, organized all the kid's art stuff, fixed our toilet, trimmed the palms outside, done countless loads of laundry, rearranged the office, filed papers, and loaded and unloaded the dishwasher more times than I would like to count. Is this what vacation is?

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Ohio Bound!

Our Ohio adventure started Sunday with a drive to Ontario to stay the night in a hotel since our flight was so early the following morning. We woke early Monday morning and made our way to the airport. Had a very easy trip through security and waited patiently for our flight. Brennan and I sat together and Grandma sat with Emerson in the row in front of us. First flight to Las Vegas, then from there onto Columbus. We arrived in Columbus at 4pm and got our car and headed over to the Gresham's house. The kids did amazingly well during this long day of travel!

We were greeted by the whole family, who was just as excited as we were to be there! Monday night we had such a relaxing night with the kids playing and running around Carrie and Austin's beautiful backyard.

Tuesday we woke up and decided to head out to COSI (still not sure what that stand for!), in downtown Columbus. It is this great children's science center. The kids had a ball playing in the water area, dressing up like doctors, climbing in a submarine, adventuring through years past, and hanging out under a tree.

Wednesday we headed out early to Amish country to meet up with Kathy's (Jeff's stepmom) relatives. They drove up from Cleveland to meet up there. Amish country is so amazing to see. It is truly like taking a step back in time. We had a wonderful visit with Grandma, Aunt Judy, and cousins Katie, Becky, and Patty (and Patty's three little boys!). As we made our way back to Carrie's house the kids crashed, what an eventful day for them.

Thursday we took our time in the morning and then headed out to Easton, THE best shopping area I think I have been to. They had every store imaginable! Too bad we had 5 kids with us, although come to think of it they probably saved us a ton of money! LOL! Thursday night the adults, and Baby Cohen, had a great dinner out. Something about being able to have a conversation and eat our food slowly is just so fun!

Our visit to see the Gresham's went way too fast! We so enjoyed spending our time with Carrie, Austin, Cameron, Kennedy, and Cohen. The kids had the best time just running around the house playing inside and out. The weather was so beautiful compared to our normal summer weather at home. Emerson and Kennedy loved to play dress up!The boys loved to run around and ride on the quad and jeep. Although I am not sure that Emerson wanted to let Baby Cohen go!

Lots of love,

The Grady's

10 Random things on a Sunday

1. I haven't yet posted about our fabulous trip to Ohio, but I promise to tomorrow...lots of pics to share and some good stories.

2. It is WAY too hot outside, 115 for over three days now...can I go back to the 70's we had in Ohio now?

3. Brennan and Emerson start summer camp in the morning. Can't wait to see how Brennan does in a new school. This will hopefully be a great introduction for him for the fall when he starts there for preschool.

4. What in the world will I do with myself from 9-3 for the next week while BOTH kids are in camp? I NEVER get that much time for me! But if the list I keep adding to grows any larger, I will need a whole other week to recover from this one!

5. Brennan has an evaluation with a speech therapist tomorrow. Interested to see what she says. Whoever knew that having one too many ear infections could spiral into so many other things (ie: surgery for tubes, speech evals, etc.)?

6. TV in the summer just stinks! You know it is bad when you start looking for Friends reruns to watch at night.

7. I counted the change in the kid's piggy banks today, so I can go to the bank tomorrow, my goodness, I think they have more money than mommy and daddy do! Change sure does add up!

8. I cut Brennan's hair today and he looks SO big! He is growing up WAY too fast.

9. I still have not seen the Sex and City movie yet. I might just have to make a girl's night sometime soon to go, at least before it leaves the theatres!

10. Okay, don't think I am crazy, but I miss work. Well, really I don't miss working, but I miss the people I work with and even some of my students. I am sure that feeling will leave soon enough:) LOL!

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Happy Daddy's Day!

Dear Daddy,

Thank you for being such a great daddy!!! We love wrestling and playing hide and seek. We love dancing and singing all around the living room. We love playing silly games and calling each other silly names. We love playing store and swimming with you in the pool. We love it when you take us places and buy us treats that mommy wouldn't buy. We love it when you sit and cuddle with us.

Thank you for loving us because we sure do love you!!!

Love,

Emerson and Brennan

It's Official!

Today was my first day of summer vacation! I should feel relaxed, relieved, joyous....right? I was joking with a few of my fellow teachers, saying that it always takes us a few weeks to really feel like it is summer break. Right now it honestly just feels like another normal weekend, but hopefully that feeling of euphoria for vacation will overwhelm me soon enough.
The kids and I leave tomorrow, with my mom, to visit one of my best friends, Carrie, in Ohio! I am so excited for so many reasons....Brennan has never travelled this far before, my mom has never been to Ohio, I get to meet Carrie's newest handsome boy, Cohen, and I get to see a great friend! This is really the best way to kick off my vacation, I can't wait!
I promise to post lots of details and pictures when we come home next weekend.

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Is it over yet???

3 more days and counting until summer break is here....I am SOOOOO ready!
Lots of love,
The Grady's

Pomp and Circumstance

Emerson graduated from Pre-K today. The school sure goes all out for these adorable 5 year olds, a full graduation complete with caps and gowns. The kids all came in the church, two by two, then sat in the pews.

Emerson and Tatum

Dr. Brennan, the principal, welcomed everyone, then led us in prayer. He did remind us that we would be attending many graduations over the years, 8th grade, high school (Class of 2022!) and college and that this was just the beginning. Next, the teachers introduced their classes and the students sang a song for everyone.

Emerson with Teacher Olga

The students were then called forward to receive their diplomas from Dr. Brennan and Mrs. DeNovi, the preschool director. The teachers had taken the time to look up the meanings of each child's name and in their introduction, read each child's name description aloud. It was amazing how fitting each child's description actually was.

Emerson and Kaitlyn after the celebration!

Lots of love,


The Grady's

Who ever said it wasn't a sport?

I am not sure if Emerson will be an athlete when she is older, but maybe she will be doign soemthing with music or dancing. That girl has some serious rhythm! We are still trying to figure out where she got it from.

Lots of love,

The Grady's (and hula hoop champion Emerson)

Crazy, weird weather!

It isn't often that Southern CA is put under a tornado watch, actually I can't remember ever being under one, EVER. But yesterday this happened about 30 miles from our house. And although that is strange enough, the craziness continued today. It was only about 65 degrees and RAINING! Yes, raining. We haven't had measurable rain for months and today we were on the verge of being cold and it rained and snowed in the surrounding mountains. Once again, not crazy, unless of course you take into account the fact that it was 116 degrees TWO days ago! Yes, record temperatures just two days ago. 116 and 112 on Monday and Tuesday.
So, I hate to ask....what next?

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Checkups

There is nothing more fun than taking both kids to the doctor for their annual checkups, let me tell you! Yesterday Emerson had her 5 year checkup and Brennan had his 3 year checkup at Dr. Coit's office.
Brennan is 34 pounds and 41 inches (90% percentile) and Em is 48 pounds and 46 inches (90 % percentile as well). Brennan had the general workup with special attention to his heart as usual. Dr. Coit read the report from our last Dr. Hashmi visit, and was pleased to see that everything looks so great. Then we talked about his ears and he was a little perturbed at what the ENT had told us. He doesn’t believe that we need to avoid water entirely. He said to do our best, but certainly don’t keep him away from the pool since that is basically impossible where we live. We should use our new ear plugs and not worry much more than that. Then gave him one shot, which of course he screamed about.

Then Emerson's turn. She had her blood pressure taken, an vision and hearing test , and a general checkup. He then listened to her heart, asked her about school, etc. Then the worst part...TWO shots and she was SCREAMING like a banshee! Kicking AND screaming. Nice. Not embarrassing at all!

Now Emerson is set for kindergarten and Brennan is good for another year!

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Brennan's Ear Update

Back in September, as you know, Brennan had tubes put into his ears to help drain fluid that seemed to be trapped there. We had headed back for a checkup about a month ago, to discover that one of the tubes had already come out, possibly due to an ear infection. The Dr. wanted to see us back about a 10 course of antibiotics, due to more fluid buildup. Well today was his followup appointment.
Jeff took him today, first for a hearing test and then on to the Dr. to discuss the results. Brennan's right ear still has the tube in place, no fluid in the ear, and perfect on the hearing test. The left ear is a different story. The tube is not there, the antibiotics cleared up the fluid buildup, but there still remains a mild hearing loss. The Dr. feels fairly certain that the ear is still in a healing process and the hearing capacity will be restored over time, as the ear continues to heal. So we wait. We have a followup hearing test and Dr. visit in August to check on everything. But for the time being, NO water at all in that ear. So, say goodbye to swimming this summer. Doctor said that even with ear plugs in we cannot be guaranteed that water will not seep through and enter the ear passage. Tell me how I can explain to a three year old that he can't go swimming in the pool when his sister is diving down to the bottom? Explain how I tell him that even though it is 120 degrees outside and the pool looks SO refreshing, that he can't go in it? Should be a real fun summer, now. Ugh.

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Happy Mom's Day

I had such a wonderful Mother's Day, that was truly more than just a day. It all started Friday when I attended the special Mother's Day Tea at Emerson's school. The students performed a few songs and dances for us while we all sat back with teary eyes. Emerson made me some very special presents and I was able to take home some of her great artwork as well.

Sunday I was pampered with a facial and pedicure in the morning and spent the afternoon outside playing with the kids. Jeff took care to make all our food all day, clean up the house, and just run interference most of the day. It was a perfect break for me!

Here are my little munchkins playing around today.

Happy Mother's Day to all the loving mothers I know. Hope you have a good day enjoying those wonderful people in your life.

Lots of love,

The Grady's

Ahoy Matey!

When asked what kind of a birthday party Brennan wanted, his response was an enthusiastic "PIRATE party!". So pirates it was!

Pirate Bounce House

Happy Birthday our little pirate!

A NEW bike!!!! He is already riding it like a pro.

Lots of love,

The Grady's

Happy Birthday Bren!

Dearest Brennan,

Three years old already? You entered our lives three years ago today, I should have known that you would be special with 05/05/05 as a birth date. I remember going into the hospital that morning three years ago, and having this combination of fear and excitement all wrapped up together. Then there was the moment with Dr. Gurwitt lifted you up and exclaimed that you were a BOY! I remember the uncertainly of the weeks that followed, the intense fear that we might lose you, and the joy of bringing you home once again with a healthy heart. We always said what a happy baby you were, like you knew there wasn't anything to worry about anymore. You knew you had already conquered the hardest thing.

I remember how excited I was to have a boy. I knew it would be different than how Emma was, but I never realized how different boys were! You are always running, jumping, leaping around the house. You enjoy playing with cars and dinosaurs, pretending to be a monster to scare your sister, and watching Scooby Doo. You make car noises and pirate voices and play with bugs. You love watching sports and wrestling with daddy. You are most definitely 110% boy.

You are also the cuddliest boy I know. You will come up and curl up on my lap and sit for awhile. As long as you have your blanket ,"elefunt" (elephant), and your thumb you are happy. You give the best hugs and have just about perfected the "fishy" kiss. Our "I love you" battles always put a smile on my face.

I know that every little child is a miracle, but you are truly our miracle. I know that God has this amazing plan for you and gave you a second chance because you are here to make a difference. I feel so blessed to be your mom and watch you grow. I love you more than words, little man.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Brennan!