Conversation of the Day

Grant and Brielle were downstairs playing.

Brielle introduced Grant to all of her "friends" (babies, stuffed animals, etc.).

This is Alexandria.  She's my daughter.

This is Allie.  She's my daughter. 

This is Cassie.  She's my daughter.

This is Curious George.  He's my son.

Insert many more introductions here.

They are kind of shy.

Ok.  Well it is nice to meet all of you.

Brielle had been playing inside her tent. 
So, she goes back inside her tent and closes the flap.

Guys.  Why are you being so shy? 
That's just my friend Grant.

LOVE IT!   

Plaza Art Fair

Brielle and I had a fantastic time at the Plaza Art Fair this year.  I kept marveling at how much fun we had going out together without much planning.  You know what I mean?  It was like she was a real grown-up little person.  We didn't pack a bag for toys, diapers, etc.  We didn't need to worry about a nap.  We didn't need a stroller.  Brielle walked around, gazed at buildings, commented on things she noticed, and was an independent little person.  It was really fun!

Special Treat Pumpkin Cookie = Happiness



Royals Game

Grant signed Brielle up for a Royals kid program late in the season.  For $10 she received a hat, lavaliere, plastic baseball, free tickets, Royals jersey, and I'm sure there's more.

Grant took her to the game last Sunday.  They watched 2 innings.  The rest of the time was spent in the kid area.  As you can see, they both had a great time!

Getting ready for the game.

So many funny captions could be attached to this photo! 



Surprise

We were all eating breakfast before work and school.

Grant was eating cereal and the back of the box had a picture.

Brielle blurts out 'those are continents'. 

I was a little skeptical, but SURPRISE!  The back of the box had a picture of continents. 

She then proceeded to name them - Asia, Africa...

I asked 'where is Australia'?  She said 'it's not on here'.

I turned the box around to see if she was right. 

SURPRISE!  She was right.

Grant and Brielle Adventures Continued

Smoothies are were the new thing. 

However, the blender broke (shattered) the other night. 

I guess there won't be many more smoothies until we replace it.

It was fun while it lasted!

Conversation of the Day

Brielle informed us that her friend Sophie's birthday is tomorrow (we think October, but she's pretty convinced).

On the drive home...

We are going to have a sleepover.  Sophie's mommy and daddy will come to my house to get me.  Sophie said I can sleep in her room, but I need a sleeping bag.

Well, maybe we can buy you one.

No. Grandma has one.

You mean Uncle Jake's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle sleeping bag?

Yes.

Ok.  :)  I guess that will work too.

Simple.  Gotta keep it simple.

P.S. Sophie and Brielle have already discussed Sophie's present too. 

I don't even know if there's a birthday party yet.

Brielle and Grant Adventures

Brielle and Grant spend every Wednesday night together. 

They have created some of their own traditions. 

1.  Mr. Goodcents for dinner.

2.  Making cookies.

Here's Brielle's pan...

3.  Making pigs in a blanket.

4.  Making their own personal pizzas.

Even though I don't like being gone, I think they are having a blast without me!

Brrrr....It's Colder Outside

Grant said We thought it would be 70 and sunny for the MU vs. Western Illinois game.  It was a bit cold for tailgating when you don't pack for the weather.  We had fun despite the cooler temps!  Mizzou obliterated Western Illinois.  All in all a very fun day in Columbia!

We started the day with lunch at Grandma Carolyn and G's house.  Brielle's favorite furry friend is Oreo.  She loves when G lets her walk Oreo.  Good thing she hasn't asked for her own dog yet.  :)

It's cold and rainy, but still fun! 

Uncle Jake steals kisses! 

Go Tigers!

Tea Time

On Tuesday, Brielle hit a big milestone at school (at least I think so).  She was deemed ready to serve tea to her friend.  I don't know a lot about the process, but here's what I do know.

1.  She has been wanting to serve tea for a while.  She was told no this summer because she wasn't ready.  This didn't make her happy.  She had to continue to learn and remember the directions, etc.

2.  Miss Julie said typically kids are closer to 5 when they are ready to make tea.  Brielle has been watching other classmates make tea. 

3.  Brielle's friend Vinny picked her to be his guest. 

4.  The students are responsible for every step.  The teachers monitor, but the kids are responsible for remembering all of the steps.

5.  Brielle was told she could make tea.  She invited her best buddy Sophie.  It was a success! 

At home that night, she was super excited and made tea for Grant and me.  We need to buy sugar cubes, so she can follow the exact steps like at school.  I can't express how excited she was for this accomplishment.

We are so proud!

Circus

We went to the circus for the first time.  Wow!  It was amazing!  We got to go with some good friends too!  Thanks to Grant for coming up with the idea.

The circus had everything you could imagine:

clowns - yes

tigers - yes

elephants - yes

body benders - yes

acrobats - yes

very small man - yes

ponies - yes

three rings - yes

$12 cotton candy - yes

trapeze artists - yes

strong man lifting a 1/2 ton - yes

trampoline jumpers - yes

motorcycle riders - yes

Brielle was mesmerized by the acrobat/dancer people at the beginning.  They were flying from strings and rings.  It was quite terrifying, but equally impressive!  Brielle had her hands in the air mimicking their moves.  :)  She had a blast sitting in the middle of her friends John and Jenna.  She also ate a ton of John's popcorn.  Jodi promised they had enough! :) 

After the circus we went to Gordon Biersch with Kelly, Deana, and Jenna.  The girls were too cute with their cheeseburgers and smart phones.  What a great day!

Craft Projects

Brielle has been quite the artist lately.  We have several drawings that she creates with marker.  It's mainly different colored scribbles all over the page.  She creates maps and menus for us.  Today she trimmed the bushes with Grant, so we created nature pictures with her clippings. 

Brielle has also been busy with Grandma lately.  Grandma bought a handprint kit.  I believe the orginal kit was a present for Mother's Day, but it cracked.  Then they tried again for Father's Day.  Again, it cracked.  The third time was the charm so it turned out to be our wedding anniversay present. 

Brielle also went to a pottery place called the Clayground with Grandma and Great Grandma.  She painted this amazing bear vase for Grant and me.  I can't wait to put flowers in it!

Conversation of the Day

What game to do you want to play?

Well, we play a fun game at school.

Tell me about it.  How do you play?

Haley is the sister.  Maggie is not in my class.  She is in Ms. Dianna's class.  Maggie is the dog.  Sophie is the kitty cat.  I'm the mom.

What do you do?

Well, the kitty cat toots on the sister's dress. 

giggle...giggle...giggle...

Yes.  That was giggling coming from everyone. 

So immature.  Yet, so funny. 

We love that you are developing a sense of humor even if it has the word toot in it.  giggle...

St. Louis

It's been a tradition to spend Labor Day in St. Louis since Mizzou used to kick off the season against Illionois in St. Louis.  We will continue that tradition with the exception of watching the game in Columbia.  We went to Uncle Jake's house to see it for the first time.  Wow!  They have done a lot of work on their house.  It looks so good so far!  I know they have a lot more work to do, but the potential is there.  Brielle's favorite part was playing with Uncle Jake and Aunt Samantha's dog Smooch.  She's a cutie and the perfect size for Brielle.  Did I get pictures of Uncle Jake or his house? No. 

We went to Uncle Matt's house for a little barbecue that night.  Grant and Brielle swam in the pool (so did Smooch).  Aunt Samantha made a delicious dinner.  Did I get pictures of swimming, the BBQ, Uncle Bart, Aunt Liz, Nate, or Shook?  No.

We did celebrate Aunt Samantha's birthday!  Brielle loved painting her a ceramic turtle (with Grandma and Great Grandma) and helping her blow out the candles.  Brielle loves Aunt Samantha.  She ran to give her hugs as soon as we got there.  Brielle saved a special spot just for Aunt Samantha at dinner.  No one could sit next to her except Aunt Samantha.  Happy Birthday Aunt Samantha!  We love you!

Brielle was holding her ceramic angel like Aunt Samantha was holding Smooch.  She was even petting it like Smooch. 

On Sunday, we got to hang out with Uncle Matt, Aunt Kym, Ashley, and 'baby' Eva while the guys went golfing.  Eva is two, but she loved Brielle.  She kept grabbing her by the hand and pulling her to certain toys.  Brielle loved playing with Eva!  Did I get pictures?  No.

In the afternoon, we headed to Uncle Jim's house.  I told Brielle we were going to see Hazel.  She said, "Hazel's my best friend."  Awww...  Hazel and Brielle had a blast playing outside in the amazing weather for hours.  We got to visit with Audra, Aunt Cindy, and a bunch of other longtime family friends.  Did I get pictures?  No.  Despite not capturing this trip on camera, St. Louis is always a good time!  We can't wait to visit again!

 

M..I..Z..

Z..O..U!

Is there anything better than Mizzou football?

Yes.  Yes.  There are plenty of things better than Mizzou football (shh..don't tell Grant!), but on my list of hobbies/frills/guilty pleasures/pass times then Mizzou football ranks number one!

 I think the best part is having Brielle to pass on the tradition of cheering for the Tigers and tailgating with family and friends.

This game was a bit hot.  By a bit, I mean unbearably hot.  We made it until half time and then Brielle and I left.  Despite the lackluster athletic performance, we squeezed out a win.  We can't wait for this season of Tiger football!

Welcome to the ZOU!  I love driving down Stadium.  Brielle had the windows down and was ready to get to the game!

As you can see, it was hot.  Brielle loved her delicious pink lemonade and kettle corn.  However, at the end of first quarter she asked if it was almost over.  :)  Grandma saved the day by taking Brielle to the shade for half of second quarter.  I didn't take too many pictures this weekend, but I do want to point out my brother and Shook's back.  Sorry I didn't get your sweaty pictures boys!  Brielle was giving Shook the stink eye the whole time.  Hopefully, this will decrease each game.  ha! 

And so after visiting Grandma Carolyn and G during half time, Brielle and I headed to St. Louis for the rest of our fun Labor Day weekend.   

Go Tigers!