Mount Falcon Park - Part II

At the end of Walker's Dream Trail, Grady gets out for a diaper change, a big stretch, a look at the scenery and a picture-taking moment.

Pictures at the final destination. Walker tried to convince President Woodrow Wilson to make this spot the summer home of the U.S. president.

The scenery was beautifully serene. My pictures don't show it, but we could see Red Rocks, yes, the concert venue, from here.

Hangin' with Uncle Brian and Aunt Julie

Day and night, Grady enjoyed Uncle Brian and Aunt Julie's fun tiki bar.

Grady loved all the daddy time in Colorado (so did Daddy).

There's a place called Tipsy's by Brian and Julie's house; we took Grady there to a farmer's market. Inside, there are many different mannequins like the one in the photo. Grady wasn't sure what to think of this guy, but he did like the dog.

Flying to Denver

Grady's first flight was on Aug. 5, 2010. John, Grady, Grandpa Wes and I took the 8:30 flight from MSP to Denver. I had to wake Grady at 4:30 a.m., dress him, and plunk him in the car seat for the trip to the airport. Grandma Kay took us, so we didn't have to worry about parking. Grady was amazing! He awoke in the backseat of Grandma's car, and he did not fall asleep until we sat in our seats on the plane. He was fascinated by the activity in the airport - even at that early hour. He slept the majority of the flight, and when he did wake up, he just entertained the other passengers around us. He's such a joyful boy!

Please just look at Grady!

Future Chef

Grady wants to help me whenever I use the food mill. He definitely likes everything that comes out of it much better than his oatmeal! Today, he totally enjoyed his sweet potatoes.

Future Drummer?

Grady's pure joy and unfettered fun bring tears to my eyes. He's recently started playing with this bilingual (English & Spanish) and interactive drum, and he's already figured out that it plays only when he hits it.

Can't Take Our Eyes Off of Him (Daddy/John)

When Daddy is home, Grady watches his every move throughout the house.

Life's a Beach

Aunt Julie, Matthew, Katie, Grady and I had a picnic and swam at Interstate Park.

Grady splashed and kicked while sitting in the shallow water with Katie.

He did get a bit carried away while sitting by himself. Luckily, Aunt Julie scooped him up before he took in too much water.

Napping under the towel. All that swimming was a lot of work.

Happy boy lying in the mottled sun and holding Aunt Julie's hand.

Excited to go back in the water!

Family Picnic

Chillin' with cousins Becka and Katie on an extemely hot afternoon.

We held the picnic in the pavilion at Good Sam's

so Grandpa Pat could be part of the festivities. It was wonderful for Grady to spend time with Grandpa and Grandma.

Trying watermelon for the first time. Grady's great-aunt Meem is looking on in the background.

Uncle Brian and Grady in Grandpa's room at Good Sam's.

Helping Mommy Celebrate

These pictures are from my birthday. Grady and I spent a wonderful morning and early afternoon hanging out together. When John came home, we were lying outside on a blanket under a tree. The three of us stayed out there relaxing for quite some time. John and Grady gave me a kayak and a beautiful cross pendant and chain.
Grandma Arlene and Grandpa Gerry took us out to dinner that night. Just as our entrees arrived, Grady decided to become a bit more "active." Our waitress, Taylor, a young woman from our church, took Grady outside; when she brought him back, we were finished eating and Grady was soundly sleeping in her arms. This would only happen in a small town!

Grady decided to wake up on the way home. He proceeded to thoroughly entertain the four of us with his shrieks, his talking and his kisses for Grandma. This went on until well after his bedtime.