grahm the ham

Somethings fishy

2012-01-09T08:36:00.000-08:00

We spent a fun day at the aquarium- and dad caught some great shots of Grahm. Grahm couldn't get enough of the sharks, and we all enjoyed the sea lion show. Hope to have many more days like this!

Sweet New Year

2012-01-09T08:33:00.001-08:00

Grahm celebrated New Years Day very sweetly... first it was with a black and white cookie while on a piggy back ride from dad. Then later, it was sipping hot cocoa with friends (reflecting on 2011?). Here's to a continued sweet new year!

More Traditions

2012-01-09T08:16:00.000-08:00

We made our way up to Nana and Papa's the day after Christmas, where Santa made yet another stop! Grahm spent the week keeping Nana and Papa busy making music, playing super hero's and racing cars. He proudly introduced his sister Aubrey to all of our Massachusetts family who were just getting to meet her -they seemed to think she was as sweet as we do.

Christmas 2011

2012-01-08T17:53:00.000-08:00

This was Grahm's first holiday season with true anticipation of Christmas. Each day we'd open up an door on the advent calendar and count how many days were left until Santa arrived. Grahm would still ask each night if Santa were coming that night. So when Christmas eve finally rolled around, we were ready! Grandma, Aunt Pat, Uncle Keith and Aunt Amanda came over to help us celebrate -we ate a delicious dinner cooked by dad and opened up one present which as we already knew were Christmas pajamas! Christmas morning was everything Grahm hoped it would be -he was on the good list this year, and as a result there were tons of presents under the tree! And many of them were super hero related. We spent the rest of the day at Grandma's, where Santa left even more presents for Grahm and Aubrey -lucky kids.

Meistro

2012-01-08T10:10:00.000-08:00

Grahm has taken a real interest in music. He's always liked to jam with his dad, but now he is taking a music class at school that is helping him explore the interest more. He recently came home singing the scale -do, re, mi, fa... and has mom and dad singing lowwww and hiiiiigh as he finds the notes on the guitar. Here's a video of him using a music book to play a new song.

Holiday Party

2012-01-06T19:25:00.000-08:00

Our building had a holiday party, even Santa showed up! One of our neighbors (Grahm's bff Jack's mom!) got some great images of us at it -even though Mom and Dad look a little tired.

Mother's Helper

2012-01-06T19:14:00.000-08:00

Grahm has been such a help when it comes to taking care of his baby, as he lovingly calls his sister. When Aubrey needs a new diaper, he's right there alongside Mom or Dad, ready to assist. He and his red motorcycle are ready to fetch whatever you might need, and fast. He's also ready to make silly faces, or sing twinkle twinkle on the spot in the event Aubrey cries. He is one of the few who can get her paci to stay in. He kisses her, and talks to her, and introduces her proudly to all of our neighbors.

A big brother, finally!

2012-01-06T18:30:00.000-08:00

Aubrey Jean has finally arrived, and no-one was happier to meet her than her big brother. For such a rough and tumble, tough, brookyn boy, Grahm sure has a soft side for babies. Or atleast Aubrey. As soon as he saw her, he plopped right down beside her to ooh and ahh over her little toes, and teeney ears, and fuzzy head. He giggled when she stuck her tongue out, and knew just how to get her paci back in when it fell. He wanted to hold her, and when he did he couldn't take his eyes off of her. It was a really special moment, especially for their mom who was worried about this very meeting for a long time.

All I want for Christmas

2012-01-06T18:09:00.000-08:00

We stuck with our annual tradition of visiting Santa over at Westbury Gardens. It's always such a nice visit, and this year was no different. Grahm has been very concerned he'd wind up on the naughty list, so he was happy to be able to reassure Santa that he was indeed a good boy this year. And once once that was all straighened out, he reminded Santa of all the super hero's on his list -green lantern, aquaman, wonder woman, stretch...

Santa

2012-01-06T11:22:00.000-08:00

Waiting, baby

2011-12-02T10:10:00.000-08:00

We've been anxiously awaiting the arrival of Grahm's little sister these last couple of weeks, and she still hasn't made her debut. We sure have had fun though, keeping busy while we wait....

Grahm and Mom got up early to hit the black Friday sales, and scored our new huge tree! We've definitely had fun decorating it, and ourselves, while we wait for baby...

Jumping in leaves at the park sure turned out to be a fun way to stay distracted- Grahm showed us some amazing kung fu panda jumps into the leaves!

We even hit the beach on a very warm November Saturday, running from the waves and building a sand fort.

We went to the Prospect Park Zoo for some seal watching, goat feeding and spider web climbing...

And spent a morning at the book store for some reading...

Maybe this baby girl will read our blog and realize she is missing out on a ton of fun, come on already!!

To the Fire House

2011-12-02T09:55:00.001-08:00

Grahm's class is studying neighborhoods, and got to visit our neighborhood firehouse. I think Grahm might have FDNY in his future... he just couldn't have enough turns sitting behind the big wheel of the fire truck. Not to mention how cute he looks that helmet!

Life as a Cricket

2011-12-02T09:45:00.001-08:00

Grahm's awesome teachers started a photo blog which gives us a little window into his school life - we copied over a couple of photos to share. What a special time these kids have every day....

Trick or Treat

2011-11-07T18:56:00.000-08:00

Grahm ended up with plenty of treats this Halloween. And a new favorite rhyme (trick or treat, smell my feet....) We pre-partied at Charlotte's where we munched on mummy dogs and cupcakes, and then it was off to walk the streets of Fort Greene with our ever growing gang of friends: Jack, Harlowe, Charlotte, Oscar, Sloane and Cooper. They all ran from house to house having the time of their lives.... Grahm's already excited for next year!

Sunday Sauce

2011-11-07T18:43:00.000-08:00

We took a trip out to Bayridge today to hit our favorite Italian market so we could make a batch of sauce. It didn't take Grahm long to break the bread out on the ride home. He and Daddy spent the morning making meatballs and sauce with the rest of the day dedicated to stirring and tasting while it simmered away. Dinner was delicious!

Slice of Life

2011-11-07T18:42:00.001-08:00

Our Brooklyn boy knows how to enjoy a slice!

Hanging around

2011-11-07T18:39:00.000-08:00

We've been out enjoying the beautiful fall weather. Grahm is quite the athlete, and here he shows up a few of his new tricks at the playground-

Giddeyup

2011-11-07T18:36:00.000-08:00

We spent the afternoon in Dumbo today, taking a spin on the new carousel that opened on the waterfront. Grahm was enchanted by the horses, lights and music. We will definitely be back.

Grahm's baby sister

2011-11-07T18:30:00.000-08:00

Grahm is getting very excited for his baby sister to arrive. He tickles mommy's tummy, and comes up with name ideas daily: Spiderman, Batman, Superman, Robin and Wonderwoman all top his list. He helped put up the mobile, and points things out that we should buy for his baby sister. We look at his baby pictures and wonder if his baby sister will also make a mess when she eats, or if she will be as fast when she crawls. It's all incredibly heart melting, and we can only hope that he feels the same way when she is born.

Just testing out the baby carseat!

Batman, the new Buzz Lightyear

2011-11-07T18:12:00.000-08:00

And just like that, Buzz seems to be a thing of the past. Without ever having seen a marvel cartoon, Grahm has somehow become well versed in all things super hero. His new posse consist of Batman, Superman, Spiderman, Flash and Aquaman. He wears his batman cape and mask daily, all the while pretending to shoot webs to swing down the hall ways while chanting up, up and away. We love witnessing the mishmash of imagination and fun that is going on...

Grahm and Harlowe

2011-11-07T18:10:00.001-08:00

Pumpkinpallooza

2011-10-09T03:39:00.001-07:00

3 years old has been a really fun age to hang with Grahm. Today Grandma and Aunt Amanda took him out to a pumpkin farm Aunt Amanda picked out-Finks Farm... it was more than your ordinary farm, with many creative farm activities to try. And where as a year ago I don't know if Grahm would have really gotten into much beyond a hayride, this year Grahm tried every one! Grahm got to go ride a horse -which he loved. He shot corn and pumpkins from a cannon -an instant favorite, of course. They cheered on pigs at a pig race. He went for a ride on a tractor train, and then jumped, rolled, and dug in a house full of dried corn -a corn crib! We also fed some farm animals, lasso'd a bull, ran a hay maze and ate some roasted corn. We had so much fun, we were just about too pooped to pick out our pumpkin.

Bat Boy

2011-10-08T20:06:00.000-07:00

A halloween costume has been chosen after much thought. There was never any question that it would be some sort super hero, but which one was the question. Grahm started out choosing definitively batman, but no sooner was he considering flash, superman, spider man and hawk man. Mom didn't even know there was a hawk man?! We decided the best bet would be to go to the costume store together, where batman and his mask, cape and muscles won a place in Grahms heart.

Apple of our Eye

2011-10-08T19:42:00.000-07:00

In keeping with our family list of fall must do's, we set out to apple pick. This year, we tried a new farm up in Rockland county -Dr. Davies Farm. It's a pretty farm with the hudson in view. Grahm was able to climb the trees himself this trip, eating apples right from the branches much to his delight. Some of the best apples were found in the highest branches, so we got to use a special picking pole to reach them. A hayride ended our day, lots of fun!

The fall would

Fall with Friends

2011-10-08T19:33:00.001-07:00

We spent a beautiful fall afternoon with friends Madelyn and Caleb over at Fort Greene Park. It's been neat to see Grahm make his own friends, and watch them play on their own. This afternoon was full of monster tag, stair jumping, rock climbing and scootering.

Benicio's Birthday

2011-10-08T19:21:00.000-07:00

One of Grahm's best pals, Benicio, turned the big 3 -and these boys knew how to celebrate! They partied at Hanana Outpost, taking over the place with bubbles, blowers and cupcakes. Happy Birthday Benicio!

Hitchhiker

2011-10-08T19:18:00.000-07:00

Bean and Grahm are best buds, so it was no surprise that after a long day at the park Bean would jump right up on Grahm to catch a ride home.

The missing season

2011-09-23T19:42:00.000-07:00

It seems that we missed an entire season of blogging! We had a wonderful summer, and somehow are only getting around to sharing its highlights... we mastered putting our entire face under water while swimming, found a new love of pirate culture, learned our family of 3 would become 4 this fall -oh and Grahm's hair grew back! We took lots of pictures, and have had fun going back through them all -take a look below at our 20 summer entries!

First Day of School

2011-09-23T19:38:00.002-07:00

The first day of school has arrived, and Grahm was ready. Ready an hour early actually. We had to stall him he wanted to go so badly. He picked out an awesome robot shirt and paired it with his spiderman sneakers (both picked out on a spree with Nana) and was ready to head to his new classroom. This year Grahm will be a cricket. Here's to a wonderful year, and continued enthusiasm!

skater boy

2011-09-23T19:38:00.001-07:00

Grahm borrowed a neighbors skateboard at the park, and after 15 minutes was already better than both his parents. We are impressed, and petrified and should probably go buy some dental insurance.

Fish

2011-09-23T19:36:00.001-07:00

Jeff and Grahm seem to be part fish for sure...

Cape Cod

2011-09-23T19:15:00.000-07:00

We had one last hurrah together on Cape Cod. We had a week of perfect beach weather, ice cream, trampolines, seafood, seal watching, frisbee, barbecues, seashell hunts. It was like an entire summer of fun squished into one perfect week.

Sprinkler park spactacular

2011-09-23T19:05:00.000-07:00

Another scorcher well spent -at Brooklyn Bridge Park!

Tigers like bananas

2011-09-23T19:03:00.000-07:00

Grahm came home from camp one day with his face painted like a tiger.... there have been many face painting request since, here's one that was created with good old finger paint!

Beat the Heat

2011-09-23T12:27:00.000-07:00

Keeping Cool right on our street...

Brooklyn Beach Boy

2011-09-23T12:25:00.000-07:00

Fun at Jacob Riis...

Eastham with Nana and Papa

2011-09-23T12:19:00.001-07:00

The pictures speak for themselves, what a wonderful time.

Daddy Day

2011-09-23T12:12:00.000-07:00

When one parent gets to spend a special day with Grahm, we call it a Mommy Day, or Daddy Day..... On this special Daddy-Grahm day, they spent the day together at the Manhattan Children's museum, which had a very special exhibit going on: Curious George!

Party like a Pirate

2011-09-23T12:01:00.000-07:00

Our matey Cleo celebrated her birthday by the sea. All of her pirate friends got together for sword fights, tattoos, treasure hunts and jolly roger cupcakes. It was funny to see what the kids went for in the treasure box -Grahm had fist fulls of chocolate coins, while Cleo went for the water pistols. One little girl walked away with bracelets up to her elbows. They all seemed to have a great time!

The Graduate

2011-09-23T11:58:00.000-07:00

Grahm's preschool class had a graduation ceremony today, and boy did our graduate look cute in his cap!

Grahm and Jack

2011-09-23T11:23:00.002-07:00

Grahm made a best bud this summer, Jack. Jack lives downstairs from us, on 3 as Grahm will tell you. He shares the same passion for trains, buzz lightyear, scooting and ice cream. It was meant to be.

Fort Grahm

2011-09-23T11:23:00.001-07:00

Rock and Roll

2011-09-23T11:13:00.000-07:00

Straight from the living room, Daddy and Grahm... they need a little help with getting their line up straight but awesome none the less.

The list of talents grows...

2011-09-23T11:12:00.001-07:00

Madagascar Moves

2011-09-23T11:09:00.000-07:00

Grahm loves the movie Madagascar 2, and has this dance sequence down pat. Ask him to dance like a lion and he'll break it down for you!

Adriano's Birthday

2011-09-23T11:04:00.000-07:00

Our neighbor and Pal Adriano kicked off a great summer weekend with a birthday in the park.... wagon rides, giant chalk, bubbles, cupcakes and a pinata.... These kids know how to party!

Memorial Day memories

2011-05-31T20:14:00.000-07:00

It's was a sunny, perfect, three day weekend....

Buzz, not lightyear

2011-05-31T20:11:00.000-07:00

Mom got a call from Dad on her way home from work -He said "your going to kill me".... then a shuffling sound, and a little voice gets on..."my hair is not right"

Uh-oh.

I arrived home to find a fuzzy haired little Grahm, who despite the phone call was pretty pleased with his new do, compliments of his Dad. I was pretty shocked, but after a few minutes (and some serious reminding from dad that hair does grow back) I was coming around. I couldn't believe the two of them pulled it off -it's a little short, but even. He looks kind of cute even. Not to say this should ever happen again.

When asked what prompted the sheering, I was told Grahm looked really hot. I usually turn to popsicles.

Boys.

G's Moves

2011-05-31T20:06:00.000-07:00

How old are you: Big Boy

2011-05-31T18:59:00.000-07:00

That was Grahm's sweet answer when asked how old he was on his birthday. My heart melted when I heard him say it, almost as much as it did when looking at his newborn pictures taken 3 years before. Our Grahm is 3, wow.

We learned from last year's failed attempt at a house party, and decided to have the shindig at the coop school -room for a bounce house AND a pinata, need we say more. The kids had a great time running around, bouncing with balloons, hitting the pinata jackpot and feasting on green alien cupcakes. Happy Birthday Grahm!

red tounge green toungue

2011-05-31T18:58:00.000-07:00

Grahm and Harlowe after eating italian ice.

Almost 3

2011-05-31T18:43:00.000-07:00

We implemented some 'price is right' wisdom when choosing when to have Grahm's in school birthday celebration, and chose the Friday before the real deal -closest without going over. Mom decided to make ice cream cone cupcakes, which was an awesome idea until it came to getting them to school -they did survive the trip, a little messier. The party was after nap time, and Grahm felt pretty special as the kids talked about their excitement all day. Grahm wore a blue construction paper crown, while all the caterpillars sang to him- pretty cool way to kick off the birthday weekend.

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T19:45:00.000-07:00

We drove out early this morning for breakfast at Grandma's followed by fun. We spent the gorgeous day in the backyard playing in the sandbox, watering the garden but best of all, bouncing in the bouncer. Everyone got it on the fun, and boy, was it fun!

Let's go fly a kite...

2011-05-08T19:25:00.000-07:00

We spent the day at Jacob Riis flying kites -perfect day for it, what fun!

Spring has Sprung

2011-05-08T19:16:00.002-07:00

The weather has been gorgeous, and we've been outside enjoying it! Here are some pictures from a morning at Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Happy Birthday Harlowe

2011-05-08T19:02:00.001-07:00

Grahm's good friend Harlowe turned 3 and we had a ball helping her celebrate. Happy Birthday Harlowe!

Happy for the Hippity Hoppity

2011-05-08T18:13:00.000-07:00

Nearing 3, Grahm understands the holidays with their various traditions, especially those where there are presents involved. He still asks about Santa weekly. He was quick to point out that spring was here, which meant the Easter Bunny was going to be stopping by -right?

Our neighborhood Easter Egg hunt set the anticipation early, as well as our first trip to the movies to see HOP. We dyed eggs and were ready. The bunny finally made his way over and Grahm was delighted to find out he hid eggs EVERYWHERE! Many of the eggs were filled with candy, which at 6a.m. is even harder to resist than usual. EB also left a t-ball set -the perfect way to work off a morning sugar high. Needless to say, Grahm had a wonderful Easter!

Marching through March

2011-03-28T18:52:00.000-07:00

Another whole month gone by with out a blog update- life with Grahm seems to get busier and busier, it's hard find time to share all his feats. Looking through all the photo's we snapped in March, its no wonder we couldn't find a moment -our month was filled with soccer practice, scootering, haircuts and play dates. We even found time to hit the beach, and a concert. Here are some tidbits from Grahm's adventures this month...

An afternoon trip to Jacob Riis. Nothing beats an empty beach.

Grahm art directed this shot, maybe its the beret he made and is wearing?!

idolizing cousin Andrew and his verrrry cool toys.

Dinner to celebrate Grandpa Bourques birthday!

Park with Benicio, Grahm's best dude friend. Crazy how different boy play is!

First concert, a co-op school fundraiser.

Like the new do?

Listening to coach at practice.

February Fun

2011-02-21T13:12:00.000-08:00

For a short month, we sure seem to have had alot of fun this February -and its not even over. Trips to the children's museum, bringing Christmas back through playdough, learning to fly with Grahm lightyear, stories and car chases. Grahm's imagination amazes us more than ever -he is just so much fun to play with these days.

First taste of Spring

2011-02-21T11:12:00.000-08:00

It's been a long snowy winter, but we had a little taste of the good weather to come. Brooklyn hit 67 degrees today -what better way to celebrate than with a bike ride and a cone.

Superbowl Huddle

2011-02-21T11:04:00.001-08:00

We went to a superbowl party at Grahm's friend Harlowe's house- while the adults were busy watching the game and enjoying some delicious game day treats the kids were off having their own fun -we caught them in this cute huddle in a play tent.

Soccer Practice

2011-02-05T09:53:00.000-08:00

Today was Grahm's first soccer practice, and did he ever LOVE it! He's signed up to go every Saturday for the next little while- a commitment that will be easy to keep. Coach Miguel really put the kids through the drills, ever so creatively... they 'sprinted' as they found soccer treasure and brought it back to the 'treasure net' and weaved through an obstacle course shooting a ball into the net at the end. Lucky Grahm even has some friends on the team -Harlowe and Alice are playing right along side him. Can't wait to for practice next week!

Parent Teacher Conferences

2011-02-04T20:14:00.000-08:00

Mom and Dad hit a milestone -we went to our first parent/teacher conference. It was awesome. For 20 minutes, we got to hear all about Grahm's other world- how much he likes art, and will always get his hands dirty. His teacher Christie told us he loves to sing, but even more so dance... he's always ready to break out his moves. They tell us he's a natural athlete, and is a leader when it comes to movement. He's got a best friend in the classroom, Benecio. He loves getting chosen to assist with the calendar or weather report, and getting high fives for a job well done. And he's working really hard on sharing :) Yay Grahm.

Here's some art work he's come home with...

Instant Moments

2011-02-04T20:09:00.000-08:00

Love some of these moments Dad happen to catch on polaroid...

Car Design

2011-02-04T19:40:00.000-08:00

Two of Grahms favorite things collide...

Ou

Five Alarm Fun

2011-02-04T19:31:00.000-08:00

January has been one cold, snow filled month. To ward of cabin fever, we've been getting very creative -like this day when we spent the morning making and mixing batches of colored water. And yes, such water play requires you be dressed up like a fire fighter.

Too bad they didn't win

2011-02-04T19:27:00.000-08:00

but it was still fun watching the Patriots with Daddy...

Happy 2011!

2011-01-02T19:11:00.000-08:00

We spent new years eve playing in the snow -being happy, healthy and together. A great start and mantra for the new year. Happy New Year!

For Emily and Andrew

2011-01-02T18:23:00.000-08:00

Grahm didn't get to see his second cousins Emily and Andrew at Christmas, but they were sweet enough to ask Santa to send him a dancing Mickey- which has quickly become one of his favorite new toys. He loves breaking out his moves and getting down- here's a little peak Emily and Andrew!

White day after Christmas

2011-01-02T17:51:00.000-08:00

It was almost a white Christmas... but turns out, it was the day after when a blizzard hit the east coast, dropping almost two feet of snow on Brooklyn. Thanks to our ever sensationalizing forecasters we heard the message loud and clear and set out to see our Massachusetts family before the first flakes even fell. We spent a few snowy days sledding in Nana and Papa's backyard, and warming up with plenty of hugs.

Firetruck!

2011-01-02T17:28:00.000-08:00

Cute little boys and homemade gingerbread trains are a winning combo as far as Santa is concerned -he left more under the tree than Grahm could ever have imagined. Buzz Lightyear, A fire truck and station, a train... the list goes on.

We spent the morning making our way through all the gifts, playing with each one before moving on to the next. When we were finally through, it was time to head out to Grandma's house for more presents!

The night before Christmas...

2011-01-02T17:08:00.000-08:00

Christmas eve was very different for us this year -we spent it at home! It was so nice to have Grandma, Aunt Amanda, Uncle Keith and Aunt Pat over to see our Christmas tree and to join us for dinner. Grahm did a great job entertaining (running, singing and xylophoning) while Momma and Daddy got dinner on the table (Prime Rib!). Dinner was only outdone by Grahm's home made dessert -a gingerbread choo-choo, and of course we saved some to leave out for Santa.

Merry Christmas to all

2010-12-24T18:24:00.001-08:00

All I want for Christmas...

2010-12-20T13:52:00.000-08:00

Grahm is feeling pretty good about Christmas this year... not only has he been being a pretty good boy, but he got to tell Santa so first hand. We went out to Old Westbury Gardens all decorated in its holiday finest, where Grahm got to share his wish list with the big guy. Conveniently, and not surprisingly, he was wearing a buzz lightyear shirt so he even got to point out one of his most coveted wishes. He jumped right up on Santa's lap, filled him in and gave him a hug good bye. He's feeling pretty good about getting that buzz.

Sugar and Spice

2010-12-20T12:59:00.000-08:00

It was freezing cold in Brooklyn this weekend, no better time to bake up a batch of sugar cookies. Grahm is an excellent decorator, covering every surface of the cookie with sprinkles. Mmmm.

The Elf is back...

2010-12-20T12:35:00.000-08:00

One of Santa's helpers showed up right after Thanksgiving and has made himself at home in our apartment. Every morning we wake up and set out to find his new hiding spot. We've been trying to be really well behaved, knowing that he's watching for Santa. So far so good...

Caterpillar Class Photo

2010-12-20T12:31:00.000-08:00

Grahm and his Caterpillar classmates took a class photo -we're pretty impressed that someone managed to get these 2 and 3 year olds to look in the same direction!. We've already had so much fun looking at it together while Grahm tells us about each friend.

Spreading Christmas Cheer

2010-12-20T08:13:00.000-08:00

One of the traditions we look forward to each year is sending out holiday cards. With Dad and his picture taking abilities, Mama with her clever wit, and ever posing adorable Grahm and Bean we've got the perfect card making team. We've put together some pretty polished ones over the years... though looking through the out takes from this year, its really a wonder that it comes together at all!

Thought we'd share a little behind the scenes cheer in the making:

Bean looking thrilled

Our models work for turkey pepperoni.

Candy canes and no concept- bad idea

Bean prefers pepperoni, but he'll give the peppermint a try

Beginning to look alot like Christmas...

2010-12-05T18:33:00.001-08:00

I suspect this went something like "Don't take the candy cane off the tree..." How will it play out?

Tis the season!

Thankful

2010-12-03T18:52:00.000-08:00

We spent Thanksgiving, and few days before, and after, visiting Nana and Papa. Grahm had plenty of fun including a trip to the Holyoke children's museum, a visit to Northampton, rolling some leftover halloween pumpkins down the hill, lots of coloring and of course jumping on Papa. Grandma Bourque once again pulled off dinner for 30, delicious. Of it all, some of the most fun was just sitting around chatting after dinner. Grahm has plenty to be thankful for.

To the fire house we go...

2010-12-03T18:07:00.000-08:00

Grahm and his classmates are learning about their community. They've been to the bakery, post office, grocery store, pizza place and finally, the fire house. They walked to the b26 and took it down to the Dean street station where they learned to stop, drop and roll. And then they got to sit in the truck. Just ask Grahm, its his FAVORITE thing to tell you about these days, over, and over, and over.

Happy Birthday Charlotte

2010-12-03T18:00:00.000-08:00

Grahm's best gal Charlotte turned 3, and Grahm didn't miss the chance to help her celebrate! Balloons, cupcakes, blowers -it was a blast! Happy 3 Charlotte!

Caught

2010-11-15T19:48:00.000-08:00

This picture instantly brings me back to what a fun time we had on the swings that night. Grahm squealing as he was pushed higher and higher, us laughing, egging him on. Thanks for the catching this one Dad.

Big Foot

2010-11-15T19:47:00.000-08:00

One of Jeff's co-workers says this picture reminds him of big foot... do you see it?

Little Helper

2010-11-15T19:36:00.000-08:00

Grahm has been all about helping lately. Whether its doing dishes, or mixing pancakes all of a sudden a chair will appear beside you and up pops Grahm to lend a hand. Here he was helping Daddy make a terrarium. They laid a bed of pebbles, scooped in the dirt, and placed the tiny plants. Total perk that this job included playing with dirt inside.

Lazy and low key

2010-11-07T18:50:00.000-08:00

We had a really lazy, low key and snuggley kind of weekend. We hit the botanical gardens for a long walk and a visit to the coy pond. And then on Sunday we watched the nyc marathon and went to the park. Nothing special, but so special. We love weekends.

Spooktacular Halloween

2010-11-07T18:16:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween! We hardly made it out the door before Grahm was stripping out of his Halloween costume- atleast we got a picture. This was Grahm's first year trick or treating, and by the second door he was a pro. We went with veteran trick or treater Charlotte the unicorn who showed Grahm and Harlow the ropes. Our neighborhood was full of Halloween spirit, with many a brownstone being spooked out with webs, creatures and creepy music. We think Grahm might list it as one of his best days ever, as he fell asleep that night he was still muttering trick or treat.

Happy with Harlowe

2010-10-31T04:56:00.000-07:00

Today was our neighborhood fall festival -hayrides, pumpkin relays, dog costume contest... pretty fun stuff. Most people were dressed up in their Halloween costumes, but not Grahm. It's too bad, he makes a very cute Buzz Lightyear. We still had fun, especially because we went with Grahm's friend Harlowe -the ballerina. They had a blast running around, especially throwing leaves at each other. Hopefully we'll get to see that buzz costume tomorrow!

Sunday Drivers

2010-10-30T19:37:00.000-07:00

We hit the road to find some beautiful fall foliage to enjoy. We ended up in Sleepy Hollow, at Rockefeller State Park where we weren't disappointed. We took a slow hike around the lake, finding many ways to enjoy the lovely leaves: crunching them, jumping in, wearing as hats... that one turned out to be Grahm's favorite. Ah, we love the fall.

Pumpkin pizzazz

2010-10-30T19:04:00.000-07:00

We just spent a fun afternoon with Grandma and Aunt Amanda getting ready for Halloween, and couldn't be more prepared. We carved our pumpkins, after much deliberation on their personalities, and then lit them for full effect. They are twinkling and smiling on our windowsill. We roasted the pumpkin seeds while we watched great pumpkin charlie brown, and then shared a candy apple for dessert. Couldn't have been a better fall afternoon.

Unbe'leaf'able Weekend

2010-10-19T18:16:00.000-07:00

We spent a wonderful weekend with Nana and Papa in MA. The leaves were just about peak color, and it was chilly enough for sweatshirts...we were overcome with fall spirit which will always lead to one thing: leaf pile jumping. Nana and Papa's big tree filled backyard made for just the right conditions, lots and lots of leaves. Grahm proved to be an excellent leafer- burying both Mom and Papa completely. Aiden felt left out, so he buried himself. We also hit a nearby farm for cider donuts, apples and an awesome hayride. It took us all around the orchard, and then to the top of a big hill for a gorgeous view of the Quabbin reservoir and its surrounding mountains. We're ready for more!

O is for Outside and October

2010-10-10T20:00:00.000-07:00

We are so quick to head out of the city on the weekends, that we've forgotten how fun it can be to just parade around town. We spent Sunday roaming Central Park. Grahm couldn't get enough of the horse and carriages, that is until we hit the lake full of remote controlled boats. Toddler boy heaven. We romped through the ramble, made wishes in Bethesda fountain and did a little rock climbing. All the fun followed by a soft pretzel made for a perfect city afternoon.

Translation

2010-10-10T19:59:00.001-07:00

If Grahm ever asks you for his daddy pants, it means he wants his jeans. Does anyone else think that's the cutest thing ever?

Apple Dumplings

2010-10-03T19:48:00.000-07:00

Fall feels like it has arrived. This weekend was cool and crisp -perfect apple picking weather. So off we went to Stuarts Farm upstate with Grahm's friend Charlotte. Grahm and Charlotte had a great time pulling apples from the trees, and tasting each one before they put it in our take home bag. Quality Assurance. Good thing the moms were on hand to do some sneaky switcharooing. Running through the orchard, and all their hard work picking made for a very quiet ride home.

Cows and Hay Rides

2010-09-19T15:42:00.000-07:00

We spent this morning visiting the Queens County Farm. Grahm had a nice time mooing with the cows, and quacking like the ducks. We had hot dogs under some big oak trees, but the best was still to come. Grahm had his first hay ride through the farm, and loved it! But why wouldn't he have -it was pulled by an enormous bright blue tractor, over dirt farm roads making for a VERY bumpy ride. He had a grin from ear to ear, but was holding onto Mom's hand pretty tight. So cute.

Not Kansas, Brooklyn

2010-09-19T11:37:00.000-07:00

Grahm survived his first tornado- right here in Brooklyn- making it a truly unexpected experience. Luckily we made it home from the playground just in time. We watched from our window as the sky turned green and it started raining so hard we couldn't see anymore. Hundreds of trees came down during the storm, crushing many cars, but that seems to be the worst of the damage. Pretty Crazy.

We don't know the guys in this video, but they sound an awful lot like Mom did when she called Dad at work to give him the play by play of what was going on...

School Update

2010-09-19T11:31:00.000-07:00

Grahm is off to school on week 2- We'd say he likes it!

A Scientific Sunday

2010-09-19T11:15:00.000-07:00

It was a rainy Sunday, but we found a way to make the best of it -we went to the Hall of Science! Mom used to come here all the time when she was a kid, but this was Grahm and Dad's first visit. It was great, lots to explore... in one afternoon Grahm created a tornado, learned to surf, drove a race car, made friends with a porcupine puppet, built a brick house, blew giant bubbles and created a car out of life size blocks. All before nap time. Oh, and as if this place can possibly get better -its free on Sundays if you arrive between 10-11! Sweet.

Buzz saves the first day of preschool

2010-09-09T17:34:00.000-07:00

Today was Grahms first day of school. We've been talking, worrying, planning and prepping for this day for a long time. There was alot of anxiety on all of our part, and I am happy to inform you all that we all survived.

We survived not because of all the prepping: the books, pep talks, and school themed movies we've endured all summer long.

And it wasn't because of all the very thought out protein packed breakfast, nor his much debated on first day outfit (that one didn't get worn, G opted instead to wear his red sox shirt (omg, really, cause you know all the teachers are going to be die hard yankee fans))

No, despite all of those efforts, we arrived at school and Grahm informed us that he'd be waiting for us outside. and then he started crying.

But I told you we did survive. We did because Grahm's teacher, Miss Christy, knew Grahm needed a familiar face and pulled out a buzz lightyear action figure. That was it. That's what stopped the hysterics mid scream. He stopped crying, looked around the room at all the other awesome stuff that was going on and was off to explore.

And so that's it. Grahm is now officially a preschooler, going three days a week. He came home with stories and excitement that we haven't seen before...and so we are very excited to start this new chapter. Of course, we have to get through drop off tomorrow morning again. Hope buzz is there waiting.

Last Licks

2010-09-06T19:12:00.000-07:00

We spent the long holiday weekend as a family, making the most of the gorgeous weather and the last little bit of summer. We hit old favorites: the beach, the pool and Brooklyn Bridge water park then tried something new: a trek around the salt marshes out in Marine Park. Grahm managed to squeeze in plenty of playground time too, like these pictures taken over in Gantry State Park in Long Island City. Like Grahm's outfit? He picked it out himself. Yup, those too short green pants, the maroon shirt, teal crocks, he insisted on wearing them. together. We've entered a new phase, just in time to make first impressions at preschool.