Having fun!

We've been busy doing all kinds of things these days.  Here is a quick rundown.

Penn State Homecoming Parade
Lara and I have never gone and thought it would be fun.  Don't judge by Grant's face, we did have a great time.  I think Grant enjoyed it but he was just in awe.  He is usually such a chatterbox but didn't say too much during the parade.  The worst part...apparently they don't throw candy at parades anymore!  You still get candy but they hand it out.  Now where's the fun in that. 

Trip to the farmers market
Just a few minutes away from our house is downtown Bellefonte.  I love it.  It is just the perfect mix of everything.  We stopped one Saturday morning and loaded up on goodies at the farmers market.  Our garden has been long done and we got some great fresh produce.  Of course, when you bring a youngster they are the center of attention.  Grant was told to load up a bag of gourds and pumpkins and he could have whatever he wanted for free.  Lara and I commented that people are so nice to kids.  It definitely seems like the world's a better place when you have a little one with you.  Grant insisted on carrying his bag himself.
 

Paradise
Of course, we have had quite a few trips there lately. 

Here Grant is giving Mommy a kiss. 

On top of eagles and fish they have tractors!

Punxsutawney
We took a trip to look at a horse with Papa and Grandma.  Grant liked the horse but loved this dog.

Yes, 6 month pregnant Lara had to ride her.  At first she wasn't going to but when we realized how mellow she was we decided she could hop on.  When Grant sees a horse he still says, "Mommy ride horse." If we had a little more property, I have no doubt this horse would have come home with us.   

Fall Festivals
First was a pumpkin festival at Penn State's Arboretum.  They had free popcorn, apple cider, and hot chocolate.  What more could you want?!

Then was a fall festival in downtown Bellefonte.  They had all kinds of crafts for kids and anyone could jump in the parade with their costume.  We went costume-less  but enjoyed ourselves. 

Here's just a few pics from one of our Daddy Days.  I call them Daddy Days the 3 mornings that I watch Grant while Lara works.  I've tried to make it a habit of getting out of the house.  Usually to Paradise or the near vicinity (as in the pics below).  Today we went to a playground in Bellefonte.  I've never felt so much like Mr. Mom in my life.  It was all mom's with their kids discussing when story time at the library was and how to get the cheapest diapers.  Good advice I am sure but I think we'll stick to the woods!

So that's the quick summary.  As I am sure all parents are, we are just amazed with our little boy.  He talks from the moment he wakes up until he is back in bed.  He is getting a few timeouts these days for being grumpy with the animals.  He gets frustrated with the dogs when they get in his way.  He'll say "throw things" or "hit things" when he's mad but he usually just says it and doesn't do it.  When he does get a timeout he doesn't budge off the "naughty step".  Most of the time he is very well behaved and says please and thank you.  Actually when you get him something he says, "Thank you, welcome".  He hugs and kisses Lara's belly and seems to get that a baby is in there.  I'll be anxious to see his reaction when the baby is here!

Marathon Woman!

Jenny completed the Steamtown Marathon in Scranton on Sunday!  Not only did she complete it, she finished with a 1st place finish in her age group and a personal best time of 3:14:56 (2 seconds better than her Boston marathon time).

Here's Jenny's cheering section getting set-up in the morning.

And it wasn't too long after we got there that she came flying by.

We saw her at one other spot during the race and then at the end.  Here's Jenny pushing it through the finish line.

Jenny, CONGRATULATIONS on such an amazing race!  You continue to inspire with your dedication, determination, and hard work.

4-Wheelin!

Nate turned 4 and had a great party.

The highlight of his party seemed to be the gift from his parents.......a 4-wheeler!  Everyone wanted to get a ride on it (including his little brother).

Grant wasn't into the 4-wheeler but did like this truck.

He also liked playing with Aunt Amy.

But didn't like getting his picture taken with Grandma!

It was at this time that he was starting to wear down.  The little guy didn't take a nap all day and was definitely getting sleepy.  He looked liked this about 5 minutes down the road.

  

Happy Birthday Nate!  We hope you had as much fun at your party as we did.

Tailgate!

Grant enjoyed his first ever PSU tailgate.  We went down the road and met up with our good friends Jon & Carolyn outside of Beaver Stadium.  We hadn't yet met the newest addition to their family, Leo, and it was great to finally see him.  Isn't he adorable!  He is every bit as sweet as he is cute.

Here's Leo's big Sis in her PSU gear.  

As shown by this pic Grant took right to Jon.

We've been enjoying the fall weather more than just at the tailgate.  We have been making regular trips to the local park in Bellefonte and to Fisherman's Paradise.  Usually if I ask Grant what he wants to do I hear, "Go to Paradise."  When I ask him what we will see there..."fish and eagles."  Then it's "go van" and "go paradise" until we are there.

You can tell from this first pick why this park is one of Grant's other favorite places.

We love the area we live in and are trying to enjoy every minute that we have here.