Christmas!

What a fun, crazy week this has been! It started out last Tuesday with a birthday party/family gathering with the Krahn and Knautz clans. It was Justin's birthday and everyone went out to eat. The evening went well and everyone had a lot of fun. Justin is a pretty cool guy.

While Mom and I were at the party Dad was volunteering at Jolly Holiday Lights and trying to stay warm. Ironically the next night we went through the lights in the warmth of our car as a family. I was comfy in my jammies and we had the Christmas music on. I liked the lights and talked a lot about "Baby Jerry".

A train!

Friday was a fun day at home for all of us. It had snowed so I got to watch the plow do the street and the trucks do everyone's driveways.

Later that morning we loaded up and went to Grandma Maggy's to have brunch and see Uncle Matt and Aunt Emily! They came up from Texas for the holidays!

I showed them the toys I keep at Grandma's house and they seemed to be impressed. Grandma's snow removal crew is cooler than the one Mom and Dad have ... they use a tractor!

After a nap and some down time at home I rolled up my sleeves to help Mom do some holiday baking. She's a very good cook ...

... but has trouble reaching things on tall shelves.

Throw in a church service and it was a very nice Christmas Eve.

Dad snapped this picture after I went to bed. A Houston and Palzkill family tradition ... 24 hour salad!

I was up bright and early the next day and rushed downstairs to see what Santa left me. I was not disappointed!

Lots of farm toys and a tent!

A puzzle from Great Grandma Margaret and Great Grandpa Jack!

A pillow for school from Mom! (Who sewed it herself.)

It really was crazy. Mom laughed and said that we needed a bigger house. Dad got that far away look in his eyes. I just played and played and played.


The afternoon of Christmas day Grandma Maggy, Uncle Matt and Aunt Emily came over. Uncle Matt was impressed by the 24 hour salad.

That night we opened even more presents, ate a ton and hung out. It was all good.

The next day Uncle Chris and Katie flew in from California! The fellas quickly discovered the simple joys that come with just laying on the stairs and day dreaming.

Uncle Matt also discovered that I look like the Tin Man from Wizard of Oz when I wear my bin.

Throughout the day much merriment ensued and laughter could be heard in every room. It was grand.

Uncle Chris and Katie brought me even more gifts!
Then Uncle Matt and I used my new kitchen set to help make a snack.

I really like December. Do I get presents again today, too?

Much love to all ...

Pierce

A busy few days ...

What a crazy few days it has been. Last week's activities have been well chronicled so I won't bore you with more details. This week just flew by and I managed to stay busy almost every day!

Wednesday I had my two year doctor's appointment and went to Dad's office for a bit before seeing Shamrae and Barbara at Mercy. He has cool toys (which seems odd for a man his age) so I always enjoy my time at Flynn Wright. Everyone there is really friendly, too ...

... Grant's Mom Mara showed me some cool things on her computer.

Thursday was pretty uneventful but Friday was the start of a really fun weekend! Papa, Grandma Kathy, Uncle Eric and Grandma Maggy all came to my school to watch my very first holiday program! While they were there I showed off some of my art, the bathroom in my classroom and introduced them to my teachers.

During the program I tried really hard to stay in rhythm but forgot to sing. Oh well ...

... lots of my friends were there to pick up the load.

It seemed like there were a million people in the crowd but the six people I cared most about were proud of my performance and that made me really happy!

Saturday was my birthday party. Continuing the "Month of Pierce" theme, Mom and Dad threw a great party. Here is Grandma Kathy warming up to decorate my cake. Notice her "game face".

Ta da! Awesome!

After everyone arrived we headed to the basement and I just about ran out of places to put all the presents! Grandma Maggy got me a wind-up flashlight and that was a whole lot of fun to play with.

I also got a kitchen set from Grandma and Grandpa Houston. I used my new toy to make sure everyone had lots of coffee the rest of the weekend.

Mom and Dad got me my own table. It will be perfect for playing tractor and drawing.

I had several entries for this year's birthday quiz. The questions were pretty hard so I gave everyone plenty of time to fill out their sheets.

We had an upset this year ... Uncle Eric knocked Papa out and won the very special, limited edition prize!

After the gifts and quiz it was time to eat ...

... and play with my balloon cow. Thanks Mom and Dad!

Yeah!

Cake!

After the party I was able to play with my new toys on my new table while Papa supervised.

Today the fun continued with the Houston family Christmas. Jeepers, it's been a GREAT couple of weeks!

Grandma Kathy and Papa got me a laptop! Now I don't have to borrow Mom and Dad's!

Merry Christmas to everyone! Safe travels and joyous days.

Love,

Pierce

Picking up where we left off ...

So, the last time I blogged it was the morning of my birthday. Things were looking really, really good. A donut and chocolate milk for breakfast, a party at school, etc.

Well, no worries, I had an awesome day! I got home and not only did I have birthday cake but there were presents to open!

Chocolate!

Friday after school, I got even MORE presents and cards!

We got some snow Friday night! I forgot how cold it was! Saturday morning Mom, Dad and I loaded up and headed to school for "parent's day out". (I didn't want to tell them, but it is actually more like "Pierce's day out" because I avoided all the shopping and running around they had to do.)

It was a fun party day at school and I enjoyed hanging out with my friends and not being so structured. I mean, I like calculus and my Japanese language class, but there are times when you just want to play with paper and the dinosaurs.

Look what I made! Wow, I'm really skilled!

Yum ... lolly-pop!

Grandma Maggy stopped by this morning between church services to hang out and relax. She was part of a choir and orchestra that put on an amazing performance. I was glad to help her chill out between sets.

After her visit we went to Hyperion for the Santa Brunch. I "rested my eyes" on the way to make sure I was as fresh as I could be for this important meeting.

The Santa Brunch was cool. Not only did I get to see the Kennedy and White families, I was able to fill up on blueberries, strawberries, waffles and chocolate milk before meeting "the big guy".

Dad carried me and Mom helped secure the perimeter as we approached. I offered (and Santa accepted) my toy backhoe as a peace offering. It felt like we had a good, productive visit.

Santa was okay. He seemed a bit too enthusiastic for me but hey, he's jolly and all so I guess that's what I should have expected. I do look forward to working on our relationship in the coming years. (In case you're curious, I did get my toy backhoe returned.)

Remember when I teased everyone about a special contest for my birthday? Well, if you feel like you're up on Pierce trivia and want to enter, please e-mail me at PierceBirthdayContest2010@gmail.com to request a quiz. (Your request must be received by Midnight, Wednesday, Dec. 15.)

I'll send questions Thursday morning and you'll have until Midnight, Friday, Dec. 17 to submit your answers. The winner will receive a special, limited edition custom birthday t-shirt designed by my friends at Little Bird Design Boutique. (There were only two of these made and I'll be wearing one during my party, so this prize is pretty special.)

All judges decisions are final. Void in Alaska and Hawaii. Winner is responsible for any/all appropriate taxes. Consult your tax professional to determine tax liability.

Have a great week, everyone!

Pierce