This week was a big one for no other reason than this boy getting his very first poster. No, it wasn't a Led Zeppelin or a Chicago Cubs poster ... it was a Case IH poster that Papa sent me Tuesday! Dad seemed to be very impressed and was anxious to hang it. Mom didn't seem ready for such a step but I felt like a real man afterwards. Posters rock!
Wednesday Grandma Maggy took me swimming. It was a lot of fun and I did really well.
Friday was the family Fourth of July picnic at school. Mom and Dad both came and we had a good time.
We picked out a nice spot in the shade.
Here is my perspective. (Sorry, I didn't realize thumbs over the lense were considered bad form by many master photographers.)
After work and school we loaded up and drove to Denmark. Apparently my feet smelled so bad that they needed a good scrubbing before bed. (They didn't bother me at all but Mom seemed disgusted by them.)
Saturday morning Dad loaded me up and we went off to watch Papa spray.
Spray booms are cool!
Grandma: "Wanna make Jell-O(R) jigglers, Pierce?"Pierce: "Uh huh"
(Water + Jell-O) x (refrigeration + love) = a yummy snack
After we got the Jell-O(R) in the fridge Dad took off to watch the last match of the IGA Match Play Championship at Spirit Hollow in Burlington so Mom, Grandma and I went exploring at the old family farm.
Upon our return I headed for the sand pile. (If you stick your tongue out ... just a bit ... and make your lips vibrate you can really make your toys sound very big and powerful. Buuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrzzzzzzzz ... vroom, vroom ... buuuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrzzzzzzzzzzzz ... )
There is a lot to do when you have this much sand to move and this much equipment!
After a nice dinner at Sheaffer Memorial Golf Park we headed home. Some hay needed to be put away before we could move on with the evening so Mom and I helped Papa get er done.
The main reason for the visit this weekend was to help Grandma Kathy celebrate her birthday. It's a few days early but it's the thought that counts, right? Mom brought a cheesecake with us and, by all accounts, it was well received! Happy birthday, Grandma!
This picture was taken right before I gave Grandma one final birthday gift. (Let's just say that it involved some rushed clean-up, a shower for me, laundry and a lecture that big boys don't pee during birthday parties.)
Sunday dawn arrived early and I made sure Grandma and Papa were wide awake. The day was spent playing, going to church, exploring the farm, etc. After an epic family nap we headed to Fort Madison to visit Clayton. He has some great stories!
After a really nice visit Grandma and I helped Clayton back to his room and said "Good night!".
Clayton's place has really cool plastic ducks. I think I need one of these for my bathtub! 
From the ducks we went to Mom's favorite pizza joint, Sorrento's, then headed off for one final treat ... Hall's Ice Cream! I discovered that I like ice cream this trip! Hall's is great (maybe not quite as good as Snookies but I think it will take many many trips to both to come to a firm decision.) Poor Grandma, she hardly got any of her cone.
I had some questions about in-cab sprayer controls and Papa's preferred set-up so we got on YouTube this morning and reviewed some of the options for on-the-go application adjustments and individual nozzle flow monitoring.
After figuring out how sprayers worked and eating some of Grandma Kathy's great pancakes (Mom has a new recipe to try.) Papa, Grandma and I had to do some chores. We moved a wagon, hooked up the mower and got to work. Papa had my seat all ready to go.
You can just see my head on the left side of the cab. I was paying very close attention to everything so when the time comes I'll know the best way to cut hay for Papa.
And last, but not least. I discovered a toy that I believe Dad may have spent some time on growing up. He thinks it came from New York but we'll need to ask Grandma Maggy.
Goodnight, goodnight, until we meet again
Adios, Au Revoir, Auf Wiedersehn 'til then
And though it's always sweet sorrow to part
You know you'll always remain in my heart
Goodnight, sleep tight, and pleasant dreams to you
Here's a wish and a prayer that every dream comes true
And now 'til we meet again
Adios, Au Revoir, Auf Wiedersehn
Good night!
Pierce
