Back at it ...

Well, I made it through another holiday season. Between my birthday, Christmas and New Year's it was a busy few weeks.

It must be time to buckle down as I got more art homework from school. Here I am working with Mom to put together my penquin.

First we put on the face...

... then an attractive scarf.

Next came eyes ...

... and Dad's addition, a Gene Simmons design.

I appreciated the reference but Mom didn't see the humor. (She worried that I'd be "that kid" at school.) After a couple of minutes of debate, Dad's effort was modified a bit and my penquin was just really colorful.

I did manage to get a hold of the camera for a bit while the whole "Gene Simmons meets Pierce's penquin" debate was happening. Here's a shot of Mom I took all by myself.

This shot is one of my thumb. (Note to self ... do NOT cover the lense.)

The next night Steve stopped by for awhile. It was great to see him! He, Mom, Dad and I had a lot of fun for a few minutes then he was off to another engagement.

Thursday was a long day at school. I was just pooped when I got home and wanted nothing more than to relax on the stairs. (After some stair time with Uncle Matt and Uncle Chris last week I've discovered that they are a really great way to center and refocus.)

Saturday was busy! Dad and I unloaded the meat we bought with the Fletchers from Mom's car ...

... and had to get it into the deep freeze.

I also got cornered and was forced (against my will) to try on clothes and some things Mom bought for vacation.

Here I am modeling the outfit Uncle Matt and Aunt Emily got for me before I was even born. I'm finally getting big enough to wear it ...

... and embrace my stylish self.

Next came some swimming stuff Mom got me.

Watch out fish ... here I come!

Saturday night I spent the night at Grandma Maggy's while Mom and Dad had "date night". I had a lot of fun and it was nice to hang out with Grandma.

Have a great week, everyone!

Pierce

A quick week ...

It hasn't been that long since my last update so I don't have much to share. Everyone has flown home and the house seems rather quiet. Grandma Maggy is trying to put her house back together so the past few days have been really mellow.

Mom, Dad and I hosted the Dillons for New Year's Eve. Maguire and I hung out, ate and played. He is really good with Legos and I think I learned a few things.

The basement came in handy as the night progressed and we were tired of watching movies.

After that late night the next day was pretty mellow. Mom and Dad started to put Christmas decorations away and I helped.

Today we went to Chariton to visit Great Grandma Margaret (Gamma Marget) and Great Grandpa Jack (Papa Jack). As always, I had a lot of fun. They have a remote controlled car that's fun to play with!

I got to tell Gamma Marget about my combine and how Mom made 24 hour salad in a fancy bowl she gave us.

Papa Jack was interested in my Kinze planter so we spent some time going over it.

We had a really nice visit and I was glad to see them again.

That's it. Like I said ... a quick week!

Happy 2011 everyone!

Pierce

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