Farming on the Fourth

Hey! Yeah, you! You got something to say about my outfit?!

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

A zoo-rific week!

Hello!

It's nice to have everyone back.

This past week was a good one. Dad left town (but that wasn't the reason it was good) so Grandma Kathy came for a visit.

Monday after school and work everyone was tired so Dad and I agreed that Mom's idea of going out to eat was a good one.


Once we got to the restaurant I got wiggly but it's a pretty laid back place so we didn't get kicked out.

The next morning Dad left and Grandma Kathy arrived. She brought lots of goodies and I got to help her in the kitchen (one of my favorite things to do).


The next couple of days were a blur and I think I wore Grandma out. Friday was the best day ever because not only did I get to stay home from school, I got to go to the zoo! Both Grandma Kathy and Grandma Maggy helped make it possible and the three of us had a lot of fun.

Frog ride? You bet! (Dad said something about warts after seeing this picture but I'm not sure what he meant.)


Llama llama Des Moines zoo? Llama llama I love you!


Big brown eyes and long ears to hear. I wish I could pet you and keep you near!


Giraffes are TALL. (They are much taller in real life, don't let this photo fool you.)


The zoo even had a place to climb and explore! (Grandma Kathy and I decided it was a good place to sit and catch our breath.)


There was a truck to drive, too! (I sure wish all those pesky kids would stay off my truck!)


After a great visit I was done. People say I fell asleep in the car but I don't believe them. Here I am on the couch "resting my eyes".


Oh, Dad? Yeah, he went to Seattle for a Utility Communicators International meeting and they visited the zoo there. His "business meeting" included a ride on their carousel because it had solar panels and everyone got the tour. Uh huh.

Yesterday when Dad was home and Grandma Kathy left we headed to the Fletchers for Nolan and Karlyn's first birthday. Wow. I remember my first birthday party. These kids did great. I think they have a bright future.

Speaking of the zoo. The tradition of the "smash cake" is strange. As a kid I'd rather just eat but it seems that all of my friends' parents wanted us to perform and get a photo. The twins put on quite a show but Grant and I exchanged knowing glances thinking back on our time as performers.

After a very satisfying family nap everyone was ready to contine they day. I've discovered that my slide doubles as an excavator. I dig a mean trench!

Speaking of digging, I DIG chocolate milk. This morning Mom made some for me and I got to mix it myself!

Later, after breakfast we finished my shoe box barn (thanks for the idea Grandma Kathy). I got to cut the paper, glue it on and decorate it, too!

That's it for now.

Have a great week, everyone!

Pierce

Father's Day!

It was a big week this week. Swimming lessons. Hair cuts. "Fathers and Floats" at school. Lots to do and lots to see!

Thursday was haircut day. It's always good to see Becky and hang with the guys at Pope's. I always pick up some really good gossip.

After Pope's it was off to the last swimming lesson of the year. Thanks, Rex ... you were great. (A tip for my loyal readers - if you're going swimming a "noodle" adds significantly to your fun and enjoyment.)

Friday was a cool day at school. Dad stopped by around 3:30 and we had rootbeer floats. I didn't really want to sit like all my friends so I ended up running around and showing Dad everything.

After that, it was off to Flynn Wright. Grant's mom gave me a treat. Pat gave me a piggy bank. I got to shoot pool, run around and really enjoy Dad's office. Good people at Flynn Wright, let me tell you!

Friday night Grandma Maggy came over while Mom and Dad went to dinner. Saturday morning we hit farmer's market and I got donuts and a strawberry smoothie.

Guess what?! On the way home we stopped and watched a building getting torn down! It was like Mighty Machines ... but better!

Saturday afternoon watching the US Open in a pile with Dad on the couch. Not a bad gig.

Today was Father's Day so Dad got to open some gifts. Mom and I picked out this great tie for him and he seemed pleased, in a cliched gift kind of way.

Ah breakfast. Dad gets the buffet. I get to pick a donut and have chocolate milk. Not bad for either one of us.

And to top it all off I got to ride in the fire truck cart at the store and pick out my own yogurt. Thanks, Mom!

Finally, I went to Grandma Maggy's this afternoon so Mom and Dad could golf. I helped Dad with his grip and posture a bit before we left. Grandma took me to the pool while they played and I had a blast!

That's it for now.

Have a great week, everyone!