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

I'm two!

I just wanted to post early this morning and thank everyone for their well-wishes! I got a call from Uncle Matt and Aunt Emily last night, Grandma Kathy and Papa as well as Grandma Maggy today and will have a party at school, too! Wow ... being two rocks!

I even got a special birthday donut this morning!

Tonight Mom, Dad and I are going to one of my favorite restaurants and the celebration will continue on the 18th with my "real" party. The week after that even is Christmas! (I'm starting to think the month of December is really the month of Pierce!)

A delayed post ...

Sorry dear readers ... it's been a hectic few days. This will be a very quick update as a new week has already begun and I intend to do a better job reporting in the coming days.

This past Saturday we took a family trip out for breakfast and then to the grocery store. I got to drive the cart and that was fun but it took a long time and I got really bored.


Luckily when we got home I was able to stay busy helping to put some finishing touches on the Christmas decorations.


There was a particular ornament that had been bothering me so I was glad to get it straightened out.

Sunday Dad and I went to an Iowa Energy game while Mom was at a baking party.

We sat in the Flynn Wright seats and the action was intense!

I really liked the basketball game but we didn't stay very long ... I had other things I wanted to do.

Until next time ...

Pierce

Pumpkin Pie x 4

Gobble, gobble y'all!

What a great week I had.

Tuesday was Thanksgiving dinner at church. (Pumpkin pie serving #1.)

Wednesday was a parent's lunch day at school so Mom and Dad joined Lindsay and me for a traditional Thanksgiving meal. I was very excited to have guests at school and really had a lot of fun. (Pumpkin pie serving #2.)

Thursday was the actual holiday so Mom, Dad, Grandma Maggy and I went to Hyperion for their brunch. No cooking. No cleaning. No fuss. I used my silverware and put the napkin in my lap like a big boy. (Pumpkin pie serving #3.)

We're stuffed! (Do you like my new smile? I'm trying a few out and think this one has real potential.)

The biggest mirror I've ever seen.

That afternoon we hung out at home. I took a nap, watched videos and entertained. Mom, Dad and Grandma watched an old movie and caught up.

Later I helped Mom and Dad put up the tree. Santa, here it is!

Mom said that I needed to "stay on Dad" to make sure he did his job right. I hope this is what she meant.

Friday was Mom's birthday so after she got home from an early morning trip to the store (3:30 a.m. at Kohl's?! Really Mom?!) Dad and I showered her with attention and tokens of affection. She seemed pleased.

Then, we piled into the car and headed south. Uncle Eric was hosting the Houston Thanksgiving and birthday celebration. Grandma Kathy and Papa were there, too! (Pumpkin pie serving #4.)

I couldn't believe it but Uncle Eric saved all his toy farm stuff. He had the coolest buildings I'd ever seen. Bins. Silos. Trucks. Tractors. Cows. Jeez ... he has the best toys ever!

Not only was there a table set up in the living room to farm but Papa, Uncle Eric and I set up a cow/calf operation on the kitchen table. Papa told me how to call the cows from the pasture ...

Saturday morning was pretty quiet and mellow. Ahhhhhh ... Grandma lap naps ... ahhhhhh ...

After lunch Uncle Eric's kitchen faucet broke so I helped Papa figure out what we needed to do to fix it ...

... off to Home Depot, men!

Once we finished shopping everyone decided a trip to the playground was in order. Continuing our manly adventures Uncle Eric and I dug in the dirt.

I also spent a lot of time on a big, tall slide.

Last stop? That barn! Can you believe it?! The park had a barn!

This morning we said our goodbyes and headed home. Before Des Moines we made a stop in Chariton and I got to see Great Grandma Margaret and Great Grandpa Jack. They are so cool. We had an awesome visit.

I even got to show off my combine. (I think he was jealous.)

That's it for now ... I hope everyone had a super Thanksgiving and is looking forward to all the parties and fun that the next few weeks will bring.

Cheers!

Pierce

Dance

Okay ... response was so good to my singing that I thought I'd remind folks that I'm a man of many talents.

Yep ... I'm the total package. I don't want to brag but I think I'll make varsity swing choir as a freshman!

Pierce

Name that tune!

Can you guess this soft rock favorite from 1976?

If so, you win two toy tractors and a bailer. Post your entries on the blog and I'll declare a winner on Friday, November 26.

Pierce

Grandparents!

Hey, gang. I hope all is well with everyone. I had a pretty good week and know that you are just beside yourselves waiting for details. However, patience is a virtue.



There were questions last week about the contest I promised. Just know that now would be a good time to start boning up on your Pierce trivia. The prize will be quite valuable to my regular readers and you won't be surprised. More details will be posted soon ...



So, back to this past week. Mom ordered a toy tractor catalog and it came in the mail. WOW! What an awesome way to spend some time. My mind was racing with the possibilities. I showed it to Papa during his visit (more on that later) and he helped me decide what I needed to improve my operation.



Mom, Dad and the folks at school say that I'm doing well with potty training. I like to think that I'm excelling at "socially accepted, advanced waste disposal processing". (I don't care what you call it, I've never gotten so many M&Ms in my life! I also get to have Mom or Dad read magazines to me! (That was awkward at first but everyone is over it now.))

I enjoyed baking at Grandma Maggy's so much last week that I thought I'd give it a try this week, too. Mom ordered cookie dough from school and it was easy and fun to whip up a batch.

After we put them on the tray Mom popped them into the oven* and I supervised their baking.

*Disclaimer: The oven isn't a toy. That doesn't mean it isn't cool, though.

Don't let anyone tell you that I don't know how to rock it out on a Friday night. LAUNDRY BASKET RIDES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Saturday was a great day ... Grandma Kathy and Papa came for a visit! I showed them my tractor videos and everyone had a good time.

Later that night Papa and I practiced combining and hauling wagons. This preparation will come in handy in about 15 years.

This morning we continued having fun together by playing in the basement. I showed Grandma and Papa my mower and they both seemed impressed.

Grandma Maggy stopped by later and I got to hang out with both grandmas!

I tell ya ... for about an hour today I had the so many people fawning over me you would have thought I was Justin Bieber.

Have a great week, everyone!

Pierce