Visitors!

It's been a really busy few days. Uncle Matt and Aunt Emily were in town as were Uncle Chris and Katie. It's been a long time since I've hung out with all four of them and I hadn't talked to Uncle Chris or Katie since they got back from China so there was much to catch up.

I started our visit Wednesday with a game of "ring around the rosey" and everyone happily played along.

Friday the whole gang got together and I was presented with an awesome bracelet from China! I really liked it.

Mom and Dad got a Yak's bell. It was really loud and I only got to play with it for a little bit.

Later in the evening I snagged Uncle Chris' phone and made some calls. It was important that I checked in with my peeps before the weekend kicked into gear.

Saturday was fun. There was a big party in Chariton at Grandma Margaret and Papa Jack's house. Everyone was there. It was just as we turned on the gravel that I realized a pit stop was in order. Thanks to the knowledge I picked up a few weeks ago I was able, with Dad's help, to "take care of things" on the side of the road. (I felt better afterwards.)

It's always great to see Grandma Margaret. She's the nicest lady ever. She even gave me fist bumps!

Uncle Matt took me down to see the tractor after everyone ate. It was hot so we both had our cool hats on.

I'm glad I was around on Saturday as Uncle Chris had tractor questions and I was able to help.

Next came a slip and slide. Dad's cousin Eric brought it down and it kept all us kids entertained for a long time. Mom had to help me slide and she got all wet. (It was kind of funny but don't tell her I told you.)

Afterwards I got to add my hand print to a special quilt for Grandma Margaret. Helping in this effort was Dad's cousin Ellen.

Needless to say, after a really hectic few hours of playing I slept all the way home. I think Dad and Mom wished they could have too.

Yesterday the guys got to have some guy time while the gals got to have gal time. It was nice. I think I want an iPhone. Uncle Matt seems to really like his and I don't see any reason why I shouldn't have one.

Here is a nice group shot. It was really great to have everyone together!

These two were having a lot of fun during the highlight of the evening on our last full night together ...

... a dulcimer recital/concert! Yeah! Rock on ...

Later, gang.

Pierce

A song for you ...

Sometimes a song says it all.

For you, my beloved readers. From my heart ...

Until next week ...

Pierce

Short and sweet

It was a great week. Both Dad and Mom were feeling generous and I benefitted. First, Dad went to the John Deere Classic on Thursday which meant he was able to stop at John Deere Commons and do some shopping. I'd been hinting at this for awhile and my wish came true ... an excavator!!!!!

Yeah for me!

Today when Dad was golfing Mom and I headed to the store and came home with something awesome ... a sandbox!!!!

Dad begrudgingly helped load it with sand after his round. There are some ground rules that I have to follow ...

1) Listen

2) Don't throw sand

3) Come in when I'm told

4) The sand stays in the sandbox

(Parents are so cute when they try and make rules.)

I'm really cute when I make cookies! (Seriously, what a great few days for me.)

Later!

Pierce

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