My brother is getting cuter by the day .

Baby Drew is pretty sweet, but I haven't figured out how to hold him yet. He wiggles and when I grab him, everyone says be gentle. It's hard to be anything when someone is wiggling all over me. Hold him, don't hold him; What to do??? I can't wait until he gets bigger and I have a partner in crime and someone to blame things on. Right now, I'm the focus of a reprograming campaign. Drew, catch up quick!

Today the trail was full of new sticks, pine cones and ducks.

Gramma said I could take my hat off when it quit raining. I didn't feel any rain!

I'm thinking that I should start collecting rocks, but Gramma gets tired of carrying them. Today I laid in the dirt and made dirt angels, I found baby pine cones, I saw the duck family swimming and I said "Hi" to everyone that went by. Kayakers and boaters were on the river and I told Gramma that I want my own boat. I can hardly wait until she finds one for me at a garage sale. I hope it cost more than fifty cents.

Take time to smell the flowers and walk in the rain

This was a great week for walking in the rain and smelling the flowers. I announced I wanted to walk by myself and Gramma said okay as long as I stayed close because we are on what she calls, "the buddy system." And when I run, I have to ask her to run with me because, again, we are on the buddy system. It's much more fun when she has to chase me, but if she catches me, it's back to the house we go. So I last week, I learned a new word: cooperate; and a new term: "buddy up." There is so much to learn when you're two and a half.

This was a great day. Daddy, Mommy and I went to the park on our bikes. I grabbed my milk, my reindeer and my toy and climbed into the chariot. Daddy put my helmet on; then he and Mommy agreed on a course of action. Soon we were on our way: Daddy and I lead the way with Mommy close on our heals.

Swimming is my favorite.

Yesterday, I played with my brother Drew. He laughs a lot whether I'm funny or not. It won't be long before we can get into all sorts of trouble together; I can't wait to have a partner in crime. Right now, all we can do together is make noise, but sometimes that's enough to get everyone's attention and bring on the "Nanny" rules. Last night we both avoided sleeping until our eyelids dropped when we weren't looking. It was a great day.

The New Pool

Today, Grandpa Jimmy and Gramma Rosie took me to a big pool with warm water and a lot of toys. I played with everything they could throw at me and out swam the rest of the competition. Most importantly, there were plenty of water toys, and I soon got the hang of sharing. Also, I developed the art of pouncing on toys left unattended on the ledge. When it was time to get out, there were a few glitches. First, I forgot that the swim diaper was for emergencies but not meant to be the front line of defense. In addition, Gramma got confused as usual, and the next thing we knew, we were changing in the family section with men and their kids in stalls on either side of us. That was interesting as we were operating under difficult circumstances; plus I and other toddlers were trying to peek under the doors. Gramma and I had a great time.

Alexandra's Clubhouse!

Today, I had several meetings in Alexandra's Clubhouse (my Dora Tent). During one of those meetings, I invited Mom and Dad to color with me. The Dora Tent is a present from Gramma Rosie thanks to her garage sale adventures.

It is a really big, big tent and takes up a lot of room, but Mommy can see the benefit since she likes to stretch out when I invite her in to play.

When Mommy finally un-stretched, she spent some time with Baby Drew, getting him to laugh and giggle with her.

Today started out great! First, Gramma Rosie fixed Mickey Mouse Pancakes! After that, she took a few pictures of Drew in his Little American outfit so he wouldn't forget it's almost July 4th. Then, Mommy, Daddy and I went for a bike ride and a picnic. I got to ride in my carriage because they think I'm too slow on my trike. With our helmets on, we all look like we're from outer space.

How to win a prize . . .

I'm the proud owner of a talking dog, thanks to Mom's new Potty Training Program. She made a chart and showed me how to get a prize. Five pees or poops, five stars and I'm there! Wow! I've got the hang of this. I figured out that producing waste pays great dividends. Gramma says I'm pretty smart.

The Grocery Store

I was quite pleased with myself on our trip to the grocery store. I told Gramma that we were out of yogurt. She picked out the kind that Mommie usually buys, but I told her we bought the Strawberry Yogurt. I'm becoming a sophisticated shopper. Drew and I had a great time riding through the grocery store, and after we checked out, I got to practice my new circus routine.

Day Two

Day two started off great. Gramma made me a special Mickey Mouse sandwich. After that we went to the nature trail. I decided to have some fun. I took off running like I was training for a marathon, and Gramma had to chase me down; she was really huffing and puffing . That'll teach her to ignore her diet and workout regime. Anyway, she taught me the "Buddy System," so from now on, we will Buddy Up whenever we go somewhere. Later in the afternoon, the wheels started falling off of the truck. Baby Drew launched himself over Grandpa and Grammas' arms and whacked his head. As a result, they felt terrible and I had to suffer the consequences. Gramma wouldn't let me keep climbing on the play structure. She said one bump a day was all she could take. I think she is getting old.

My Grandparents blew into town

Frusterated, over missing me and Drew, my grandparents blew into town and turned our house upside down. Gramma's garage sale purchases included a huge Dora tent, a rocket ride toy for Drew and a High School Musical dance floor and mic for me. Add to the list a couple of princess dresses for me and baseball clothes for Drew; plus a burrow and a crown from Uncle Kerry. Gramma's suitcase was full. Needless to say, a good time was had by Drew and me, but I noticed Mom and Dad were both looking for a quiet spot to hide.