Off to See Some Giants...

In the middle of the month, we decided to take a trip up to the Giant Sequoias. It had been years since Franky and I had been. We both had wonderful memories of our last trip (except for maybe the dog getting car sick...long funny story). My two nieces, Karlie and Chelsie, were with us and had a great time. So, we thought it would be a neat experience for Red.

We loaded up in the car stopping in Three Rivers to pick up stuff for a picnic. Red tells the lady who helps us," We're going to see a GIANT!" (I can only imagine what he was picturing in his little redhead when we told him we were going to visit the"Giant Sequoias"!) She laughs and tells him to have a good time.

When we get up to the trees, Red was in awe. He loves the outdoors and thought the trail to the General Sherman was his very own race track. He ran weaving back and forth on the trail. Hooting and yipping along the way. We had to remind him a few times that we needed to be a little quiet so that others could relax and enjoy the scenery. He actually listened and mellowed a little. Then to our amazement, he was the first to spot a young deer near the path. He whispers very excitedly,"Look Mama and Daddy, a reindeer!!" We were amazed how close it came to us and how quiet Red was and that he didn't scare it away.

When we reached the General Sherman Tree, Red was mesmerized. He stood and looked at it for a good minute then decided he was ready to hit the trail.

We had such a terrific time. It was so peaceful amidst those giant trees. So amazing to see something, once very small, has grown into something so beautiful. When I think about it, I am witness to this kind of miracle everyday. I am watching Red grow.

Growing into an amazing boy...


Girls, do you remember the phrase, "Aunt Shell, she's got that look in her eyes..." That was such an adventure! What a trip. So glad you guys were with us, though. Wish you were with us this time. We miss you.

Tee Time

Today was the day. We took Red, his new golf bag and driver out for a test drive (No pun intended!).

We decided to go to the golf course in Lindsay. It is after all Red and Papa’s stomping grounds. Red was fired up. Franky got his bag out of the car and helped him to position it where it was easy to carry.

Red was off...

Straight into the club house where he walks in and announces, “I have a new golf bag and a BIG golf club. Mom, what’s it called again? Oh, yeah. A driver. I have a new driver.” The man behind the counter smiles and we pay for our round of golf. He only charges us for one adult round ($6.00). I guess it was the camera around my neck that made him think I was not going to do much golfing! (He was right!)

It was so much fun. Especially since we were all able to enjoy it. It is definitely something we'll have to do often. It's great exercise too. When you're golfing with Red, you do a lot more walking than normal!

He can really hit the ball with his new club. There were people watching him and complimenting him on his game. He ate that up!

We didn't keep score this time. We skipped a couple of holes (by accident). The weather was beautiful. Perfect for golf. I don't know that we have the next Tiger on our hands but if the love of golf has something to do with it, we just might!
Thanks again Papa and Mow. We all love the gift. Prepare to be amazed when you guys come back to visit. We're planning to do a lot of practicing!!

Red Goes to the Firehouse

Yesterday our local fire station had open house. Red could hardly contain his excitement when he found out we were going to get to go there. He loves the fire trucks and (like every other four year old boy) is enamored with firemen.

We arrived a little before the open house started and were greeted by several firemen ready to begin showing everyone around. It was really awesome to be the early birds.

Red made quick friends with a fireman named Nick. He was great. He would lift Alex up to see things, let him turn on the siren in the fire engine, dressed him up in mini fireman gear and tirelessly answered all of the questions that little Red asked. Red was very enthusiastic and with every answered question would reply with "awesome" or "that's so cool". He LOVED it!!!

Actually, I think his Daddy was just as thrilled with the open house as he was!!! Both him and Alex left the station with a big smile on their face. Elated that they got to visit the station and learn about how everything works. What an awesome day!

Doesn't Red just look way too cute in this uniform?! His big toothy smile makes my heart melt.

"Great Job"

While on a walk Friday, we saw four vintage airplanes flying over head. Red was so excited. He loves anything that moves. Airplanes and trains make the top of his "favorites" list. On Saturday, we decided to take a ride out to the airport to see if there was anything going on. Lucky us! There were about 40 vintage airplanes there who had flown in to practice formations and drop flour bombs at a target there on the runway. We spent much of the day there, even had a little picnic.

We got to walk around and see all of the airplanes up close. Many of the pilots talked to Red. One of them let him and Daddy get up on the wing and look into the cock pit (I think that was just as exciting for Franky as it was for Red!). Another pilot had been talking to Alex so when he was getting in his plane he told us to watch him take off. He waved at us then took off straight up into the air (this impressed us all!).

There were a few pilots who practiced flying in formation. When they flew over the crowd, smoke trails followed behind them. Red thought this was the greatest. When they came in for a landing, one of them parked close to the fence where we were sitting. Red watched intently while the pilot took off his helmet and got out of the plane. Red says,"Mom, I'm gonna talk to him." He waited until the pilot was completely out of his plane and then tells him (in a voice that everyone watching can hear),"Excuse me, Sir. You did a great job up there." The pilot was grinning from ear to ear and tells Alex,"Well, Thank you young man." Red smiles a huge smile that makes my heart melt. What a cutie bug!!!

Oh the places we go...

A Little Disney Magic

Veteran's Parade

Everyone Loves a Parade...(Especially Red Head)

Today was the Veteran's Parade. From the time Alex woke up he was ready to go! We arrived and staked out our spot. Within 10 seconds, Red Head had made friends with all of the kids within a half block radius and had spotted the vendor who sold those wonderful horns you pray no one around you buys!

Last year at the Christmas parade, Alex's friend had one shaped like a trumpet. Red Head LOVES instruments. He begged Jon to let him blow it. Being a great sport, Jon relinquished his trumpet to Alex only to have it returned with drool dripping from it's mouth piece!

So, needless to say, Red Head got his very own trumpet today. It is shiny, blue with a metallic look and Alex has not put it down or stopped blowing it since he got it!!! When the bands would pass, he would blow even louder moving it from side to side just like the band members. It was too cute. (Notice it is in EVERY picture in the slide show!)

I didn't think it was possible for Alex to be more into a parade this year from last. I have to say, I had more fun watching him play his trumpet, wave his flag, jump, dance and yell than I did watching the parade.

What a wonderful way to remember those who fight for our freedom. How truly blessed we are to live in the United States. Happy Veteran's Day.

The Patch