Graham's new favorite toy -- Frisbee!!!

Some shots of Graham playing football with Daddy... and due to the continued drought and water restrictions, our VERY thirsty backyard...


The beginning of Graham's new room (here's the color Mom)... We're only using top of the bunk bed for now, and though not pictured, the crib is still in use and in the room as well. It will take quite a while to get this room finished, but we're slowing beginning the transition. So far, Graham LOVES the extra space!!!
Checking out the neighbor's yappy dogs...

I don't remember what this picture captures exactly... Scott thinks it's a sneeze and I feel almost certain that it's a complaint of some sort...
This frisbee was discovered when we moved Graham out of his old room and into his new one. He throws it, bounces it, wears it, runs with it, chases it and even talks to it. He's a silly little boy!

I never want to forget Graham in this moment. His language has accelerated to the point where we have full, lengthy, back-and-forth conversations. He has opinions about everything and makes them known. His likes and dislikes are apparent, but a lot of the inflexibility we saw at an early age is beginning to disappear and we're noticing such curiosity and such budding interest in the world around him. He likes the moon, dinosaurs, trains, fire trucks and animals. Everything of interest must be spelled and discussed in length. He remembers everything. He gets so excited about the most ordinary things, like walking a new direction in our little neighborhood.In this picture (and the one above), Graham is giving himself five...
Here's Graham giving Daddy "two fives."
After a HOT summer, we're finally tackling our neglected yard. Thanks to the beautiful and massive oaks that line our property, we are once again knee-deep in old branches, leaves and acorns. Graham helps too of course and joyfully picks up sticks.
Resting in our neighbor's yard during a silly game of driveway-ball with Daddy... Hmm, does he remind anyone of a chicken in this picture? :)
Nope, not our doggy! While Aunt Melissa traveled for work, Samson stayed at our house.
Graham teasing the pup and showing off his split lip -- the most recent driveway mishap...
Samson's turn!

Examining his "old owie" -- a badly skinned knee -- which caused him to limp for a few days until the scab healed. "Walking feet" are now mandatory at all times inside as well as on our EXTREMELY steep driveway. It has been difficult to implement since we have such an active little boy who loves to run and play outside!

GO RED SOX

Here is Graham sporting his new Red Sox shirt in lieu of this weekend's series with the Yankees. Aunt Melissa brought it all the way back from Boston. We have so much other Red Sox paraphernalia in the house that Graham has been spelling "RED SOX" since he first learned to spell. This has already become a favorite shirt since Graham also knows that the Red Sox are Daddy's favorite baseball team.

Check out the mop of hair on this boy! Time for yet another haircut!!!

One of Graham's most endearing traits is his ability to entertain himself well. He often uses his toys for purposes other than those for which they were intended and he spins silly and imaginative games with the objects around him. Here are a few pictures I took when I happened to interrupt one of these "games."




I asked Graham to do a rain dance and this is what I got... So, we'll call this a rain dance for our poor grass, shrubs and trees! Our entire yard is dying from the draught that is upon us...
I think Graham and Panda are explorers today...
Scott loves to brag about Graham's fast ball! The two make quite a team!
Better stay on your game Daddy! Graham keeps pitching whether you're paying attention or not...
And now for the best part of the game: Hunting down all the balls!

We recently had dinner with our friends Kayce and James Ford. Graham loves them and their big dog, Annie! Kayce and I have been dear friends since high school and we've all been close since our college days.
Here are Graham and Annie hamming for the camera.
Soon, Annie won't be the only baby in the house! Kayce and James are expecting their first baby in December. Scott and I are ecstatic as well!
Graham playing before dinner...
Sorry Papa, Graham thinks raisins are candy...
A breakfast shot...
And a grin of course...
He's a natural athlete (at 2 at least)...

LABOR DAY SATURDAY

We took advantage of our long weekend and spent this Saturday in Hendersonville with Ganny, Gamps, Nana and Papa. As usual, Graham was the center of attention and charmed everyone with his wit and new talents. Here, he is demonstrating his early reading skills. He memorized the alphabet at an early age and in the same way, has memorized an astonishing number of words. He recognizes the words as we read and spells them aloud. He has recently started taking the next step by putting sounds together and sounding out words he has not previously memorized. It is fascinating to watch his eager mind work!

The boys are playing with cars and traffic signs while we wait for our lunch...
Here comes Nana...
We made quite a lunchtime commotion!
Two bunnies...
Graham loves bunnies!
Graham brought Big Green Ball!
Grahamy only wanted to play ball with Papa and especially enjoyed kicking his ball over the fence.
After a ferocious game, the rose bushes "broke" Big Green Ball.


Silly on the stairs...

Who sees the resemblance between Graham and Gamps?