Great Gramma knows that two of Drew’s passions are American history and elephants, so when she learned of a new book combining both she wanted Drew to have it. Great Gramma was right; Drew loves “Sweet Land of Liberty” written by Callista Gingrich.
Drew wanted to read the book for Great Gramma. The following video contains the first two pages—through the first Thanksgiving and the final page of the book. I think you will agree that Drew is a fine reader; this was the first time he had read the book.
Nana Barb
This video was shot a couple of weeks ago. I am late in posting it due to the Thanksgiving holiday posts.
Grandpa and Muumuu arrived on Saturday afternoon for a visit. The Draz children were so excited and everyone had a great evening. On Sunday “the girls” (mom, Muumuu and nana) went to lunch and a movie while “the guys” (grandpa, Drew, Ry, dad… and Karli?) watched the Vikings game. After the game papa joined the guys for some football, SMA style, in the front yard. Grandpa and Muumuu had to leave early Monday morning, but they’ll be back for Christmas!
Nana Barb
“What a bargain grandchildren are! I give them my loose change, and they give me a million dollars’ worth of pleasure.” ~Gene Perret
The Draz children have been counting the days until Thanksgiving. The activities began on Thanksgiving Eve when the cousins arrived for a sleepover. First everyone took a dip in the hot tub. Back inside Auntie played “Simon says” while mommy set up to make pumpkin bread. Tommy cracked the eggs and did a great job except for the one that landed on the floor by the wheel of Drew’s scoot (you can catch this in the following video). Everyone mixed the batter; once out of the oven it was set aside for the upcoming Thanksgiving feast.
For crafts the children decorated a turkey and colored ornaments. Then they enjoyed hot cocoa as they watched a movie. When it was time to go to bed Michael decided to go home with his mom. The Draz boys were disappointed, but we assured them that Michael would return in the morning for the pancake breakfast.
Thanksgiving morning began with make-your-own pancakes. The children added ingredients like potato chips and M&Ms for unique pancakes. After breakfast the cousins returned home to help prepare for the afternoon feast.
Soon it was time to join the cousins, their uncle and their other gramma and grandpa. Everyone enjoyed a fabulous ham dinner. The highlight of the day was a session of Mad Libs led by Uncle Mark. Later both Draz boys chose this as their favorite activity of the entire two-day celebration. Mark promises a repeat with Christmas Mad Libs next month.
The weather was beautiful so the Draz boys ended the afternoon with a bit of football with Papa.
I am thankful for so many things, but especially for everyone who helps care for and guide my five grandchildren. There are so many of you who make a difference in their young lives.
Nana Barb
The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving. ~H.U. Westermayer
Despite the snow, despite lock-down, there is always activity around the Draz house. It was a busy, fun-filled pre-Thanksgiving weekend.
Drew and Ry have been a bit jealous (make that a lot jealous) that Karli has her own holiday tree. So Jen and I made another trip to Wal-Mart and returned with a fiber optic tree for their room.
I loved that the tree forced me to clear off my desk.
Auntie Dana visited on Sunday afternoon. She made yummy hummus (thanks, Dana) and hit the hottub with the Draz Fam. She even inspired Ry to take a dip in the snow.
On Sunday evening Ry attended a birthday party celebrating the seventh birthday of a classmate.
Be sure to watch the following video to the very end. Drew’s Thanksgiving song is absolutely angelic.
Nana Barb
“The soul is healed by being with children.” Fyodor Dostoevsky
Yesterday morning it began to snow. Then it kept snowing. Yes, it was beautiful as it covered the trees and the brown grass. However, it also brings the realization that it will be a long, cold winter before we can all go out and enjoy fresh air and sunshine. It is strange to reflect that it was just one week ago that we had perfect weather for our autumn photo shoot.
Because we couldn’t take the children outside, we brought the snow inside. The Draz kids loved “playing in the snow.” They had a great time; just goes to show that the winter lock-down months can be just as memorable as the summer vacation months!
Nana Barb
“A lot of people like snow. I find it to be an unnecessary freezing of water.” Carl Reiner
PS We kept telling Karli that she should NOT eat the snow; that it was was dirty. You can see that, as usual, she totally ignored our advice!
This morning Karli spent over fifteen minutes choosing her outfit. First she went through everything in her drawers. Then she discovered a laundry basket with clean clothes that had not yet been sorted.
Finally she found the perfect combination:
Karli has a new fashion statement. Once she gets dressed she pushes up her sleeves and tights. Not surprisingly she soon complains, “I’m cold.” She has even begun to try to push up her mom’s pants, despite assurances from Jen that Karli’s help in this, while appreciated, is not necessary.
I was ready to hit the “publish” button when Karli announced she was going to choose a new outfit. Here is outfit number two,
outfit number three,
and outfit number four…
and it’s not yet noon!
Nana Barb
“Fashion is made to become unfashionable.” Coco Chanel
As the holiday season approached, Karli decided she wanted “a pink tree.” Unlikely, right? Nope, leave it to Wal-Mart; last week we walked out with a pink tree AND pink and purple decorations. We feel that Christmas decorations shouldn’t go up until after Thanksgiving, but Jen just couldn’t wait so she brought out the tree this week. Karli was thrilled. She spent the afternoon decorating her pink tree; she especially loved the lights!
Nana Barb
The quotes for the day are from the Draz kids.
Karli threw one of the ornaments against the fireplace, apparently thinking it would bounce like a ball. As soon as it exploded into fragments she declared, “I didn’t do it!”
Drew somehow managed to take an ornament off Karli’s tree. He proceeded to scoot around stating, “ I do not have an ornament in my hand.”
Ryan crouched under the tree and proclaimed, “I was spying under the pink tree. Mom and nana didn’t even notice.”
Hmmm! There seems to be a pattern here…
It was time for a new banner picture for the website and last Sunday was an unseasonably warm autumn day, so Jen and I decided to wander along the trail behind our house for a photo shoot with the children. I have been obsessed with taking pictures from the moment Drew was born so by now the Draz children have learned: the quicker they cooperate, the sooner they’ll be done. Thus, they stop, smile, and hope to be merrily on their way as soon as possible. We all enjoyed the walk and I think we got some great pictures. You probably won’t be surprised to learn that Karli chose her own outfit.
I hope you like the new banner picture and that you enjoy the images from our photo shoot.
Nana Barb
A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty -Sir Winston Churchill
Lindsay stopped by on Sunday to see the Draz kids. It was great to see her. She even brought a project; she helped the children make Japanese Mini donuts.
It was great to see you, Lindsay; we hope you’ll stop by often! The children are blessed to have you in their lives.
Nana Barb
Keep company with people who support, uplift and inspire you. ~ Shi Cooks
Although we already celebrated Karli’s third birthday, she is officially two until December 29. Good thing, because she continues to have occasional “terrible-two” tantrums.
This morning it was time for Karli’s blankets to be washed. She did not want to give up her “polka-dot blankie”! In fact, she had an all-out tantrum. She cried; no, she screamed for about twenty minutes. Her face became splotched with red. This video was shot toward the end of the tantrum when Karli was winding down. At this point the blankie was in the dryer and would be available soon.
The following video contains images from the beginning to the end of the tantrum.
Karli, you have less than 50 days left before you have to give up the terrible-two tantrums; I’m undecided as to whether or not I’ll miss them.
Nana Barb
“You can learn many things from children. How much patience you have, for instance.” Franklin P Jones
