The Draz Fam

Now that Drew is an official Vikings fan, Jen decided that he should have an official Vikings jersey. Apparently Peterson is the man of the hour (I would have no idea, but that’s the player Drew talks about), so we purchased a jersey for number 28. Knowing absolutely nothing about the state of the Vikings–or any other professional sport team–I am, however, practical. If Jen was going to hand over the money for an official jersey (trust me, they aren’t cheap), I wanted to be sure that Peterson would be around for at least a year or two. According to the salesman, he will definitely be here as he signed a contract for $100,000,000. Is that even possible?????

In any case, Karli also has some new clothes. Auntie Kirstin appeared the other day with new JEANS, a JEAN jacket and the most adorable pink toddler coat. I asked the children to model their new duds for a couple of pictures:


At game time, once again the Vikings started strong. Daddy really got into the spirit…

and Drew loved it.

However, Drew tends to be a fair weather fan. When the action slows down, or the Vikes are behind, he loses interest. Thus, as the game drifted into the afternoon, Drew chose to go outside to “play” football with his dad and his brother. We didn’t know until this morning that the Vikes lost in overtime.

Personally I have finally found a reason for the existence of professional sports: if they can entertain Drewbie, I’m all for it!
Nana Barb

Ryan attends first grade from 9:00 until 4:00. Drew’s homebound teacher is here from 7:10 until 8:10. My biggest concern about our new schedule was how to keep Drew occupied all day now that his brother is no longer home. I have been hoping that Drew would become interested in spending more time at the computer and that has been the case. Now that Drew can access the computer using the joystick and clicker on his scoot, he’s becoming a computer whiz. This afternoon Drew and Unk played a Lego video game for a couple of hours:




I am so very thankful for the technology that allows Drew to play video games just like all the other children his age!
Nana Barb
Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be. ~Abraham Lincoln

Auntie Kirstin and Uncle Mark went on a business trip so the cousins stayed with the Draz Fam for a few days. Tommy and Michael joined Drew and me in our room at night. After school on Wednesday and Thursday the boys snacked, played iPad and enjoyed sharing the evening. On Friday Jay took all the boys to the movie theater to see “The Smurfs.”

We began Saturday morning with a pancake breakfast followed by a movie. Then it was craft time–the children made door hangers–followed by “free time” (their words). During free time the boys retired to the office to “try out for American Idol.” Tommy danced, Drew was the judge and Ryan created strobe lights by turning the office lights off and on.

Everyone was sad (and probably a bit tired) when it was time to leave. However, I’m sure that the cousins will be joining the Draz Fam again soon for more fun.

Nana Barb
“Cousins are those rare people who ask how we are and then wait to hear the answer.” Ed Cunningham

It’s already that time of year. One morning last week we headed to the clinic for Drew’s annual flu shot. First Drew and Karli passed some time enjoying the fish (and each other) in the waiting room.

Then it was time. Drew suggested I might want a picture of his face indicating how he felt:

Because of his SMA Drew has been poked and prodded more than most eight year olds; therefore he often has anxiety before even routine shots. However, this time he was a rock star–he didn’t shed a single tear. Here is his proud (and relieved) face after the shot:

So… Drew has had his flu shot. Have you had yours?????
Nana Barb
You are BRAVER than you believe, STRONGER than you seem… and SMARTER than you think! ~ A.A. Milne / Winnie the Pooh

Grampa and Muumuu came last weekend for the Vikings season opener. The children, especially Drew, were very excited! Early on Sunday morning everyone headed to Kowalski’s for donuts and to pick up snacks for the game. Once they arrived home, Grandpa and Drew settled down so that Grandpa could explain the intricacies of the game. Last year Drew enjoyed watching the games but wasn’t ready to fully appreciate first downs, extra points, etc.

A 103 yard run for a touchdown on the kickoff; how does a game begin any better than that? Drew did a cheer and everyone settled in for to watch the Vikings run away with the game. Unfortunately, that was not to be. As it became obvious that the Vikings would, in fact, lose the game, members of the Draz Fam wandered away from the TV to enjoy one of the last Minnesota summer days. However, Drew and Grandpa remained until the bitter end. It appears that, win or lose, the Vikings have a new loyal fan.

Queenie, I suspect that you will especially enjoy the following video as there are lots of pictures of John and his grandchildren:

Jay really enjoys taking pictures of the children when they go on adventures. He keeps a small camera in his pocket whenever they’re out. Last week he forgot to take the camera out of his pocket before he left for work, so he took the opportunity to take some pictures at work:

Nana Barb

The Tuesday after Labor Day means back to school for students in Minnesota. This year Drew is in second grade and Ryan is in first grade.

Hair cuts and new shoes are a part of the getting ready process. The big day finally arrived. Drew will, once again, attend school at home with our favorite homebound teacher: Miss Gretchen. This year she will arrive first thing in the morning for an hour of school. Ryan will be riding the bus to Liberty Ridge school. Both boys are off to a great start for the new school year! Note that Ryan gives his first day of first grade a thumbs-up!

Nana Barb
The more that you read, the more you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go. ~ Dr Seuss

The weather on Labor Day was perfect for an outing so the Draz kids and Jay headed to FawnDoeRosa. This is a favorite outing as the children can really get up close and personal with the animals.

It’s not too long until lockdown so I’m glad the children are taking advantage of our beautiful September weather.

Nana Barb

So many blogs, so little time. There are plenty of blog-worthy things happening at the Draz home. However, now that I am “nannyless” there is very little time. I’ll do my best to find a moment now and then to post the latest updates.

We returned from Phoenix on Saturday. The transition from vacation to home was easier than usual for Drew as Sunday was scheduled to be one of the highlights of the year: the Three D’s headed for the Minnesota State Fair. The Draz guys love this day. The highlights this year included snacks (Drew’s favorite), the horse show and the gondola ride (Ry’s favorite).

Meanwhile, Jen and I knew we would need to show Karli a good time so that she wouldn’t insist on accompanying the guys. Thus, we planned a special Girl’s Day. It began when Jen and Karli visited Target after dropping the guys off. Jen told Karli she could pick out a toy; however, in true Karli fashion, she chose some jeans, a butterfly top and sparkly new shoes.

Jen and Karli picked me up and we headed to Kowalski’s where Karli could push the kiddie cart while we shopped. Next stop: Sam’s Club where Karli found a princess water color book. Once we arrived home we headed for the hot tub to warm up and relax. Then Karli spent the afternoon painting in her book and trying out her new toothbrush. Karli’s biggest surprise of the day was when mom showed her that she had already bought several pair of jeans just like the ones Karli chose. She was so excited.

Soon it was time to head to the fairgrounds to pick up the guys. When we arrived the boys presented Karli and mom with bags of Tom Thumb Donuts to enjoy on the ride home. We also saw a spectacular rainbow. We used the opportunity to remind the boys that the letters in the fictitious name Roy G. Biv can help them remember the colors of the rainbow.

As you enjoy the video be sure to watch for my favorite image: Ryan calmly sitting on a platform that states, “CAUTION, DO NOT SIT.”

The Draz Fam is already looking forward to a repeat of the state fair and girl’s day next year!
Nana Barb
The quote of the day is part of an exchange between Karli and me yesterday.
Me: Karli, please don’t walk on books; it ruins them.
Karli: Nana, you can’t tell me what to do.
Yikes! She is only two and a half!

Saturday–time to head back to Woodbury. The end of vacations are very difficult for Drew; he simply doesn’t want the fun to end. In fact, on Saturday morning he declared, “I’m NOT going home!” Luckily we were able to remind him that on Sunday The Three Ds would be making their annual trip to the Minnesota State Fair. Anticipating that outing, Drew did agree to head for home.

We met the cousins at the airport and, once again, played musical chairs on the plane. Once home, as we settled into our own beds, the boys and I decided that our Phoenix trip was one of the best we’ve ever taken.

Nana Barb

The first words out of Drew’s mouth on Friday morning, “Today’s the last day. We have to make the most of it!” And we did!

The highlight of the day was that Papa went swimming. Back at the condo we enjoyed our last evening out on the deck and went to bed early in order to get an early start. Everyone agreed that it has been a wonderful week!

Nana Barb