South Dakota Bound

Uncle Joe made it up to South Dakota safely and checked out the house for us. It is such a relief knowing that the house survived during our long vacation. Uncle Joe got the house back to a fully functioning home and even filled the fridge with milk for Nathan. That's the least he could do after he drove off with Nathan's toys. That's what Nathan thinks anyway. We've got him convinced that Uncle Joe steals toys. He's going to be ecstatic when he walks into our house in South Dakota and finds his bobbleheads lined up from the front door all the way back to his bedroom.

Nathan and I have certainly enjoyed our time in Georgia. It's time for us to give Grandma and Grandpa their house back, though. As Uncle Joe pointed out, he couldn't believe what a constant wreck their house was. If you know Uncle Joe, you know how bad it must have been for him to notice. No more coffee table in the dining room for Nathan to play with cars on and also to make more room for him to play in the family room. I mean, how can he throw tennis balls at the lights with a table in his way? No more sheets draped across the new furniture, no more refrigerator contents found stuffed in nonrefrigerated areas, no more Hot Wheels cars decorating the foyer floor just waiting to be stepped on, etc. Just think, Grandma and Grandpa, you will be able to sit and relax 100% without a little person sliding his hands under your legs and telling you to "move" in his bossy little tone.


Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa, for keeping us company while Steve was away!We had fun. We love you!!!


Here is a picture of Grandma and Grandpa and Nathan looking through a photo album full of Nathan pictures. Nathan requests to look through it about ten times a day. He never gets tired of looking at himself.

South Dakota Bound

Uncle Joe made it up to South Dakota safely and checked out the house for us. It is such a relief knowing that the house survived during our long vacation. Uncle Joe got the house back to a fully functioning home and even filled the fridge with milk for Nathan. That's the least he could do after he drove off with Nathan's toys. That's what Nathan thinks anyway. We've got him convinced that Uncle Joe steals toys. He's going to be ecstatic when he walks into our house in South Dakota and finds his bobbleheads lined up from the front door all the way back to his bedroom.

Nathan and I have certainly enjoyed our time in Georgia. It's time for us to give Grandma and Grandpa their house back, though. As Uncle Joe pointed out, he couldn't believe what a constant wreck their house was. If you know Uncle Joe, you know how bad it must have been for him to notice. No more coffee table in the dining room for Nathan to play with cars on and also to make more room for him to play in the family room. I mean, how can he throw tennis balls at the lights with a table in his way? No more sheets draped across the new furniture, no more refrigerator contents found stuffed in nonrefrigerated areas, no more Hot Wheels cars decorating the foyer floor just waiting to be stepped on, etc. Just think, Grandma and Grandpa, you will be able to sit and relax 100% without a little person sliding his hands under your legs and telling you to "move" in his bossy little tone.


Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa, for keeping us company while Steve was away!We had fun. We love you!!!


Here is a picture of Grandma and Grandpa and Nathan looking through a photo album full of Nathan pictures. Nathan requests to look through it about ten times a day. He never gets tired of looking at himself.

Manning-Handled

Nathan was becoming a little too much of a Michael Vick fan for my liking. I mentioned that if Nathan is going to have a favorite football player, it probably shouldn't be Michael Vick. Preferably anyone other than him. Grandpa agreed and thought that Peyton Manning would be a good choice. So, of course, Grandpa went out the next day to purchase a Peyton Manning bobblehead. Nathan now has a new favorite player....or at least a new favorite bobble.

He wasn't quite sure if this was reality or just a dream. Could it be so? Another new bobble? Does life get any better than this?

Nathan is no longer questioning whether or not he's allowed to play with the newest bobble. Peyton Manning has made his way into every room and sat on every shelf and table, right with his bobble buddies.

As busy as he is, Nathan always has time to show Lily some love.

Manning-Handled

Nathan was becoming a little too much of a Michael Vick fan for my liking. I mentioned that if Nathan is going to have a favorite football player, it probably shouldn't be Michael Vick. Preferably anyone other than him. Grandpa agreed and thought that Peyton Manning would be a good choice. So, of course, Grandpa went out the next day to purchase a Peyton Manning bobblehead. Nathan now has a new favorite player....or at least a new favorite bobble.

He wasn't quite sure if this was reality or just a dream. Could it be so? Another new bobble? Does life get any better than this?

Nathan is no longer questioning whether or not he's allowed to play with the newest bobble. Peyton Manning has made his way into every room and sat on every shelf and table, right with his bobble buddies.

As busy as he is, Nathan always has time to show Lily some love.

Shopping Spree

On the way to Grandma's work, Nathan and I practiced what to say when we met her for lunch.

In case you didn't understand, he said "I love you." Those three little words worked like a charm. Grandma was free-flowing with the quarters after we ate lunch. We stopped at the toy machines to do a little shopping before we left. You should have seen the excitement on Nathan's face each time he got to hold his hand out and wait for the bouncy balls to drop. Grandma taught Nathan the value of money. Not only is money fun to carry around and play with, but it can also buy happiness.

I just watched the video and realized that maybe I should explain the name Lady. Nathan wouldn't call Grandma anything for the longest time. He knew who she was by the name Grandma, but he wouldn't say it. We started joking around and addressing her as "Hey Lady!" and Nathan thought it was hilarious and ran with it. So now, Nathan calls Grandma, Lady.

Shopping Spree

On the way to Grandma's work, Nathan and I practiced what to say when we met her for lunch.

In case you didn't understand, he said "I love you." Those three little words worked like a charm. Grandma was free-flowing with the quarters after we ate lunch. We stopped at the toy machines to do a little shopping before we left. You should have seen the excitement on Nathan's face each time he got to hold his hand out and wait for the bouncy balls to drop. Grandma taught Nathan the value of money. Not only is money fun to carry around and play with, but it can also buy happiness.

I just watched the video and realized that maybe I should explain the name Lady. Nathan wouldn't call Grandma anything for the longest time. He knew who she was by the name Grandma, but he wouldn't say it. We started joking around and addressing her as "Hey Lady!" and Nathan thought it was hilarious and ran with it. So now, Nathan calls Grandma, Lady.

Pitching Practice

Great Grandma Gerken came over to see Nathan and me one more time before we head back to South Dakota. Nathan always likes hanging out with Great Grandma Gerken. He sees her as just one more playmate. The game of the night was catch. He fails to realize she is 89 years old, though. He stood in front of her and hurled tennis balls at her, expecting her to catch them. Anyone who has seen Nathan throw, knows he destined to be an MLB pitcher one day. She kept laughing and throwing the balls back to him, even though he's dangerous, as this picture shows.
When Grandma and Grandpa remodeled their bathroom, they said they wanted a shower that can double as a mini racquetball court. Not really, but Nathan uses it much like a racquetball court. He throws the ball up trying to hit the shower head, then in bounces all around, but pretty much stays contained to the shower.
Nathan has come up with some new bobble hangouts. His latest game is to line them up on the headboard and jump on the bed to watch their heads move.
When that gets tiring, we move them to the bathtub, then to the shower, then to where ever else he thinks is necessary. And notice, Parker's picture has somehow become part of the bobble movement, as well.

Pitching Practice

Great Grandma Gerken came over to see Nathan and me one more time before we head back to South Dakota. Nathan always likes hanging out with Great Grandma Gerken. He sees her as just one more playmate. The game of the night was catch. He fails to realize she is 89 years old, though. He stood in front of her and hurled tennis balls at her, expecting her to catch them. Anyone who has seen Nathan throw, knows he destined to be an MLB pitcher one day. She kept laughing and throwing the balls back to him, even though he's dangerous, as this picture shows.
When Grandma and Grandpa remodeled their bathroom, they said they wanted a shower that can double as a mini racquetball court. Not really, but Nathan uses it much like a racquetball court. He throws the ball up trying to hit the shower head, then in bounces all around, but pretty much stays contained to the shower.
Nathan has come up with some new bobble hangouts. His latest game is to line them up on the headboard and jump on the bed to watch their heads move.
When that gets tiring, we move them to the bathtub, then to the shower, then to where ever else he thinks is necessary. And notice, Parker's picture has somehow become part of the bobble movement, as well.

Preschool Dropout

Today was Nathan's last day of preschool. He was so lucky to have gotten the chance to attend such a great school. His teachers loved him and it showed. Nathan would get so excited in the mornings when I would get him ready for school. He hates putting his shoes on, but when I would tell him he couldn't go see Ms. Tiffany and Ms. Dana until he put his shoes on, he quickly gave in. He made friends and loved playing with them each week. I would always get to school ten minutes early just to watch him play when he didn't know I was watching. It was so cute.

Nathan's class wished him well with a going away party after class. I brought in cupcakes and they munched on other junk food and they said their bye-byes. Ms. Tiffany and Ms. Dana gave us a CD full of pictures of Nathan and his friends from the past three months so that he doesn't forget about his friends in Georgia. Here he is with a few of his buddies at the party. That's Caitlyn, Evan, Tristan, and Bahaar. Jackson and Griffin aren't pictured.
Nathan knows how to party. He was double-fisting with a cupcake in one hand and chips in the other.
It sucks that Steve had to leave, but Nathan and I made the most of it. Nathan has learned so much and made tons of new friends while being down here. And if that's not enough, he's got a killer wardrobe to flaunt now. I don't think Rapid City is ready for all this style.

Preschool Dropout

Today was Nathan's last day of preschool. He was so lucky to have gotten the chance to attend such a great school. His teachers loved him and it showed. Nathan would get so excited in the mornings when I would get him ready for school. He hates putting his shoes on, but when I would tell him he couldn't go see Ms. Tiffany and Ms. Dana until he put his shoes on, he quickly gave in. He made friends and loved playing with them each week. I would always get to school ten minutes early just to watch him play when he didn't know I was watching. It was so cute.

Nathan's class wished him well with a going away party after class. I brought in cupcakes and they munched on other junk food and they said their bye-byes. Ms. Tiffany and Ms. Dana gave us a CD full of pictures of Nathan and his friends from the past three months so that he doesn't forget about his friends in Georgia. Here he is with a few of his buddies at the party. That's Caitlyn, Evan, Tristan, and Bahaar. Jackson and Griffin aren't pictured.
Nathan knows how to party. He was double-fisting with a cupcake in one hand and chips in the other.
It sucks that Steve had to leave, but Nathan and I made the most of it. Nathan has learned so much and made tons of new friends while being down here. And if that's not enough, he's got a killer wardrobe to flaunt now. I don't think Rapid City is ready for all this style.

Beer Me

Steve's lifelong dream of having someone who is willing and able to bring him beer on command, in the comfort of his own home, has finally come true. Nathan knows the way to his daddy's heart.

So that I don't get anyone too upset, we also pretend to drink coffee creamer, mustard, salad dressing, etc. It's just not as funny.

Beer Me

Steve's lifelong dream of having someone who is willing and able to bring him beer on command, in the comfort of his own home, has finally come true. Nathan knows the way to his daddy's heart.

So that I don't get anyone too upset, we also pretend to drink coffee creamer, mustard, salad dressing, etc. It's just not as funny.

Bobble Breakdown

I packed the bobbleheads up after Nathan went to bed last night, and loaded them in the car. I bet Uncle Joe didn't even make it out of the subdivision before Nathan realized that his bobbles were missing. I was looking forward to having a bobble-free week, but it didn't work out as expected. We left three bobbles here, thinking that would be enough to tide him over. I was wrong. Nathan asked me about the missing bobbles numerous times and made me look for them in all their usual hangouts. I explained that they were in the car with Uncle Joe, but that's not the answer he wanted. I don't know which was worse, explaining the missing bobbles over and over or just moving them around all over the house. Grandpa felt so sorry for him that he gave him a brand new box that he had been saving. When Nathan saw the new box, his eyes lit up and he immediately asked me to open it. I did, and he broke the first one within five minutes.

Bobble Breakdown

I packed the bobbleheads up after Nathan went to bed last night, and loaded them in the car. I bet Uncle Joe didn't even make it out of the subdivision before Nathan realized that his bobbles were missing. I was looking forward to having a bobble-free week, but it didn't work out as expected. We left three bobbles here, thinking that would be enough to tide him over. I was wrong. Nathan asked me about the missing bobbles numerous times and made me look for them in all their usual hangouts. I explained that they were in the car with Uncle Joe, but that's not the answer he wanted. I don't know which was worse, explaining the missing bobbles over and over or just moving them around all over the house. Grandpa felt so sorry for him that he gave him a brand new box that he had been saving. When Nathan saw the new box, his eyes lit up and he immediately asked me to open it. I did, and he broke the first one within five minutes.

Quick Trip

Uncle Joe showed up at Grandma and Grandpa's house and surprised Nathan. By Nathan's reaction, you would never even know Uncle Joe left. Within the first minute of seeing Uncle Joe, Nathan ushered him into Grandma and Grandpa's room to jump on the bed. That was the last game they played together before Uncle Joe left last time. Nathan didn't forget, then he continued to follow him around and say "bed" as he pushed him towards the bedroom. Nathan also noticed that Aunt Lexi was no where to be found. He kept looking out the window and pointing to the door and saying "Lexi?" After he finally realized that she wasn't coming, it was back to playing with Uncle Joe...nonstop. I do believe they are best friends.

Guess how many times Uncle Joe had to do this.
Not only is Uncle Joe good for rough-housing, but he also knows how to read. Nathan was on the lookout for Aunt Lexi.

Nathan is still working on his jumping skills. Uncle Joe thinks it's hilarious so he makes him jump all the time.

Check out this really fun game that Uncle Joe started. It's not tiring at all. Grandma was the only one who escaped it. The funny part is watching Joe imitate Nathan's jumping abilities when he thought he was behind the camera.

Uncle Joe left early yesterday morning to begin his journey up to South Dakota. He just barely fit in the car. There are toys and books stuffed in every crevice of the vehicle. No way should one child have accumulated that much stuff in a three month span. There is no doubt who's house he's been at for the past few months. The most ridiculous part is that all his stuff didn't even fit. Grandpa is going to make a road trip up to Rapid City this spring to bring the big stuff. Grandpa likes doing road trips, so I think this was his plan all along - spoil Nathan with as many bulky toys as possible so that they don't all fit in my car.

Quick Trip

Uncle Joe showed up at Grandma and Grandpa's house and surprised Nathan. By Nathan's reaction, you would never even know Uncle Joe left. Within the first minute of seeing Uncle Joe, Nathan ushered him into Grandma and Grandpa's room to jump on the bed. That was the last game they played together before Uncle Joe left last time. Nathan didn't forget, then he continued to follow him around and say "bed" as he pushed him towards the bedroom. Nathan also noticed that Aunt Lexi was no where to be found. He kept looking out the window and pointing to the door and saying "Lexi?" After he finally realized that she wasn't coming, it was back to playing with Uncle Joe...nonstop. I do believe they are best friends.

Guess how many times Uncle Joe had to do this.
Not only is Uncle Joe good for rough-housing, but he also knows how to read. Nathan was on the lookout for Aunt Lexi.

Nathan is still working on his jumping skills. Uncle Joe thinks it's hilarious so he makes him jump all the time.

Check out this really fun game that Uncle Joe started. It's not tiring at all. Grandma was the only one who escaped it. The funny part is watching Joe imitate Nathan's jumping abilities when he thought he was behind the camera.

Uncle Joe left early yesterday morning to begin his journey up to South Dakota. He just barely fit in the car. There are toys and books stuffed in every crevice of the vehicle. No way should one child have accumulated that much stuff in a three month span. There is no doubt who's house he's been at for the past few months. The most ridiculous part is that all his stuff didn't even fit. Grandpa is going to make a road trip up to Rapid City this spring to bring the big stuff. Grandpa likes doing road trips, so I think this was his plan all along - spoil Nathan with as many bulky toys as possible so that they don't all fit in my car.

Bobble Business

Grandpa has been saying that Nathan is destined to be in an upper management position one day. Nathan has proven his ability to delegate responsibility and oversee operations without lifting a finger. He has worked his way up in the world of moving bobbleheads, so he no longer has to do the legwork himself. Nathan has given Grandma, Grandpa and I the responsibility of making sure the bobbles get moved from one location to the next. He's a bossy little fella. Check out this video of a typical day of operation.

Nathan has anywhere between 11 and 15 bobbles in rotation at all times, so you can imagine how tedious this job can be. He has also expanded bobblehead locations so we have to make sure the bobbles get equal time in the cabinet, in the corner, on the TV stand, on the table, and on the mantle (or fireplace, as he calls it). Another one of Nathan's requirements is to not allow the bobbles to sit still for more than five minutes at a time. We have to be ready to move bobbles at a moment's notice. If we don't act quickly enough, the boss gets angry.

Great Grandma Gerken came over to visit and Nathan didn't hesitate to put her to work, as well. She was right there moving bobbles with the rest of us.

In Nathan's opinion, if you're not rearranging something, you're just wasting time. Rearranging the refrigerator is another "in" thing right now. The first step in this long drawn out process is to remove everything within reach. Then he has to replace the food items with toys and then fill in the rest of the space with whatever food items will fit. You'll never find the same thing in the same spot twice.

When Nathan finally takes a break from his hectic work schedule, he rides his F-150 in the basement. Grandma has to tag along beside him to push the pedal. He can almost reach it, though. When spring time finally comes around (June in Rapid City), he'll be ready to speed all over the yard. 

Bobble Business

Grandpa has been saying that Nathan is destined to be in an upper management position one day. Nathan has proven his ability to delegate responsibility and oversee operations without lifting a finger. He has worked his way up in the world of moving bobbleheads, so he no longer has to do the legwork himself. Nathan has given Grandma, Grandpa and I the responsibility of making sure the bobbles get moved from one location to the next. He's a bossy little fella. Check out this video of a typical day of operation.

Nathan has anywhere between 11 and 15 bobbles in rotation at all times, so you can imagine how tedious this job can be. He has also expanded bobblehead locations so we have to make sure the bobbles get equal time in the cabinet, in the corner, on the TV stand, on the table, and on the mantle (or fireplace, as he calls it). Another one of Nathan's requirements is to not allow the bobbles to sit still for more than five minutes at a time. We have to be ready to move bobbles at a moment's notice. If we don't act quickly enough, the boss gets angry.

Great Grandma Gerken came over to visit and Nathan didn't hesitate to put her to work, as well. She was right there moving bobbles with the rest of us.

In Nathan's opinion, if you're not rearranging something, you're just wasting time. Rearranging the refrigerator is another "in" thing right now. The first step in this long drawn out process is to remove everything within reach. Then he has to replace the food items with toys and then fill in the rest of the space with whatever food items will fit. You'll never find the same thing in the same spot twice.

When Nathan finally takes a break from his hectic work schedule, he rides his F-150 in the basement. Grandma has to tag along beside him to push the pedal. He can almost reach it, though. When spring time finally comes around (June in Rapid City), he'll be ready to speed all over the yard. 

Onions: The Sequel

The first onion movie received such rave reviews that I decided to share the sequel with you. They just don't make movies like this anymore.

Onions: The Sequel

The first onion movie received such rave reviews that I decided to share the sequel with you. They just don't make movies like this anymore.

Eat Mor Chiken

I picked Nathan up from preschool today. After he finally quit playing and came up to me, the first thing he said was, "chicken." I asked him if he wanted some chicken and he responded with, "Chick-Away." I'm not even exaggerating when I say we eat at Chick-fil-an average of five times per week. I can't even bring myself to take one more bite of chicken. Chick-fil-a is going to experience a drop in sales after Nathan goes back to South Dakota. I don't know what we're going to do when we get back home. Maybe I need to look into opening a franchise...or maybe he's just going to have to learn to like McDonald's.

Today was Nathan's lucky day. The Chick-fil-a cow was dancing outside by the road. Of course, we couldn't leave without saying hello to him. We all know how much Nathan loves costume characters. When we got to the cow, Nathan reached his arms out to the cow's escort (a complete stranger) so that he could get a closer look. He was smiling at the cow and laughing. He gave the cow five and said, "bye-bye cow." Then we laughed about the dancing cow the whole way home. I didn't have my camera, but I got a picture with my phone. 

Eat Mor Chiken

I picked Nathan up from preschool today. After he finally quit playing and came up to me, the first thing he said was, "chicken." I asked him if he wanted some chicken and he responded with, "Chick-Away." I'm not even exaggerating when I say we eat at Chick-fil-an average of five times per week. I can't even bring myself to take one more bite of chicken. Chick-fil-a is going to experience a drop in sales after Nathan goes back to South Dakota. I don't know what we're going to do when we get back home. Maybe I need to look into opening a franchise...or maybe he's just going to have to learn to like McDonald's.

Today was Nathan's lucky day. The Chick-fil-a cow was dancing outside by the road. Of course, we couldn't leave without saying hello to him. We all know how much Nathan loves costume characters. When we got to the cow, Nathan reached his arms out to the cow's escort (a complete stranger) so that he could get a closer look. He was smiling at the cow and laughing. He gave the cow five and said, "bye-bye cow." Then we laughed about the dancing cow the whole way home. I didn't have my camera, but I got a picture with my phone. 

Slumbering to Numbering

I go from no posts for a few days to post overload. I can't help it. Nathan has been a busy boy.

Nathan woke up from his nap and went straight to his magnetic letters and numbers. He loves numbers, but he's not that into letters. (Except for the word football. Nathan can spell football and point to the letters thanks to my Tennessee sweathshirt that I apparently wear all the time.) He is a huge fan of counting. For the past three months, Grandma and Nathan have spent his bath time learning numbers and counting. It has certainly paid off. This video of Nathan is probably going to be a little bittersweet for Steve to watch. On one hand, Steve will be very proud of Nathan's knowledge of numbers, but on the other hand, he probably won't be able to get over the fact that Nathan is wearing Atlanta Falcons pajamas.

Slumbering to Numbering

I go from no posts for a few days to post overload. I can't help it. Nathan has been a busy boy.

Nathan woke up from his nap and went straight to his magnetic letters and numbers. He loves numbers, but he's not that into letters. (Except for the word football. Nathan can spell football and point to the letters thanks to my Tennessee sweathshirt that I apparently wear all the time.) He is a huge fan of counting. For the past three months, Grandma and Nathan have spent his bath time learning numbers and counting. It has certainly paid off. This video of Nathan is probably going to be a little bittersweet for Steve to watch. On one hand, Steve will be very proud of Nathan's knowledge of numbers, but on the other hand, he probably won't be able to get over the fact that Nathan is wearing Atlanta Falcons pajamas.

Family Feast and Fun

We went over to Great Aunt Ruth and Great Uncle Larry's house for some family time and a delicious dinner. They had a great spread of appetizers complete with a can of fried onions. The highlight of the evening was watching as Nathan and Emma were finally able to let loose with each other. They usually just see each other at church so they aren't able to go wild. Last night they made up for it. They made up so many games. My favorite was their rendition of hide and go seek. There was definitely not a dull moment the entire night! 

Here are the little entertainers on display.

Looking at Ralph the kitty through the window.
Nathan is in mid-run and heading straight for Emma's chair. That was one of their games they made up. I bet Nathan ran and fell on Emma's chair at least ten times in a row. Judging by the look on Great Grandma Gerken's face, I think this game made her a little nervous. Here is their game in action.

Taking a much needed rest.
Emma's puzzle skills are amazing. She works jigsaw puzzles like it's nobody's business.

Ta-da! She did this all by herself. I bet she sees puzzles when she closes her eyes to go to bed at night.
Great Uncle Larry and Nathan became best buds after Uncle Larry miraculously "fixed" the light that I kept saying was broken all night. Who would have thought all you had to do was flip that little switch?
Great Uncle Larry and Nathan just shooting the breeze.
Wrestling with Grandpa.
Jumping on Grandpa's back.
Too much is never enough for Nathan.
And this picture proves it.
The Sister Grandmas.

Sorry if these pictures are blurry. I reset my camera settings so future pictures should be better. That's what happens when Nathan gets ahold of the camera. He's way into staring at himself and watching his videos, so now when he sees the camera he pushes all sorts of buttons in hopes of getting a glimpse of himself. He's his number one fan. He likes looking at this blog more than anyone.