Hands off??

Grayson's first "Harley" ride

(a picture note...our SD card is being difficult, hence the odd direction of the portrait-shaped photos)

I am becoming more and more amazed each day at how grown up Grayson is becoming. I have become so used to having to provide for and do so many things for him that it is almost second nature. However, the tables are turning, as he is trying and wanting to do everything on his own. It is a huge burden on my patience level, but as I am working to step back, I am seeing just how capable a 2 3/4 year old can be! I also have seen tons of things I need to get on video lately; if not a blackmail item for a future interest, they are definitely things that I want to always keep close to my heart. Some of the highlights...

We were walking through Target last week when Grayson saw a pig sculpture. Suddenly, he recited the entire "Little pig, little pig" part of The 3 Pigs, voices and all, through the house blowing down section. I am totally impressed by his memory - and I'm curious if this is a part of all kids this age, before their brains prune the neurons in their heads?? I wish I had an iota of his memory at this point, though in my defense I have to say that I probably have more things I'm expected to remember versus he :)

He is developing a specific taste in music. He particularly loves any Jason Mraz song, and it is with pride I can say that he is able to sing all of "I'm Yours" mostly in key. He's also a fan of Duffy.

Last summer we took swimming lessons at MCC with Ron, Sara, and Jackson, and we are seeing the results this year. Our child is fearless in the water; we went swimming at Lifetime today, and he insisted on jumping again and again into the pool without my arms there to catch him (of course, I hovered, and he was wearing his life jacket/shirt. He also is truly mastering the art of his doggie paddle!

Our little shark at the Fishing Opener Celebration

last Friday - free food and fun!

As always, he was captivated by the music at the opener celebration.

OK, that's enough storytelling for now. Life, in a quick update, is full. We are prepping for a large-scale pack up of a large part of my media center at school, as we are getting a new HVAC system this summer. Stress! I'm not sure how I'll get it all done in time, but I have no choice...Russ is prepping the club for summer and finding new challenges every day at work. Also, he and a large set of family and friends are going to raise the walls on the cabin this weekend - let's hope the weather holds up! My parents are busily preparing the house (it looks so different!) for Mom's arrival home on the 30th - it's an amazing experience, and she is incredible! We are very fortunate for all the good, though, and feel blessed.