Iowa?!

So I know it's been a while since I blogged and I'm sorry about that but I have been traveling like a madwoman and sadly I don't have a ton of 'Graham news' to update you on because I haven't had to pleasure of spending as much time with him as I would like.
However, there is good news.  I've been away but it's because I've had amazing opportunities and what I'd consider to be life changing experiences.  I was asked by our Director of Conservation to attend ZACC which stands for Zoos and Aquariums Committing to Conservation....in Des Moines, Iowa.  Well, I was pretty stoked until I heard the location and then I lost some enthusiasm.  I have to admit that leading up to the conference I was not thrilled and considered it to be another thing I could just check off my 'to do' list.....bbbbuuutttt (there's always a big but) who knew it would take me coming to the heartland to have such an inspiring, network, brainstorming, motivating and life changing week?!
I feel like I could create an entire blog site just on what I learned and the partnerships and friendships formed over the last 5 days.  I would like to share my experiences with you but I honestly need a little time to absorb everything and debrief, gather my thoughts, organize my priorities and then share with you about the researchers I met, species I was introduced to and ideas of ways that I hope to make to help and even more, hope to inspire others to help too!  (yes, that's you!)

In the meantime, here's a cute pic of me and my new Bestie, Barnaby.  He's a 90 year old giant Aldabra tortoise.  About 400 lbs and such a big sweet ham!  He stole my heart.

 

 

I'm so excited to get home and teach Graham about the things I learned and take the next step in raising him to be a compassionate, environmentally conscious, little guy who genuinely loves the environment (he's already such a huge fan of animals and playing outside which makes me the most proud Mommy in the world).  I know that the inspiring speakers I heard this week had to be raised by and around people that didn't just sit and watch TV or play video games, but the kind that went out and planted trees and explored trails.  I've always thought this way but more than ever before, I challenge everyone to do this.  Grab a field guide and ID stuff in your area, recycle your trash (it's not that hard, I don't want to hear it!) and consider supporting a local environmental non-profit (that's how some of use have jobs...clears throat).  You might not change the world alone, but you might challenge others to act and that's a step in the right direction.  More soon...I don't want to overwhelm you!!  :) 



Flower Delivery and Floaties

This morning I was in the kitchen cleaning and Brandon was outside in the yard raking.  Graham wanted to go outside so I put on his shoes and sent him out.  It's so nice to live out here where there's no traffic and feel safe about him playing in the yard. He was out for about 15 minutes when I heard the doorbell ring, it took me a few seconds to get there so when I opened the door I didn't see anyone.  I peeked around the frame and saw Graham entering the garage.  I called his name and he turned and ran towards me at the front door with a handful of flowers.  He smiled big and handed me the flowers and said 'Here Mommy!!'  It was the sweetest moment ever.  I squealed and said 'Thank you, Baby! I love you' and he giggled and responded with 'Oh you're welcome, I love you!'   (insert heart melt here).   My mom taught his this trick about a year ago and every time he finds a flower (weed) in the yard he high tails it to find me.  I just love that boy.

Yesterday afternoon when I got off work I couldn't get home fast enough to pick him up from school and get him home and in the pool.  We swam for a bit, in his floaties doing AMAZING with his kicks (see video above for proof).  Then he came over and plopped down in the lounge chair next to mine and just sighed really deep and closed his eyes.  Tough life he's got.  :)

Graham and his whale

So the other day Graham and I went to (the dreaded) WalMart in search of a kids fishing pole.  I was more disappointed than him to find that...well, we couldn't find one.  So instead we left with this......

 

Graham drags him in/out of the house and into his room at night.  He loves his whale and it makes me so proud.  :)

My Little Explorer

Sometimes on our way home from school or other errands Graham reminds me that we live next door to a super fun park that he enjoys playing at.  Unlike most kids, he doesn't like to spend much time on the swings or slides but opts for the basketball court (Brandon loves this) or takes off into the woods to explore (I love this).  Above are a few pics from one of these adventures. He always says 'Lets go find the animals!'

We've been swimming a lot this summer in between working on projects around the house.  It's always a nice break to stop and just jump in the pool and play for a bit.  Graham is doing great learning to swim and we have switched from a lifejacket to water wings to help with this process.

As you probably know, my email was hacked.  I apologize for the inconvenience.  This had never happened before and I was always so proud that it hadn't happened to me before.  :(

 

 

Fathers Day was nice.  Brandon got to play golf with his buddies and Graham and I spent the day playing, grocery shopping and making steaks and strawberry pie.  I got to chat with my sweet Dad and Brandon spoke with his dad as well.  It was all that a Sunday is supposed to be.

 



Bill and Little Bill

Graham's Grammy (Brandon's step mother, Pat) was able to find Graham's favorite buddy, Bill a little friend.  We always joke (and have nightmares) about losing Bill or Bill falling apart and how that would be the worst thing.  EVER.  So when 'Baby Bill' or 'Little Bill' showed up on our doorstep, Graham was happy, excited, confused and instantly in love.  I wasn't sure what I thought would happen but I do know what has happened...we went from one companion, to two.  He carries both Bills around on a regular basis.  Occasionally, G can be spotted with only Bill in tow, but in many cases it's both.
It's so funny to see 'new/baby/little Bill' and how fluffy, soft and well...yellow he is. 
Thanks Grammy!!

Bathroom remodel is underway...busting out walls and putting up new drywall to be painted.  New fixtures and cabinetry (LOVE IKEA).  Before and after pics on the way!  :)

We Found Meemo (Nemo)

Perfect moment captured by Daddy.  Getting G to smile for the camera is a rare occurrence and should be celebrated!  :)

Well after years of anticipation, Graham has finally decided it's time to love Nemo...and I couldn't be happier.  I had tried on multiple occasions but he would say 'No No Nemo' and run from the room.  I think the bright colors and characters was too much for him but the other day he pulled the DVD from the drawer and asked to watch it.  I sat and held him through the "scary parts" such as when Bruce the shark is chasing Marlin and Dory and before it was over Nemo had a new member in his fan club.  He's watched it twice since then and already has his favorite parts and characters.  It's so sweet to see him love Finding Nemo because I knew he would once he gave it a chance.  Now when we put on his swim diapers he gets SO excited to look down and see Nemo. He yells "LOOK, I FOUND HIM....I FOUND MEEMO!!"  Funniest.  Thing.  Ever.

I just completed another Triathlon and had my favorite little supporter there to cheer me on.  It was another huge accomplishment for me and I love crossing the finish line and seeing there smiling.  I finished in 12 1/2 minutes less than last years race which was a huge accomplishment for me.  I really enjoyed the run and made up great time there but need to practice on my bike before my next big race.

 

 

Looking forward to spending tomorrow and Sunday with my dude.  He will have time with his MawMaw on Saturday while I volunteer for a Surfers for Autism event during the day.  Have a great weekend everyone!

Every weekend should be 3 days...

Memorial Day was a nice day filled with good friends, getting water logged in the pool and eating way too much food!  It was great.  Having a pool has been such a wonderful addition and brought countless hours of fun for so many people.

I had to work all weekend but still managed to make it fun, since I was out in the Mosquito Lagoon with a team of wonderful people working to save the world one oyster at a time.  :)  My busy season is starting up at work just in time for Brandon to be home with Graham.  I will still have my Mommy/Dude days that I dedicate just to him but it won't be only Tuesday each week for a few months.

So since I know you all are so curious, I have to tell you that Friday (Graham's first day with new teacher/new class) went GREAT!!!!!  I dropped him off and stayed for about 15 minutes to show him Winsten, the class hamster and the beta fish in a bowl attached to the wall.  Graham loves animals so that was his highlight of the day.  Although he doesn't like to play with his classmates much, if at all...he seemed comforted that it was familiar faces that moved up with him to the new class.  His new teacher, Ms. Alicia is absolutely wonderful and already knew and loved Graham.  (She was close with G's previous teacher that we liked so much so she already knew some of his 'quirky needs' and rather than making them a negative, she has embraced him as he is which is what he needs).  When I left he stood there and frowned, but waved and said 'bye Mommy...bye.'  It was sad and sweet and promising all at the same time.  On one side it killed me not to see him freak out when I left, because that all I've ever known but on the other side I loved seeing him comfortable and at peace with me leaving.
When Brandon picked him up she said he had a great day and all went well.  (deep sigh of relief)  Ms. Alicia is known for her students learning to use the potty so we hope between at home practice and school practice, we can get this potty training thing taken care of!  I'll be so glad when I buy his last box of diapers (and sad because my baby is growing up!)

I hope you all had a nice long weekend and got to relax with friends, family and think about this great country that we live in and how some people are so selfless that they have given their lives so we can live.  We are so blessed.  Way more than we deserve.