Grandad, the Storyteller

Grandad had a great idea to use the photo book we had given him to tell the boys the story of them becoming brothers.  He then talked to Carter about what it means to be a big brother and how "little" brothers can grow up to be BIG (just like he and his big brother, Mike).  

Long story short, be nice to your little brother now because someday, he could be bigger than you and pay you back for all the times you beat the crap out of him as a kid.  *Plus, that it's just not nice to hurt others. Good lesson!  Carter is just starting to realize this and let me tell you, it's been a painful reality for him.  Thank you for telling the story as only you can, Dad.   We love you!

After the story, it was time for presents!  The boys are loving their new Cars racetrack.  

Pool Time

We broke out the whale pool over the weekend to beat the 90+ degree heat we've been "enjoying" lately. If this keeps up, I may throw caution to the wind and take a dip in there myself. Desperate times call for desperate measures!

Lawrence!

I am very sad to say that I think I accidentally lost all my Lawrence photos (except for those that I already posted to Facebook). I tried to update the blog in KC, using Sean's netbook, and it was a disaster. I am going to keep trying... BUMMER!! Here is the post I started:

After driving all night, we rolled into Lawrence to visit Grandad & Grandma Nancy early Tuesday morning. We had a short two-night visit, but we got to take a walk downtown and eat dinner at a favorite local brewpub. On Wednesday, we drove to the Topeka Zoo and had fun seeing the animals up-close and personal. Aside from being in Jayhawk Country, we had a great time (as usual) and enjoyed a relaxed visit with Grandad. We are looking forward to having Dad and Nancy to our house for Thanksgiving in a few weeks!

Happy 4th of July!

We had a fun holiday weekend because Grandad & Grandma Nancy were in town visiting! We went to the park on Friday & Carter got to play in the fountains. Friday night we went out to a wonderful belated birthday dinner for Sean (thanks, Dad!) . On Saturday, Sean took Carter to see Toy Story 3 while Grandad & Grandma watched Davis. Sunday night I was cost-contained (to my surprise!), so we took the boys to see the big fireworks show after the soccer game. The rain made the fireworks a little difficult to enjoy, but it was fun nonetheless. Monday morning we all ate breakfast at Udi's before they headed back home. Thanks Grandad & Grandma Nancy for the Tigger & Pooh and for our new outfits! We love you!

The boys are modeling their Grand Ole' Opry t-shirts that Grandad & Grandma Nancy

brought them. They were very patriotic!

The boys with Grandad & Grandma Nancy

Davis checking out big brother's balloon (that didn't last long).

Getting kisses from Grandma Nancy

Sean and Davis getting ready to tear into the chocolate mousse cake.

family photo op before our yummy dinner

the boys posing with Grandma & Grandad

I hope you & your family were able to enjoy a happy 4th filled with fireworks, BBQ's, family & good all-American fun.

Grandad Surprise!

Since my birthday was on Monday, my dad decided to drive out over the weekend to see us & celebrate! Dad worked all day Friday, then drove all night to get here before I got off work Saturday morning. Saturday was spent with Dad & Sean both staying home to take care of the boys. Unfortunately, Davis was sick with a low-grade temp, vomiting, sneezing & coughing. Thankfully, he seems to be feeling better now, but he was pretty miserable over the weekend.
We had a wonderful birthday breakfast at Snooze on Sunday morning & then Dad stayed home with the boys so Sean could go to a VW car show. Dad was back on the road by Sunday afternoon. Thank you, Dad, for driving so far to spend just a day and a half with us. It made my birthday extra-special just having you here and the boys loved the attention from Grandad! We love you!!

Grandad pushing Carter "faster & faster" in the swing.

Davis enjoying the snuggle time with Grandad

Grandad & "Antsy"

Dad & Nancy drove into town on Friday morning to spend the weekend with us. The boys loved all the extra attention and we enjoyed a nice visit. I was lucky enough to get cost-contained on Friday night, so we went out to dinner & then to Bass Pro to look at all the animals on display (dead & alive). Afterwards, we put the boys to bed then watched a hilarious movie at home...it was low-key, but great.

Grandad & Grandma Nancy watched the boys on Saturday so Sean could go snowboarding. I was able to get a few things done & then get some rest before work. Thank you so much!

Carter said "Thank you so much for my Grandad!" Too bad he wouldn't smile for the picture.

Carter was calling Grandma Nancy "Antsy" & "Sweetie". Pretty funny!

Dad & I showing our support for K-State! I am a temporary KSU fan since Mizzou is out of the tournament.

Mickey Mouse Club

The boys wanted to model their matching Mickey Mouse shirts this morning! Grandad & Grandma Nancy brought them back from a seminar in California a couple of months ago. We just found out this week that Grandad is going to be leading a parenting workshop in Hong Kong!! Congratulations, Grandad! Wonder what kind of souvenirs they have in China?! ;-)

This is the look Carter gave me when I told him to make a "handsome face".

Jayhawk country

We stopped in Lawrence as we headed from St. Louis to Denver. It was great (as always) to spend the night at Grandad & Grandma Nancy's house. They take such good care of us & Carter loved playing with "Hip Hop Santa" and the oldie-but-goody Fisher Price toys. However, I had a case of the stomach flu, so I was not very good company and not a very happy traveler! Yuck! Needless to say, this is the only photo I took. Hopefully our next visit to Lawrence will be longer and less sick.

Grandad enjoying some quality "grandson time".

PS: I should mention that Davis was wearing a Mizzou hat right before this photo was taken...coincidence that it's missing from the shot? I think not! And yes, Dad (a Kansas State alum) is wearing a K-State shirt and lives a mile away from the KU campus.

Baptism

After a cancellation due to the snowstorm, the boys were baptised on December 27th in Kansas City. The ceremony was at the same church, performed by the same minister that married Sean & me four years ago today!

Pastor Steve with the expanded Beilman bunch. The white blanket around Davis was made by Sean's mom. It is just beautiful! Thank you, Grandma Pat!!

Our family and extended family...Sean's parents, my parents & grandpa Ted with Aunt Christy & Uncle Josh. Thank you EVERYONE for making the special trips and extra effort to share in this day with us. It means so much to have your love and support. We feel blessed to know our boys will be raised with abundant love and acceptance, gifts you have all given us. God is good!

The Beilmans, Milnes and Grandpa Ted.

Bonner Family Christmas

Dear Grandad & Grandma Nancy,
Thank you for my new Handy Manny tool bench! What a cool gift--I love it! I will try to take good care of it until baby brother is ready to play with it, too. Merry Christmas!

Love, Carter

Grandad & Grandma Nancy came to our house to meet Davis and celebrate an early Christmas with us over the weekend. We had a great visit! They are such over-qualified babysitters and treated Sean & me to a night out (their treat!) while they stayed home with the boys on Saturday night. It was wonderful! The boys enjoyed the special attention and Sean & I loved getting out of the house, sans children!

Dad, Carter, Nancy & me before Sean and I left for our night out.

Three generations: Dad, Carter & me

Grandad with Davis

Grandad with his two favorite Beilmans

Just the boys (I think this was taken while Sean was busy working on the addition to the dog kennel out back, but that's a whole other story...)

Can you tell these two are related?

Grandad comes to visit!

My dad & Nancy came to visit this past weekend. They brought us the materials for our dog run so Dad & Sean could get that going before the landscaper comes next month. Nancy watched Carter on Saturday so the guys could work outside. They did a great job & had the dog run finished by Sunday. It was a short visit, but we had fun and are SO GRATEFUL to Dad & Nancy for all the help! Thank you for everything!

Is this where Macey is going to live? Can't she just sleep in my room?
I'm not sure about this...

Grandad reading to Carter. Thanks for the new book!

Great story! Can we read it again?