Wee Kiwi

Treats from Abroad

2012-02-08T15:39:00.000-08:00

A HUGE THANKS to Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, AKA Sheila and Derek, for sending me this fun hat from New Zealand! It was such a great surprise! I love receiving parcels from abroad especially ones that are sent with love. Mum likes that it matches my red fleece vest. Thanks again, I will wear my beanie with pride!

Super Bowl XLVI

2012-02-08T11:31:00.000-08:00

SuperBowl Sunday was perfect! Blue skies and sunshine. Hard to believe it's February, at least in the Northern Hemisphere! We spent the morning getting ready for the party. Mommy called it "The NOT-SO-SUPER Bowl Party" since none of our teams were playing. But we had a party regardless, a good excuse to strike-up the grill, use our new fire pit and play some corn hole.

Jandals and short-sleeve jersey's, nice!

BBQ hot wings, rack of ribs and a split breast turkey, all on the grill. Daddy is the master!

Eli finds a seat near the fire.

Me, Wylie and Broden in the sandbox.

A true Giants fan, wearing an Eli Manning jersey. The Giants beat the Patriots 21-17, if anyone is interested.

Big Foot

2012-02-08T11:29:00.000-08:00

I thought mommy's shoes would be better for chasing the cat, you know, the bigger the better!

My Teddy "Richie"

2012-02-02T14:18:00.000-08:00

"Go All Blacks!"

(I always pump my fist and make a strong man arm when I say this)

Me and Richie wore matching shirts to school last week for the Teddy Bears Picnic. The teachers were so impressed that my Teddy has not only a first name but a last as well and that I always call him by both, "Richie McCaw." (daddy told me how to spell this)

After school, Richie and I climbed my favorite tree outside of the school building, "the monkey tree." Richie is a great climber for a teddy bear.

Uh, oh, Richie is falling. Help me mommy, catch Richie before he hits the ground, he can't afford to get injured. Mommy! Put down the camera and help me!!!

I saved him myself and I'm not happy that mommy didn't help me! Poor Richie.

Captain America

2012-02-02T14:15:00.000-08:00

A Second Christmas

2012-02-02T14:02:00.000-08:00

Grandma and Grandad Layton came over to spend some time with me before heading to Florida and they brought me presents, lots of presents, from Aunt Jadyn and Uncle Brian. It was like Christmas all over again! I got Captain America. He has a shield and he talks. I love him very much. Thanks Aunt Jadyn and Uncle Brian, you are both swell!

Sunday Breakie

2012-01-29T17:27:00.000-08:00

I love helping daddy prepare Sunday breakie. On the menu this morning, was scrambled eggs, biscuits and bacon, yum in the tum!

Surprise Package in the Mail

2012-01-28T14:35:00.000-08:00

I met this fellow when I was in Tampa. Ian let me play with him. I love when friends share toys. I had to say a tear-filled good-bye to him when we left Florida. Fortunately we left my shoes behind and Ms. Pam had to mail them back to me in N.C. and included my favorite toy in the package! I was super surprised and excited. Thanks so much to our dear friends the Sandifer family for hosting us and for your toy generousity!

Our Last Stop

2012-01-22T12:04:00.000-08:00

For the first time on our road trip we headed west instead of south, our final destination, Tampa, FL. We got to visit with our pals Pam, Brian, Ian and Ashley, in the land of televisions and technlology. Needless to say, I love their house!

Watching a movie from Pam and Brian's bed, plenty of room for us 3 kids.

We do go take breaks from all the technical gear to play outside.

Blueberry pancakes for dinner, yum! Ian is so silly, I love it!

We left Tampa at 5:00am Sunday morning and made it home in time for the Steelers game. 9 1/2 hour trip, but mom has to admit, I was a perfect traveler!

Chopsticks

2012-01-22T11:56:00.000-08:00

Sushi Night

2012-01-21T13:22:00.000-08:00

Nope, it's not Sora, even though everyone in the picture is from Brevard, NC. We met up at the hotel with Ryan, Perry, Broden and Eli and headed over to Haru Sushi, walking distance from our place. The saki bombs were a bit different than we were used too, but they did the trick. The staff decided to give us our own private little room. I guess they thought Broden and I looked like trouble. What would give them that idea? I just tell Broden how it is and how it's going to be, as you can see in the photo above.

Soccer Balls and Sandcastles

2012-01-21T13:15:00.000-08:00

Broden and his peeps came to see us at the Double Tree. We went back and forth between the pool and the beach, having tons of fun in both spots.

All done! Haha, this isn't exactly the sandcastle we created, but we don't have to tell anyone that.

Poolside

2012-01-21T12:47:00.000-08:00

It finally warmed-up enough for us to put on our togs and take a dip in the "heated" pool. At least, mum and I did, you know Daddy, total whimp. He was very happy to be in shorts though and just a few feet away from the poolside bar.

Hummmm...I think I'd like to go back to the "hot pool."

The "hot pool" was a bit more comfortable.

Long Walks on the Beach

2012-01-20T18:00:00.000-08:00

I guess I should really say "long RUNS on the beach!" I do love to chase those birds and they are so quick. Daddy and I walked back to the hotel from the park on the beach, 1.5 miles. Impressed?

Now, if it would just warm up enough for me to take off some layers and get in that water!

Swinging Daddy

2012-01-20T17:52:00.000-08:00

Sandy Man

2012-01-20T17:42:00.000-08:00

Once again I prove myself as a master Sand Man. I step onto that beach, immediately take my shoes off and throw myself into the sand, every bit of me.

Beach volleysoccer ball!

Making "roads".

Throwing sand at mom, she actually wasn't overlly excited about this, but she did snap a photo as I headed towards her with my arm cocked and my fist full.

A Few More Zoo Photos

2012-01-20T17:34:00.000-08:00

I got a bit ahead of myself, sorry. How could I foget to post these zoo photos? I really, really loved the Brevard Zoo! Giant Tortoise

Pretending to be a baby cheetah learning to climb. I spent quite a bit of time practicing my climbing.

Wallaby lounging in the sun. (it was a bit chilly out, poor guy, he is used to the Australian heat).

Rhone heading over for a good scratching from his trainer.

Me and Bro

Beachfront Playground

2012-01-19T15:58:00.000-08:00

We left the zoo and headed straight to our beachfront hotel, The Double Tree, in a small community called Indiatlantic in Melbourne, Florida (Brevard County). We really had a great view this time, overlooking the ocean, ahhhhhhh. There were several beachfront parks we visited in the cool mornings. The Whale Rider!

PLaying hide-n-seek with daddy, can you find him?

Climbing up the middle.

Animals at the Zoo

2012-01-19T15:52:00.000-08:00

Broden, Sadie, me and Orlando (Broden's cousins). Waiting for the zoo train.

Florida Flamingoes, of course!

Tapir above, anteater below, crazy noses everywhere!

The Brevard Zoo

2012-01-17T18:14:00.000-08:00

We left Savannah, GA at 5:30am and pulled into the parking lot of the Brevard Zoo at approximately 10:30am, pretty darn good time. I wish I could say this zoo was actually in Brevard, NC, but alas, it's in Brevard County, Florida. South again. I was very excited to go to the zoo, especially since my pals Broden, Perry and Eli were meeting us there. My Brevard pals at the Brevard Zoo, so funny!
Perry, Broden and Eli posing as sea creatures.

Of course I hit the ground running and didn't stop running!

The Best Western

2012-01-16T11:44:00.000-08:00

I have to say what I really liked about vacation was staying in the hotel. When we first walked into the Best Western, Savannah, GA, I exclaimed, "This is so cool." I was further impressed with the view from the third floor, exclaiming from the top of the steps outside our room, "Wow! Look at this view", which made mommy laugh. Apparently, she isn't overly impressed by streets and the backside of a wharehouse (although it must be noted that you could see the river and the big bridge).

I loved hanging out in our room being silly, jumping from bed to bed and of course (drum roll please), wathcing TV from the comfort of my bed! I think the excitement must have been too much for me because the first night I got sick, all over the bed, me and mom, an experience we hope to forget!

The Savannah Pirate House

2012-01-16T11:39:00.000-08:00

At first glance, the Pirate Place eatery, was just a small, old home, but once you entered it was an entire experience with all sorts of knooks-n-crannies, much bigger than one would ever expect. Needless to say, I loved it, and made out with some pretty cool pirate booty. Ahoy maties!

Daddy bought me this pirate pistol when mommy wasn't looking.

Historic Savannah Trolley Tour

2012-01-16T11:27:00.000-08:00

We booked the "On and Off" trolley tour in order to learn about Savannah, plus have the freedom to stop and look when we wanted and jump back on for a ride when we needed. We had two really neat guides and our goal was accomplished, we learned more than we knew to begin with, for sure! The fountain at Forsyth Park gives proof of how cold it actually was that day.
I wasn't super-excited about old churches and historic buildings and homes, so mum snapped a few photos as we walked on by. The architecture in Savannah was very unique and pretty, according to mommy.

This is the oldest cemetery in Savannah. If you look to the back of the photo you will see rows of old headstones that have been misplaced through the years and simply lined up against the wall for safe keeping.

This playground was just steps outside the entrance to the cemetery. Our guide told us it was the site of famous and not-so famous duels between folks who weren't exactly seeing eye-to-eye. The loser ended up next door in the cemetery and the winner acorss the street in the pub. It makes a nice play area now.

Oh no, I think I'm feeling sick, let's get out of here!

Savannah Riverfront

2012-01-16T11:20:00.000-08:00

We left Charleston and headed straight to Savannah, GA just two hours south and two minutes over the SC border. It is also a very historic port city but with a flair of it's own. Our hotel was about 100 yards from the riverfront area so we headed down there to stroll and to grab a bite to eat. Unfortunately, the temperature had dropped but we made the most of our time regardless. I took this picture of daddy next to the river.

We found an upstairs bar/restraunt called Tubbies that had heaters going, so we decided to dine al fresco. Interesting note, University of GA was playing that evening, which was cool since we were in GA.

I really, really wanted to go for a boat ride, but I was over-ruled. I did get to ride a trolley the next day though.

Playing pirate ship.

Charleston Completed

2012-01-12T13:39:00.000-08:00

Outside the Aquarium. The Cooper River Bridge is in the background.

See, it was a work related trip. We were doing research on other gelato shops in the area. This one was pretty good, great location. Of course daddy's gelato is way better!

Next stop....Savannah, GA.

More Aquarium Fun

2012-01-12T13:18:00.000-08:00

Captian Rion at the helm!

THis is a REAL alligator, I promise.

Kiwi is to New Zealand as ________________ is to the USA. A little test for ya.

Are these the craziest looking creatures or what? Apparently they LOVE to eat shrimp. You would have thought it was a jelly bean they way they jumped up to get that shrimp.

Feeding a Sting Ray

2012-01-11T14:37:00.000-08:00

The South Carolina Aquarium

2012-01-11T14:32:00.000-08:00

On Monday morning we headed to the SC Aquarium in downtown Charleston. Max and Anna have membership passes so they were able to get us in for Free! Score! The next few blog posts will highlight some special moments from our visit to the aquarium. Water Wall
Visiting the river otters and feeling a sample of otter fur.

Octopus Max

New Years 2012 Weekend Completed

2012-01-11T14:22:00.000-08:00

Cousin Jon smoked chicken wings in his big Green Egg. It took 45 minutes and they were delicious! All and all, our New Years weekend at the Grandins home in Charleston, SC was a great time! Love and Thanks to Jon, Ashley, Max and Anna!

New Years Day Continued Again

2012-01-11T14:16:00.000-08:00

We went to the park and climbed on the big dome and hung around the yard just being plain silly while daddy and Cousin Jon got dinner going on the Big Green Egg.

New Years Day Acitivities Continued

2012-01-11T13:51:00.000-08:00

We took full advantage of the sun on New Year's Day. We played with some of Max and Anna's cool toys and took a walk. Anna will be 3 in March, just a few months younger than me, but a tad taller.

New Years Day Trip to the Beach

2012-01-10T13:26:00.000-08:00

New Years Day was gorgeous! A perfect, sunny first day of 2012, so we loaded up the Grandin's big, old SUV and headed to Kiawah Island, about 20 minutes away. We collected shells, splashed in the water, played soccer, ran around in the sand and even found a horshoe crab shell. It was a great morning out. We didn't get to stay too long though because daddy and Cousin Jon wanted to get back to watch the last regular season football game, after all, New Years Day is all about football!

Cheers!

2012-01-09T14:11:00.000-08:00

Mom, Dad and I wish all our friends and family a very happy and prosperous New Year. We were lucky enough to ring in the new year with family, and pomengrate champagne, and are looking forward to making memories with you in 2012. CHEERS!

New Years Eve Party

2012-01-09T13:49:00.000-08:00

After we kids went to sleep, the adults sat down to a lovely meal prepared by Ashley; crab and shrimp stuffed puff pastry, topped with a lemon sauce with a side of steamed asparagus. Mommy told me she LOVED it! Jon and Ashley's neighbor Mary joined the festivities.

Midnight hugs and kisses.

The adults were hanging out outside on the outdoor patio for much of the evening, when not in front of the fire, or even inside for a small dance party.

Happy New Year

2012-01-09T05:11:00.000-08:00

Sparklers!

2012-01-09T04:59:00.000-08:00

Cousin Jon bought sparklers and fireworks to help ring in the new year. Fire is so cool!

Jon also started up a nice fire as it started to cool off when the sun went down. Max and I went around collecting pine cones to help keep the fire going.

Boys and their fire.

Anna and Ashley were inside holding down the fort and preparing New Year's Eve dinner.

New Years Eve Day

2012-01-09T04:37:00.000-08:00

The first stop on our winter vacation was to Charleston, SC, specifically John's Island. We headed straight to The Grandin's house to spend New Year's Eve with Jon, Ashley, Max and Anna. Cousin Max met me at the door with his New Year's hat on and ready to play. He showed me how to climb very high up into a tree.

Can you see Max? He is at the tippy top. I only made it to the first branch with mom's help.

He climbed all the way up and down without losing his NYE hat!

Playing pirates, awesome! A real sword too, not a pencil or a stick.

My new favorite toy, by far!

11 month old Coach, the dog, joins the New Year's festivities.

Christmas Dinner

2011-12-30T17:37:00.000-08:00

Christmas dinner was a group effort and was enjoyed in 5 courses (although, not everyone made it to dessert).

Uncle Jerry also come up from Charlotte for the holiday, but he wasn't feeling well, so we didn't get to hang-out too much. He did make it to the dinner table, luckily.

Daddy was in charge of the palate cleanser, a Lemon Sorbetto topped with Limoncello.

Mimi brought the beef tenderloin, but daddy was given the honor of carving.

Christmas with My Cousins

2011-12-30T17:32:00.000-08:00

Arawen is Super Silly with Silly Putty

The adults are eating, so we get to watch a movie.

Is that Santa, no, it's Asher!

Blow-Up Santa and Snowman

2011-12-30T17:29:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the simpliest, goofiest, cheapest gifts make for the most fun.

Christmas Presents for One and All

2011-12-30T17:22:00.000-08:00

Mimi shows off her new apron from the Coadwell's.

BATMAN!

Tennis anyone? A gift to daddy from Mimi.

Dinosaur slippers from Aunt Brandi.

The boys taking a break from unwrapping to shoot some pool.

Family Gathering at The Laytons

2011-12-30T17:14:00.000-08:00

Everyone assembled at Grandad and Grandma Layton's house at differing times during the day on Christmas. We opened presents for hours it seemed until dinner, which was a shared effort. Me and Aunt Chanley. She gave me a really fun pair of boots.
Uncle Chad and Asher made it up from Columbia later in the day.

Grandma and Mimi, aren't I a lucky little guy to have double to grandmother love?

Posing in front of the beautifully decorated mantle. This is our last Christmas in the house on the hill and it was a good one for sure.

Aunt Brandi and Grandad.

Christmas Morning at Last!

2011-12-30T12:49:00.000-08:00

I woke-up Christmas morning with some pretty major eye boogers but mom washed me up and I rallied, running out to the lounge to see what Santa had left. There were also presents from family in New Zealand. The Kiwi vs. Kangaroo chess game.
Harry MClary books, my favorite!

A Harry McClary magnet book, totally cool!

Mom gets Smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms from daddy, how romantic!

Daddy plays with the fire breathing dragon toy I got from Santa.

I also got a really warm winter coat from Grandma and Grandpa Coadwell and mom got some Silver Fern earrings. I love me new Peter Rabbit book, bowl, cup and plate too. I sure was spoiled!

Mom and Dad made chocolate chip waffles for breakfast and we topped it with a raspberry syrup, then I played with toys as mom and dad packed up the car to head up to Grandad and Grandma Layton's house to continue Christmas Day and have Christmas dinner.

Christmas Eve in Brevard

2011-12-30T12:42:00.000-08:00

Mom and I made it back to Brevard to celebrate Christmas Eve with daddy by 5:30pm. Daddy made a lovely dinner of scallops and fish in a mushroom cream sauce and afterwards we prepared for Santa's arrival. I left Santa some jellybeans and milk. I also left out some carrots and water for the reindeer.
Our gorgeous tree after Santa had visited. Mommy must have awakened when Santa landed on the roof and got this photo once he left.

Daddy talking to Grandma and Grandpa Coadwell in New Zealand on Christmas Day.

Christmas Eve dinner, reminds me of Lady and the Tramp (who is who is this photo?).

Christmas Eve Day 3

2011-12-30T12:35:00.000-08:00

Baelynn tries to give a hug, but I was a bit preoccupied with my new Slinky.
Adam and Lesa

Cousin Ben

Taking a break from the present opening to do a few laps on the stationary bike.

Some other guests at the party, Pam, Norman, Chanley, Lindsey and Lindsey's dad from California, Steve.

Christmas Eve Day 2

2011-12-30T12:27:00.000-08:00

Gabby's beautiful tree had lots of presents under it!

Star struck.

Cousin Ben helped me open this awesome dragon toy from Gabby and Papa Jack.

Aunt Brandi with her niece and nephew.

Me and mum just before leaving to head back to Brevard.

Christmas Eve Day 1

2011-12-29T09:23:00.000-08:00

Gabby and Papa Jack hosted a gathering on Christmas Eve day for all the cousins and such on Mimi's side of the family. It was a lovely warm day, the food was delicious and I got to open even more pressies, believe it or not! The host and hostess (Brenda and Jack).

Mom and Aunt Brandi.

The kids posing for a photo, kind of.

I wasn't family the photo shoot, in fact, I had started to feel kind of low again, so after opening presents, mom and I headed back to Brevard.

Lesa, Adam, Chanley, Lindsey, Ben, Brandi and Heather, my mum. The "Summey" cousins.

Christmas Eve Day with MiMi

2011-12-28T16:59:00.000-08:00

Thank-you kisses and cuddles for MiMi. She let me open the rest of my presents the morning of Christmas Eve before heading over to Gabby's house (Aunt Brenda to mom).

Awesome! An alien. I'm a big fan of the "bad guys."

Mommy and Mimi (notice mommy is wearing her new necklace from Grandma and Grandpa Coadwell that daddy brought home from New Zealand). I told her the necklace is "beautiful."

Me, Arawen and Mimi, a great trio!

A Wee Christmas Crisis

2011-12-28T13:42:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, my health was not 100% over the Christmas holiday. During the wee hours of the morning on Thursday I ran a temperature but was fine Friday morning and was happy to head to Mimi's house. I played and played most of the day but at night once again I had a fever. I was feeling low most of Saturday but rose to the occasion Saturday night and into Christmas day. I am currently on the mend, just dealing with runny nose and a wicked cough. The winter woes!

Pre-Christmas Present Exchange

2011-12-28T13:36:00.000-08:00

When I arrived at Mimi's house the Friday before Christmas, I was pleasantly suprised to find presents under her tree. She had pity on me and allowed me to open one present. Later on, Cousins Baelynn and Chandley came over and we indulged in more pre-Christmas present opening. Shut you mouth, said the big bad Iron Hand Man!
Here Baelynn, a present for you from me.

Baby Chandley has a present from me too. Giving is just as fun as getting.

Playing with our new toys.

Santa Claus is Coming...to my Bathtub?

2011-12-27T10:55:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to one and all! Happy Boxing Day to my peeps in NZ and England too. Rest assured that much fun and present-opening took place over the holiday and I have lots of photos to share, so be patient while I organize them in a timely fashion.

Christmas Cookies

2011-12-20T11:33:00.000-08:00

My pals Broden and Gus came over to my house for a christmas cookie making party. Broden brought the gingerbread dough and I supplied the sugar cookie dough. We played Christmas music and had a grand time making, and eating, holiday cookies.

First you have to roll out the dough.

Then you have to use the cookie cutters to cut-out the shapes.

Decorate, then bake, then cool, than eat (my favorite).

Annual Holiday Visit to the Grove Park Inn

2011-12-18T15:10:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year, time to attend the annual Gingerbread House Competition at the Grove Park Inn. Of course, there are many other attractions for a little guy like me and my friend Benjamin, like the cool Santa sleigh. Gidday-up Rudolph!

My Favorite Gingerbread Houses

2011-12-18T15:05:00.000-08:00

Sewing Machine Tepee

Hippy Van

King Kong

Camp Candy Cane

These are just a few of the fun gingerbread houses at the Grove Park Inn.

Jingle Bells

2011-12-18T14:59:00.000-08:00

Bradyn's Birthday Party

2011-12-18T14:54:00.000-08:00

My pal Bradyn is only 9 days younger than me, which contributes to us being such great pals. His daddy is a firefighter, which contributed to his having his birthday party of the firestation Sparky the Fire Dog visits during the party.

3 candles, just like my cake.

Having a Chat with Santa

2011-12-18T14:48:00.000-08:00

Waiting in Line to See Santa Claus

2011-12-18T14:46:00.000-08:00

I was all smiles as we waited our turn to talk to Santa, but Bradyn was feeling a bit nervous.

Santa Clause Is Coming to Town

2011-12-18T14:37:00.000-08:00

Luckily Santa Claus escaped capture by Spiderman and made it over to his favorite Brevard shop for me and my friends to visit.

When Santa asked what I wanted for Christmas I replied, "Toys." He asked if there were any specific toys and I said, "Lots of them."

Bradyn was too nervous to sit on Santas lap, so he stood to the side while I talked to Santa, then we got candy canes, the best part of the visit with Santa!

Group hug with friend Atlas, Odin and Bradyn after our visits with Santa.

A Christmas Parade

2011-12-14T14:05:00.000-08:00

The Annual Christmas parade took place in downtown Brevard on December 3rd. Grandad Layton come down and hung out with me so Dad and Mom could run the gelato shop given the increased downtown traffic. Chillin' with Frosty.
Gingerbread Boy catching ME!

A great spot to watch the parade, except I wanted to be on mommy's shoulders.

Kiwi Gelato's Christmas window painting.

Festival of Trees

2011-12-11T17:32:00.000-08:00

The Festival of Trees is always such a special treat and a wonderful holiday tradition for everyone in Brevard. The trees are all real and each one has theme. Visitors get to vote for their favorite tree.

The Dr. Seuss Tree

2011-12-11T17:27:00.000-08:00

Mom, Broden and I, liked the "Dr. Seuss Tree" the very best. It was incredibly creative and fun!

The Silvermont Mansion

2011-12-11T17:15:00.000-08:00

Mom, Mai and I made our annual visit to the Silvermont Mansion for the Festival of Trees. I was a bit more interested in the outdoor activities than the indoor trees and I was especially excited when several of my friends appeared.

Wrestle Mania with my pal "Brodders." AkA Broden

Library Peek-A-Boo: The Video

2011-12-11T17:11:00.000-08:00

Tinker Toys

2011-12-11T17:02:00.000-08:00

Thanks Grandma and Grandad Layton. I LOVE my new Tinker Toys. They have affored me, mommy and daddy hourse of fun.

Peek-A-Boo

2011-12-07T18:51:00.000-08:00

Playing Peek-A-Boo outside the Transylvania County Library on a cool December day.

Birthday Smiles

2011-12-05T18:39:00.000-08:00

Me and Sir Ed playing with my new Lego Motorcyle.

A Gelato Snack for the Whole Class

2011-12-05T18:33:00.000-08:00

Since my birthday fell on a Wednesday this year, I got to celebrate with my friends at school. Mom and I made special birthday muffins and then me and my class strolled up to Kiwi Gelato for a birthday treat. I love sitting next to my pal Luke in the big stroller. I was refusing to smile for the camera though.
Chocolate mouth.

Luke and Lilly loving the gelato.

The whole class marching over to the door to line-up.

Birthday Dinner Part 2

2011-12-05T18:29:00.000-08:00

3 candles on my S'mores Pizza.

Posing outside the restaurant. It was a very cold evening.

3rd Birthday Dinner

2011-12-05T18:17:00.000-08:00

We decided to venture out of Brevard for my birthday dinner since Mark from Marco's, whose birthday I share, wasn't going to be at his restruant anway. Daddy, Mom, Arawen and I met up with Grandma and Grandpa Layton at Brixx Pizza. Pizza is my favorite after all.
Grandpa helps me read the birthday card.

Opening presents. What could it be?

Awesome, Tinker Toys!

And a globe! Where is New Zealand?

Happy Birthday to Me!

2011-12-04T09:23:00.000-08:00

Video Games

2011-12-04T09:19:00.000-08:00

The bowling alley isn't only about bowling, it has a whole entire room dedicated to video games. Bradyn and I take a try at Mrs. Pac-Man.

Party Food

2011-12-04T09:12:00.000-08:00

Yum, my favorite, pizza!
We forget about the gelato when we served the cake, but mom remembered last minute so we put the candles into the gelato and sang "Happy Birthday" again.

Time for birthday cake, three candles please!

Some of my adult guests taking a bowling break to munch on chips-n-salsa and celery, carrots and hummus.

Cheri, Dad, Ryan, Kelley and Aunt Chanley.

Bowling Buddies

2011-12-04T09:11:00.000-08:00

Me and my dad.

Bowling Babes

2011-12-04T09:04:00.000-08:00

Broden and Bradyn hoping for a strike! Broden takes his time, aiming his ball.

Nora lets go and hopes for the best!

Bradyn throws the purple ball.

Go ball, go!

Bowling Party Part 1.

2011-12-04T08:58:00.000-08:00

For months I have been telling mom and dad I wanted my 3rd birthday party to be at the bowling alley, and luckily, they made it happen, but, we had to celebrate one day early, on Tuesday the 29th. This worked out fine, because I got another two small parties the following day on my actual birthday. Tuesday morning, mom and I my bowling ball cake to take to the bowling alley.
Aunt Chanley was the first guest to arrive. She gave me this awesome book.

Bradyn was the 2nd quest to arrive. He brought me a motorcycle Lego set, very fun!

Moving MiMi

2011-12-04T08:55:00.000-08:00

The Friday after Thanksgiving was full steam ahead. Mimi has sold the house, yeah (BIG SMILE). While everyone was busy packing and moving her from the big house to her new, cozy cottage up the hill, I was busy searching for worms and snails around her house.

Baelynn's Cool Car & Jeep

2011-12-04T08:47:00.000-08:00

Baelynn definitely had some of the coolest toys ever. I especially loved the Jeep and Convertible car that is made for little kids like me to drive, yep, drive, with a gas pedal and everything (even though they are battery powered). Cousin Ben chasing me.
Getting the hang of it.

Baelynn gets behind the wheel and takes me for a ride. She's the expert!

MiMi helps me get out of the pine needles.

FUN!

Driving

2011-12-04T08:42:00.000-08:00

Hopefully this is not a foreshadowing of what's to come once I get my drivers license!

More Thanksgiving Guests

2011-12-02T12:22:00.000-08:00

Ben, Norman, Mommy, Lesa and Lindsey- mom is wearing one of her New Zealand necklaces, looked great with her dress.
Aunt Brenda, AKA Gabby, and Lindsey

Turkey Day in Greenville

2011-12-02T12:11:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Day was a warm, sunny day! We headed over the mountain to Adam & Lesa's house in Greenville, were we met up with MiMi, Aunt Brandi, Chad and Asher, Uncle Norman, Aunt Brenda, Uncle Jack, Ben, Lindsey and Gwen. Food, fun, football and family, that's what Thanksgiving is all about!

Traditional corn hole game. Daddy might have been jet-lagged, but it didn't impair his game!

The hostess, Cousin Lesa, with Chandley Catherine.

Lesa made all the little kids these really cool Turkey T-shirts. We certainly are "little turkey's!"

Me and Baelynn.

COMING SOON

2011-11-30T13:25:00.000-08:00

So much to post, so little time. Please be patient, our blog is under construction. Upcoming posts include Thanksgiving, Bowling Party and my birthday pics. So happy daddy is home, miss everyone in New Zealand. Thanks for the great warm winter coat Grandma and Grandad Coadwell!

Hello Daddy

2011-11-28T18:10:00.000-08:00

Mom and I went for a walk in the woods last Tuesday, the day daddy was en route back to Brevard. As luck would have it, we had cell phone service and daddy called when he landed in San Francisco, that much closer to us. He has now been home 6 sleeps and I am VERY happy he is back!

One More Sleep

2011-11-22T07:20:00.000-08:00

One more sleep till Daddy gets home, well maybe a half sleep at this point, since he will be home at midnight tonight! I was in the bath last night and suddenly was overcome with fatigue. Mum wrapped me up in my towel and set me on my bed and I fell into a light sleep instantly, kind of like Sleeping Beauty, says mom anyway. I guess I was just so excited for daddy to home, I wanted to get to sleep ASAP so I could awake and he would be home, back in Brevard. But alas, I still have an entire day to wait, the longest day of my life!

Thanks Aunt Brandi & Uncle Chad

2011-11-15T10:45:00.000-08:00

I had a fun filled weekend in Charlotte and Aunt Brandi has all the photos to prove it! These photos are from Sunday evening upon return to Brevard. I am in love with my new dinosaur and new shark from the toy store in Charlotte, THANKS AUNT BRANDI and UNCLE CHAD! I arranged them very carefully on my bed, along with the puppy, so that they could read books with me and mommy.

My dinosaur is my new "snuggle bunny."

Teacher in training.

A Walk Downtown

2011-11-12T05:24:00.000-08:00

With Daddy gone, I'm hanging at the shop quite a bit with mom. On Thursday, I was enjoying a treat from the bakery with friend Mai and mom, when my class walked by the shop. Miss Mary Lee popped in and asked if I wanted to join them as they had a seat available, score! It was fun to see some of the Tues/Thurs. kids, as I am a Mon./Wed/Fri guy. They dropped me back off at the shop and mom got this photo. We were all screaming, "Gelato!" Thanks Miss Mary Lee, I'll miss seeing you (she is "retiring").

Feeling Country

2011-11-12T05:16:00.000-08:00

Halloween might be over, but dressing-up is never out of date. Today I was feeling like a cowboy, so I searched my treasure chest (where I keep my costumes) and found this vest and cowboy hat. The perfect outfit for feeding the horses!

P.S. The vest is authentic...real leather!

Cowboy Rion

2011-11-12T05:04:00.000-08:00

Sheriff Rion riding his wagon to the horses.

Howdy Horsie!

My Radio Flyer Red Wagon

2011-11-12T04:55:00.000-08:00

My friend Benjamin came over last Monday for a playdate. It was a gorgeous, warm fall day so we loaded-up into my red wagon and took a ride to feed the horses.

Good sharing and teamwork don't ya think?

(it happens every once in a while)

A Potluck for Daddy

2011-11-12T04:51:00.000-08:00

The Sunday before daddy left for NZ we had a potluck party in honor of his birthday. We had a great fire going, ribs on the grill, warm soup and S'mores roasted over the open fire. I didn't get too many photos that evening
but mom did catch this one of Broden and I playing with some sports cones we found down in the basement. I think Daddy had a great birthday celebration!

Boys in Red

2011-11-12T04:48:00.000-08:00

My pal Broden and I playing nicely in the sandbox, at least for now!

Take Me With You Daddy

2011-11-10T12:53:00.000-08:00

So, Daddy left for New Zealand yesterday, which is good for everyone in New Zealand but not for me! I thought I could convince daddy to take me with him. I put on my very best New Zealand outfit and donned my very sweetest smile, but alas, I was not allowed to go along.

Daddy, if you are out there listening, I really miss you and love you. I hope Grandma and Grandad, Denise, Hayden, Blair and Virginia are giving you lots of cuddles and kisses to make up for the ones you are not getting from me. I said to mommy today, "I would like Daddy to be home", followed by, "I would like to go to New Zealand." (pretty good sentence structure don't ya think?)

Showing Off My New Jumper

2011-11-10T12:41:00.000-08:00

Funny story about this jumper. I receieved it in the mail way back in August and the postmark on the parcel was from an Elaine in Pennsylvania, USA. There were some earrings included in the package and they were obvoiusly from NZ, but there was not note, nothing. Mommy and I were baffled and blamed daddy for not remembering this Elaine, who had obvoiusly been to NZ and was sending us a thank-you of sorts, probably a customer daddy had helped out with trip plans to NZ.

Well, several weeks later we got an email from Auntie Denise letting us know a parcel would be arriving and it was the jumper she had knit for me, mystery solved! I really like me new jumper, especially given winter weather on the way. Digging for worms, really breaking in my new jumper, straight to the dirt as usual.

I especially like the front pocket, it warms my fingers right up!

Thanks Auntie Denise, I am all smiles for my new jumper!

Thanks for the Memories Halloween 2011

2011-11-08T18:31:00.000-08:00

A belated ending to my Halloween adventures, sorry, but we got busy! After all the trick-or-treating, I was wisked away home to a nice warm bath and was promptly back into costume, this time as a firefighter. I do enjoy my dress up, as you have witnessed over the last few blog posts. I also enjoy Halloween candy:)

One more sleep till Daddy leaves for New Zealand. Hopefully I can go from master blogger to master SKYPER and see daddy and the Coadwell side of the family on the screen in the next couple of weeks!

Trick or Treat Already

2011-11-03T12:39:00.000-07:00

Other Halloween Images

2011-11-03T12:05:00.000-07:00

Running back to the car, I'd reached my limit of Halloween fun!
My pal Summer and her dad Jay.

Can I have something from your big cauldron please?

Gotta like this kids costume! Go Steelers! Go Big Ben!

Getting in line.

Hangin' with My Pals on Halloween

2011-11-02T14:01:00.000-07:00

The best part of Halloween of course, is playing with my friends. So many friends were out and about on Halloween night, the best treat ever!Leah handing out candy at her house.
Running into Greysen and her new friend. I didn't recognize her at first and kept my distance.

My fellow vampires and I take a break and check our pumpkins for the goods.

Wayah, the pirate, with his knife and me with my glow wand, made quite a ruckus.

My school pals, Luke and Booth, and Luke's big bro Noah, giving out candy at their house. I was very happy to see them!

Halloween Decor

2011-11-02T13:49:00.000-07:00

The streets were all lit up with Halloween decorations, it was so festive and fun, a tad spooky!

In Constant Motion

2011-11-02T13:45:00.000-07:00

So many houses, so little time. Run, run, run, run!

The Spookiest House on the Block

2011-11-02T13:17:00.000-07:00

These folks really know how to celebrate Halloween! It was by far the spookiest house on the block, and I didn't even flinch.