What a Difference Two Years Makes

                                                       

Trains and Tractors, Oh My!

This past Sunday Papa John and Nonnie took Joseph, Youssou and I to see tractors, ride trains, and visit with farm animals.  Joseph saw horses, bunnies, birds, goats, sheep, snakes, cats, and a dragon lizard!  Thanks to the chilly temperatures, we had the farm to ourselves.  As evidenced in the pictures above, we had a blast! Thanks Papa John and Nonnie!

October 2009

Joseph dressed up as a Fire Fighter for Halloween. Nama found the outfit for him and Papa John made the ax.

This is Joseph's first time trick-or-treating.  He was elated to discover that people would give him candy!

Joe participated in the village Halloween parade. Good thing Baba was there to carry him.

At the parade, Joseph got to see a real fire truck up close.  Unfortunately, it scared him, as did the mob of people.

Ah- much better.  Not so many people, and a warm apple cider for Joe's tummy.

To celebrate Columbus Day, Joe and I met up with Jenny and Jack at the Shedd Aquarium.  Apparently, half of Chicago had the same idea- so the line outside was quite long.  Here is Joe waiting while I stand in line.

Once inside the aquarium, Joseph loved the fish.  Here he is in the Amazon Rising exhibit.  Ten years ago when I worked at the Aquarium I did research for this exhibit, some of which was used in the displays.  How cool to see some of that now!

Jack and Joe contemplate a star fish

Joe and Jack measure up to the penguins

Joseph wants to join the sea otters.  He's looking for a way to get inside the tank.

Joseph got a new bunny- Peter Rabbit.  Now his favorite blue bunny has a friend.

Getting Ready for Halloween

Joseph walked around the whole evening with this bucket on his head.  He thought it was funny, and kept running to the mirror in the hall to look at his reflection.  What a ham!

Last weekend we went to an Apple Orchard

The apple trees were the perfect height for Joseph-

who did a great job selecting apples for our bag

Joseph and Nama watching the tractor go by

Mama and Joe on a tractor ride!

Quentessential Fall Picture- Joe on a Haystack

A really high haystack- Joe felt like a king!

Joe pauses to wave to me while running through a hay maze

Joe bursting through the end of the scary, dark corn tunnel

Is it a lolipop or a microphone?

Clearly, a microphone...

Joseph was fascinated by this bee hive. 

Mandinka Princess Judy would be proud!

Here Joseph poses with "Joseph"- an art project from his preschool

Joseph seems very excited for Halloween this year.  Everywhere we see Halloween decorations Joseph shouts out:  "Look!  It's Halloween!"  He seems to understand that he can pick a costume this year.  He is taking this decision very seriously.  One evening this week I walked in the family room to find Joseph curled up on the couch, intently studying the kids costums in the Pottery Barn Kids catalogue with a furrowed brow.  Everyday he changes his mind about what to be.  So far, he has decided upon: a fireman, a fire truck, a shark, a banana, a puppy dog, and Lightening McQueen the Race Car.  I hope to avoid popular cartoon characters this year- so I am not voting for Lightening McQueen.  Nama has found Joseph some fireman boots and a jacket- so that may be the winner...

Here is another funny thing about Halloween.  When you ask Joseph what comes after Halloween- he says "CHRISTMAS!"  And the most exciting part about Christmas for Joseph is not presents, but rather "Baby Choo Choo".  Baby Choo Choo, as Joe calls it, is an ornament for the Christmas tree.  It's a small box that, when opened, reveals a tiny train going around and around on a track to the turn of Silent Night.  Joseph absolutely loves Baby Choo Choo and cannot wait until we pull out the Christmas decorations.  He has been asking about Baby Choo Choo since July.

One more October story:

Last week Joseph went on a field trip with his preschool.  While ridding on the bus, Joseph's teacher pointed out a large truck passing by the bus.  It was the kind of truck that carries cars stacked up on it's trailer.  When Ms. Tiffany said "Look at the truck Joseph" he replied to her by saying; "That is not a truck Ms. Tiffany.  That's a transporter!"  She thought it was so funny that she told us the story.  What a kid!  He's only 2 and he's already correcting his teacher.