Piazza di Davis

Me and My Boys!

2010-11-20T10:06:00.000-06:00

Mom headed out for a haircut so the boys and I are just lounging around in our PJs on a lazy Saturday morning. Good times!

More Grayson Pictures

2010-11-05T14:32:00.000-06:00

I had to include a couple of pictures from Grayson's first week. See below...

He has a dimple!

Halloween - Everett-style

2010-11-05T14:23:00.000-06:00

Here are a couple of pictures from Halloween night. A little pumpkin and a dragon! Everett went trick-or-treating with Dad while Grayson and Mom hung out at home.

Everett had a fun Halloween party at school as well. Here's a picture of our little dragon and his classmates at the party. Please note that Everett has started a new trend of wearing your costume open. It's what all of the cool kids are doing.

Grayson Is Here!

2010-11-05T14:04:00.000-06:00

As many of you know, I was on bed rest for two weeks, up until Tuesday, October 26, 2010. My amniotic fluid was low so they decided it was time for Baby Boy Davis to arrive. Randy and I went to Menorah Medical Center Tuesday afternoon (Oct. 26) to have a baby.

GRAYSON HAUNER DAVIS was born on October 27, 2010 at 3:55 AM. He was 8 pounds and 2 ounces and was 20 inches long. He is perfect! Here are some first pictures of him.

His birth was very similar to Everett's birth, they were both born around 4 am and both occurred without complications. We are very lucky!

Welcome Grayson!!

Bed Rest and a Marathon

2010-10-24T12:34:00.000-06:00

Almost 2 weeks ago I was placed on bed rest by my OB because my amniotic fluid level was too low. Luckily, she said that I could work at home (on my computer, on the couch). However, I can only get up from the couch to go to the bathroom and take one (very quick) shower a day. Randy has been a wonderful husband and father, taking care of both me and Everett while I've been down. If the baby does not arrive by Nov.2, I will be induced on that date, so stay tuned! (By the way, a subsequent sonogram showed that the bed rest is helping, as my fluid levels have increased.)

Randy has been training for his first marathon (yes, 26.2 miles) for several months now. Luckily, he did not have to cancel running the Kansas City marathon because I was on bed rest. My parents came down for the weekend to help out and take care of Everett and me while he was busy running the marathon, along with brother-in-law Scott. Randy did an awesome job on the marathon, completing it in just barely over 4 hours. Congratulations, Randy!

Thank you Grandpa and Grandma Hauner for helping us out!

Pumpkin Patch Fun

2010-10-24T12:05:00.000-06:00

Everett was invited to a birthday party several weeks ago at a pumpkin patch. They had lots of fun rides and things to do. Everett's favorites were playing with the diggers and trucks in the back of a wagon full of corn and swinging on the horse tire swings, as you will see in the pictures. I witnessed a probably (hopefully) common toddler/preschooler behavior while we were there. When Everett could not get the digger to put the corn in the dump truck, he took out his frustration (and to show the digger and corn who was the boss), by biting not only the digger bucket but also by putting a handful of corn in his mouth, which he promptly spit out (yuk!). Take that digger and corn!

Everett was one tired boy after the party!

We had another fun weekend at the Louisburg Cider Festival. The cider mill has lots of fall full things to do (pumpkin patch, horseback riding, bouncey houses, etc.) and good food to eat (cider doughnuts and apple cider, of course!) Everett got his first pony ride while we were there!

Santa Caligon Days - A Carnival

2010-10-24T11:35:00.000-06:00

Over Labor Day weekend, we went to Santa Caligon Days in Independence, MO. They have a large craft fair and a carnival, full of carnival rides for Everett! Here's a few pictures of the rides Everett got to ride on.

No trip to a carnival is complete without kettle corn!

Deanna Rose Farmstead

2010-10-24T10:30:00.000-06:00

We only made it to Deanna Rose Farmstead once this year. For those of you that do not know what Deanna Rose is, it is a "farm" for kiddos that has goats that you can feed, playground equipment to play on and tractors to drive (plus a lot of other very fun little boy things)!

Touch-A-Truck

2010-10-24T10:06:00.000-06:00

This year we went to two Touch-A-Truck events - one held by the City of Overland Park (indoor) and one a couple of weeks ago held outside by Blue Valley Parks and Rec. Everett loves these shows, as he gets to get inside the various trucks (police trucks, fire trucks, garbage trucks, combines, SWAT trucks and etc.) and also gets to honk the horns and push buttons in some cases! Here are some pictures of Everett driving the trucks at these events. I should also note that while I was waiting in line, the siren on one of the police vehicles went off (indoors) and it was VERY loud. You'll never guess who set that very loud siren off!

Summer Recap - Triathalon!

2010-10-24T09:31:00.000-06:00

On August 27, 2010, Randy ran his first outdoor Triathalon. It was a Sprint Triathalon - 400 meter swim, 12 mile bike ride followed by a 3.1 mile run. It was a hot and humid August morning, but Randy did fantastic! He did it along with Scott and Tracy. See pictures below:

The Colorado Vacation - The Finale

2010-07-20T19:35:00.000-06:00

On day 5, we sadly parted ways with the Kings. As they headed home, we made our way to Denver for a few more activities. We visited the aquarium and saw all kinds of aquatic wildlife. We even got to touch a ray!

We stayed near the 16th Street Mall in downtown Denver. At the last minute, we decided to take in a Colorado Rockies game. We rode the bus down the mall...

Then we walked to the ballpark where we enjoyed a good baseball game...

...and E enjoyed his first taste of cotton candy!

Our trip concluded with a quality visit with Mary's long-time friend Julie. Julie, a current resident of Ghana (Africa), just-so-happened to be visiting family in Denver. Julie is doing well and we had a wonderful visit. We couldn't have calculated a better ending to our wonderful Colorado trip!

The Colorado Vacation - Part V

2010-07-20T19:17:00.000-06:00

Day 4 of our trip was perhaps the highlight for my train-loving little boy. We rode an authentic narrow-gauge steam engine from Silver Plume to Georgetown. The train ride was absolutely awesome including big black puffs of smoke and a fine shower of mist from the steam engine's spout. Everett was almost speechless...almost.

The Colorado Vacation - Part IV

2010-07-20T19:09:00.000-06:00

Day 3 of the Colorado trip was a little more strenuous. Scott and I got up early and headed to the base of Gray's and Torrey's Peaks. In 2005, Scott and I summited our first 14,000-foot peak at Mount Bierstadt. That 2005 hike was pretty tough for a couple of unprepared flat-landers and we paid the price.

This time, Scott and I were both in better physical condition and we were a little more prepared. As a result, we knocked out the 9 mile hike in 5 hours that were down right enjoyable. We made it to the top of the Gray's Peak (14,270) and Torrey's Peak (14,267), took in the awe-inspiring views, snapped a few photos, and blazed back down the hill. Now, I can't wait to do it again.

The Colorado Vacation - Part III

2010-07-20T18:50:00.000-06:00

Our families chipped in and rented an awesome mountain home in Breckenridge. The mountain house was complete with a hot tub, huge deck, and a wonderful view of the Breckenridge ski slopes. However, it was getting late in the day when we finally pulled into our mountain retreat. The boys, freshly coated with salsa, milk, honey (from the sopapillas), and other gross little boy detritis were nearing bedtime and ready for a wash down. So, we tossed all three in a tub and sat back eagerly awaiting some quality entertainment that only parents can appreciate. The boys had a fun time splashing and hollering and I think the parents got just as wet as the boys.

The next day, we all rode the gondola to the top of Peak 8 on the Breckenridge ski slopes.

Once at the top of the gondola, E and I jumped on the ski lift and went a little further up the hill so we could ride the Super Alpine Slide. The slide was awesome and E yelled "Yeeeehaw, faster daddy!" all the way down.

The Colorado Vacation - Part II

2010-07-20T18:32:00.000-06:00

Our next stop on the CO trip was Casa Bonita in Denver. Apparently, a trip to CO just isn't a trip without a stop at Casa Bonita. We met the Kings in the Casa Bonita parking lot...the boys were happy to see each other:

We all chowed down on some grub and explored the indoor caves, rides, and waterfall. The boys also did a little mountain climbing while in Casa Bonita...

Casa Bonita was pretty cool but I was ready to head to the real mountains...

The Colorado Vacation - Part I

2010-07-20T18:30:00.000-06:00

Immediately after the 4th of July, we took a trip to Colorado to cool off from the sweltering Kansas City heat. Denver has the coolest childern's museum we've found. So, of course, we had to make a stop to check it out. E really enjoys playing with their extensive train collection. He and I built a really cool train track that spanned two train tables. The other kids were pretty impressed.

We also painted some cool pictures in the art gallery!

Happy Independence Day!

2010-07-20T18:27:00.001-06:00

Mary, E, and I had a small Independence Day celebration in the comfort of our back yard. E whetted his firework appetite with a few sparklers, throw-down snap-pops, and parachutes.

Everett in the Rain

2010-07-04T09:05:00.000-06:00

We got a sudden burst of rain yesterday while we were playing the in the sandbox. At first, I scooped up E and ran inside. Then, we decided it would be fun to shuck our shirts and run around in the rain.

E and I were having a great time...then the neighbor kids joined in and it became a full-on party. Summer is the greatest!

Happy Independence Day!

2010-07-04T08:25:00.000-06:00

E had a fun party at school to commemorate our country's independence. All the kids marched around in fun hats and big, happy smiles. Here, E and his good buddy Gavin lead his classroom out to join the march.

Snack time followed the march! The teachers passed out plain ol' sugar cookies, followed by a dollup of icing, and finally sprinkles. The kids were supposed to decorate their cookies with the icing and sprinkles; however, E simply couldn't wait. He was the first kid to down the cookie! Next, he went mono y mono with the icing and, of course, won convincingly. Gavin, on the other hand, waited patiently to eat his cookie. Like a good buddy, when Gavin saw that E was fresh out of snack, he generously offered up some of his sprinkles by sticking them on the end of his finger and rubbing them on E's cheeks. Mary and I had a hearty laugh along with Gavin's parents. Peas in a pod.

Super Lincoln is 4!

2010-07-04T08:06:00.000-06:00

Last Sunday Lincoln celebrated his fourth birthday with a big bash. Lincoln invited E and a bunch of his other buddies over for a cool party. We had a great time eating cupcakes, playing trains, and generally being crazy boys!

Everett the Cyclist

2010-07-04T07:59:00.000-06:00

We've been blessed with the greatest neighbors that all have childern older than E. As a result, we often get cool hand-me-downs...like this awesome, brand new bike! I did a little tunin' and tweakin' then convinced E to give it a go. He was hesitant at first but soon figured it out. Getting E on a bike is pretty important and special to me as it is with any father. Many of my most fond childhood memories include my bikes. Seeing E cranking his little legs made my excitement explode with thoughts of the rides we'll share in the future.

Everett's News

2010-06-24T19:41:00.000-06:00

Everett wanted to let you all know that he's going to be a big brother! See pictures of his sibling below:

If you can read the one above, yes, it is going to be a little brother! My due date is somewhere around November 2nd (so I'm at 20 weeks right now).

I think Everett will be a great big brother. He has finally gotten over his jealousy of me holding other little ones and he really likes to point out "cute little babies"!

We'll keep you all updated!

Three little monkies jumping on a bed...

2010-06-19T20:55:00.000-06:00

Apparently, the cool little boy thing to do is to run amok whilst screaming at the top of your lungs, jumping on various pieces of furniture, and generally driving parents batty. E, Linc, and Guy illustrated this behavior after we drained the Hummer's batteries and retreated indoors. Here, I caught three little monkies jumping on E's bed...

The after-party party...

2010-06-19T20:47:00.000-06:00

Cousins Lincoln and Guy hung around after our guests departed to squeeze in a little more fun. Here, E and Lincoln are cattin' around in Everett's new Hummer. Lincoln, as it turns out, is quite the driver and both boys had a great time running over my flowers and ramming into my truck.

Fortunately for Mary and me, Lincoln and Guy's parents stuck around to lend a hand with the party aftermath (thank you Scott and Linda!). Paybacks are coming soon as Lincoln is hosting his birthday bash next weekend! We can't wait!

Birthday Party!

2010-06-19T20:35:00.000-06:00

Craming a dozen toddlers and their accompanying support staff (parents) into our home was a challenge but well worth it. We had a great time. The most chaotic moment was gift opening...

And then there was play time...

And, finally, outside time...

Party, Party, Party!

2010-06-19T20:08:00.000-06:00

We hosted an awesome birthday party for E today. We invited his closest of friends, chowed down on some cupcakes, and ran through the sprinklers. Here are E's friends singing happy birthday!

More BRAN - 2010

2010-06-15T07:25:00.000-06:00

More BRAN photos located HERE, courtesy Scott King.

He's 3!

2010-06-15T07:08:00.005-06:00

Our little boy just had a birthday. He's now a ripe old three years of age!

Here he is climbing into his new Hummer! He loves it! He really enjoys stopping and checking the wheels and looking under the hood periodically to make sure everything's okay.

BRAN - 2010

2010-06-15T06:25:00.006-06:00

While I was riding my bike and sleeping in the rain, Mary and E spent time with the King and Hauner families in Loup City and Lincoln, respectively. Apparently, they went to the Lincoln zoo:

Rode a catepiller:

Rode a train at the zoo:

And had a birthday party at Grandpa and Grandma Hauner's:

BRAN - 2010

2010-06-15T06:16:00.005-06:00

We took a couple of days off and headed to central Nebraska so I could participate in the Bike Ride Across Nebraska (BRAN). I had a great time and logged 265 miles in four days. I had some great riding partners who made the ride fun and challenging.

(From left are Mike (my brother-in-law's father), Tracy (my brother-in-law's brother), Scott (my brother-in-law), Kyle (friend), me, Aaron (my brother-in-law's cousin))

A Day Out with Thomas!

2010-06-15T06:00:00.007-06:00

Last weekend, we spent a day out with Thomas the Train. E is a huge Thomas fan and we all had a great time playing with new trains and train tables. But the most fun was our ride on Thomas the Train!

Summer time fun!

2010-06-14T20:51:00.003-06:00

E has decided that he enjoys being sprayed with the water hose. Last year, he would scream and run to mommy if I hosed him down. This year he begs to be sprayed every time we go outside and usually I fulfil his request.

Sick Day

2010-06-02T14:04:00.003-06:00

E got a mad case of the pukey-poos beginning early Sunday morning. He's yet to fully recover and hasn't been to school this week so far. Mom served sick duty yesterday and today was my turn. E has been very lethargic as illustrated below. Hopefully, he'll be better soon!

Jiggle Jam

2010-05-30T13:23:00.002-06:00

We attended Jiggle Jam along with the King Clan on Saturday, May 29. Jiggle Jam was pretty cool and we always have fun hanging out with Lincoln and Guy. The highlight of the day was running through the Crown Center fountains. As you can see here, E was a bona fide crazy-man.

Mommy's Home!!!

2010-05-30T13:14:00.001-06:00

When I arrive home from work, I usually get a simple "hi dad," which is cool. Mommy, however, gets this:

The Big Race

2010-05-30T13:05:00.002-06:00

In April, Everett participated in his first foot race. He signed up for the race along with his cousins Lincoln (a seasoned racing vet) and Guy (also a race newbie). It was all fun and games until race time. Everett and Lincoln lined up...the gun went off...and off went Lincoln. In a typical toddler-like, unexpected move, Everett was no longer interested in running a race.

He was, however, very interested in entertaining a group of high school cheerleaders seen in the background of this photo. I've never been so proud.

Pre-Easter Tune-up

2010-05-30T12:47:00.002-06:00

We attended the Leawood Easter Egg Hunt near the end of March. We arrived about 20 minutes early and holding E out of the hunting zone was like wrestling a hungry bear cub.

Classroom Activities

2010-05-30T12:40:00.003-06:00

While attending E's Valentine's party, we were treated to some circle dancing time, which is apparently part of their every-day activities. In this little clip, E's is stomping around soldier-style with an unexpected gratuitous flop at the end. If he was aiming for humor, he nailed it. I was laughing too hard to continue filming.

Valentine's Day!

2010-05-30T12:25:00.003-06:00

Everett's class had a little Valentine's Day party in which all the kids exchanged candies and cards. This offered a rare opportunity for us to see Everett interact with his friends that we frequently discuss at the nightly dinner table.

Here is Everett and the infamous Gavin:

Mary and I have deduced that this little boy is E's best friend; Everett simply can't discuss school without mentioning Gavin. We have also decided that all of E's bad habits somehow originate at school and likely are learned from other little ornery boys in his class. We'd prefer to not know the truth.

Everett's Version of Itsy Bitsy Spider

2010-05-30T12:12:00.000-06:00

January 2010

Happy New Year!

2010-05-30T11:15:00.003-06:00

We were all planning to attend a wedding for one of Mary's cousins in Chicago on New Year's Eve. Unfortunately, Everett became ill so he and I stayed home and had a quiet New Year's with Grandma Swanner. Mommy, on the other hand, was able to attend the wedding and had a great time visiting family and partying it up with her sister et. al.

A Hauner Christmas!

2010-05-30T10:53:00.007-06:00

All the Hauner Clan dropped by our house for a little Christmas Dinner! We had a great time and some good food.

The boys had a great time playing with new Christmas toys too!

Fireman E!

2010-05-30T10:45:00.003-06:00

Here's a photo of E in Fireman garb taken at Union Station.

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-04T21:01:00.004-06:00

What a halloween! The weather was perfect and Everett had a great time!

We went to Town Center shopping center for some pre-nighttime trick-or-treating. Everett ran into a new classmate of his - Landon. Here are Everett (the dragon!) and Landon at Town Center.

Hayride!

2009-11-04T20:50:00.002-06:00

Our neighborhood had a "haunted hayride" on Friday night. It was chilly, but it was really fun! Some monsters jumped out to scare us, but Everett just said "Hi, monsters!". The hayride took us to a haunted house where we got to enjoy s'mores, hot cider and ghost stories. It was a lot of fun!

Happy Fall!

2009-11-04T20:34:00.002-06:00

One of Everett's favorite places to go this past summer and fall was Deanna Rose Farmstead. They have goats to feed, tractors to ride, fishing, playground equipment, slides, swings and all sorts of fun stuff. (You can even milk a cow!)
Here are some pictures of us at Deanna Rose recently!

The Pumpkin Patch and Louisburg Cider Festival

2009-10-13T20:36:00.004-06:00

Two weekends ago we visited the Louisburg Cider Mill for their annual Cider Festival. They have crafts, kiddy rides, cider doughnuts (yum!) and, of course, cider. Here's a picture from the Cider Mill

And here's Everett working hard to get some pumpkins at the Powell Pumpkin Patch!

We're Back! With Some Exciting News!

2009-10-13T19:56:00.002-06:00

Ok...I know we've really been slacking, but we are back. I'm going to try to catch up with some pictures of the past year.

The news I have today is exciting.....

Everett went pee-pee in the potty three times today: twice at school and once at home tonight! Here's a high-five from Everett in the bathtub!

Happy Halloween

2008-11-05T21:15:00.004-06:00

While Everett did not particularly care to wear his costume, he sure was cute! Since Everett LOVES bananas, it seemed appropriate that he should be a monkey for Halloween. He also really enjoys watching Curious George in the morning so the monkey was even more appropriate. We made it out trick-or-treating to several shops at Town Center and to two neighbor's houses later that evening.

Chicago

2008-11-05T21:01:00.006-06:00

Randy and I spend a weekend in Chicago to celebrate our third anniversary. We went to the top of the Sears Tower, went the Chicago Art Institute Museum, shopped and ate delicious food.

Meanwhile, Everett spent the weekend with Grandma and Grandpa Hauner and the Kings. He would like to give a big "Pepper Thanks" to everyone for a fun weekend! He enjoyed playing with everyone!

This One's for Dad

2008-11-05T20:55:00.003-06:00

Go Pokes!

The Everett-Powered Fire Engine

2008-11-05T20:16:00.002-06:00

Several weeks ago, Lincoln, Linda and Scott came over for dinner. As some of you may know, Everett really likes to push things (his fire truck, the "walker", trucks, and you get the picture). The boys worked as a team, to fight fires, with Everett being the engine and Lincoln riding on the truck. Are you ready Sparky?

(Oh, and by the way, this show off Everett's skills at walking backward!)

Speaking of Dirt...

2008-11-05T20:11:00.002-06:00

Everett likes it! Randy was out in the garden with Everett picking some peppers. He turned away for two seconds and saw that Everett was tasting the soil. (Since Randy's a soil scientist, I had better use the correct term!)

Summer Vacation

2008-11-05T19:43:00.006-06:00

I realize that it's been a while, but I wanted to tell you about our summer vacation! The Davis' spent several days in the end of August in Estes Park with Lincoln, Linda, Scott, and Grandma and Grandpa Hauner. We enjoyed the beatiful Rocky Mountain National Park,

went hiking,

rested,

and played in the water and dirt!

It was a great vacation!

Diaper Inspector

2008-11-03T20:10:00.002-06:00

Everett decided that he had to inspect his diapersone afternoon. I'm not sure what he was inspecting, but he sure did a good job!

He's a Walking and Talking Maniac!

2008-11-03T20:04:00.002-06:00

Everett officially started walking on his own in July 18, 2008. He took 7 steps while at Grandma Linda's house, without holding on to anything. He has been running ever since. Here's a good video of him walking and talking!

Bathtime, Again

2008-11-03T19:55:00.004-06:00

Ever since this summer, Everett has been taking baths in the "big boy" bath. Here's a few cute pictures of him.He's also "very good" at brushing his teeth!

Something new Everett has picked up this summer is splahing in the tub. One of his favorite things to do is to splash Mom and Dad in the bathtub!

He's a True Cornhusker!

2008-07-20T20:15:00.002-06:00

It is official. Everett is a Cornhusker!

We have recently discovered that although he does not eat a whole lot of adult food, he can eat corn right off of the cob and he LOVES it. Randy's the one who said it..."he's a Cornhusker, alright!"

Swimming

2008-07-20T20:10:00.003-06:00

We have a neighborhood pool in our subdivision and with the weather getting pretty hot, we thought we'd cool down at the pool.

Everett seems to like the baby pool where he can walk around holding on to the edge or mom or dad's hands. The larger pool is not Everett's favorite, yet.

Fourth of July

2008-07-20T19:48:00.003-06:00

We celebrated Everett's second Independence Day with my Dad's family at my Aunt Irene and Uncle Jerry's house in Chamberlain, South Dakota. They have a very nice home that overlooks Francis Case Lake (Missouri River dammed up). Six of my Dad's seven sisters and their families were there. Everett, unfortunately got a case of the "mommies" and if I was around, he wanted me to be holding him. No one else would do! Luckily, while he was napping, Randy and I got out on the boat and he was fine with Grandma and great-aunts feeding him and taking care of him when I was not around.

My younger cousins shot off some fireworks. Much to our surprise, Everett was not scard of the loud "BOOMS" but rather giggled when the fire crackers went off! See video, below.

Everett had lots of fun with some of my cousins that are young, such as my cousin Chase who lives in California. He was nice enough to push Everett on his fire engine. See video, below.

As you can see, this did not work out so well. The video below displays what seemed to work better for everyone!

Everett's First Birthday!

2008-06-16T20:20:00.010-06:00

Can you believe it? Everett turned one year old on Saturday, June 14th. We had barnyard first birthday party complete with large cow and pig balloons, a little people barnyard cake and a bunch of fun decorations.

Here's the birthday boy sitting by his outdoor birthday sign (so everyone would know that it's Everett's birthday!).
The entertainment for the party consisted of Everett showing everyone his skills at walking. Look at how proud he is!

After the entertainment, Everett got to open his presents! He got oodles of toys! (He also got a little of help opening his gifts from some of his older friends.)

All of the boys enjoyed playing with the parking garage. Poor Everett might have been the youngest but he tried his hardest to keep up with playing with the garage! At one point he got pushed over and he was MAD. He just got right back up and got in there to play!

And, of course, the most anticipated part of the party - CAKE! Here's the before...

First taste of cake.

He likes it! He really likes it!

And the aftermath.

Happy First Birthday, Everett!

Everett Attack!

2008-06-16T20:17:00.002-06:00

Everett loves the telephone (any phone-mobile, land-line, just not the play phones). He also loves the TV remote control and the camera! Look at just how excited he is to get the camera...or is he just attacking Dad?

He's a Cruiser and a Talker

2008-05-24T14:50:00.003-06:00

Everett likes to keep busy. When he's not crawling or walking on his walker, he is cruising around the furniture. He also enjoy talking. He's growing up so fast!

He's Not a Dog, But...

2008-05-24T14:47:00.003-06:00

In order to contain Everett, we find it necessary to put him on a leash sometimes. The gate is just not enough. See below:

Everett and His Walker

2008-05-24T14:40:00.003-06:00

When Grandpa and Grandma Hauner came down for Linda's graduation, Lincoln passed down his "walker". Everett really liked playing with the walker, as you can see by the smile on his face.

We didn't think he was quite ready to walk on his own with the walker, but Grandpa set him up on it and he took off! He was walking on his own with the walker. Way to Go, Everett!

Lincoln and Everett

2008-05-24T14:31:00.003-06:00

Everett has become very attached to his Cousin Lincoln. When he sees him, he will smile, talk and crawl up to him as fast as he can. Unfortunate for Lincoln, however is that Everett will pull up on him to stand up. Lincoln's not much larger than Everett so it's probably a bit of a strain on the guy when Everett's on him! Those two will probably be good buddies when they both get a bit older.

Lincoln enjoyed playing with the large legos that we had. He was very proud of the skyscraper that he built! (Maybe he'll be an engineer or architect?)

My Sister - a Dr.!

2008-05-24T14:28:00.002-06:00

Two weeks ago, my sister, Linda, earned her PhD in Economics from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. We are all very proud of her. Congratulations, Linda!

Our First Family Vacation - San Antonio

2008-05-24T14:04:00.008-06:00

On April 24th, the Davis household headed off to San Antonio, Texas for our first family vacation! It was nice and warm in Texas and the San Antonio "Fiesta" festival was going on. There were several major parades, street festivals and lots of fun activities going on while we were there. In addition to the fun, we all survived the flight, without any meltdowns, and slept pretty well in the hotel room.
Everett on his first airplane. Eating puffs helps pass the time.

Our hotel was right on the Riverwalk. Lots of fun stuff to get in to and
Everett enjoyed the view from our hotel room!

We spent lots of time walking on the Riverwalk and eating in the cool restaurants along the walk.

We also visited the Alamo. It was beautiful!

Whew! Vacationing is hard work!

Finally, More Teeth - April 17, 2008

2008-05-24T13:54:00.004-06:00

After four months of having only two teeth (on the bottom), Everett has finally broken out two more teeth! The top two! There is at least another one on top that is trying to break through and he is constantly drooling and chewing on stuff to try to help get more teeth out.

Pulling Up

2008-05-24T13:48:00.002-06:00

Little E-boy has gotten very, very adept to pulling himself up. He practiced a lot on the dancing bear that Grandpa and Grandma Davis got for him for Christmas.

He is also very good at pulling up on people, me and Dad in particular. He's so darn cute, you just can't resist picking him up!

The Window Game

2008-05-24T13:39:00.003-06:00

Everett likes to look out the front door when it is open. (That is, when he is not busy shutting the door, which seems to be a favorite pastime as of recent.) He has also learned to make funny faces in the door. I'm so proud! See below!

One More Picture from Easter

2008-05-24T13:36:00.002-06:00

Everett wanted to take a bath in Grandma and Grandpa Hauner's kitchen sink. He loved it and it was just his size. (Of course we had to post a bath picture. They are so cute!)

Everett's First Easter

2008-05-24T13:23:00.005-06:00

This Easter Grandma and Grandpa Hauner were going to come down to KC (the weekend before Easter, actually). Then, Everett was sick. He did not want to contaminate Grandma and Grandpa so we went to Lincoln to celebrate Easter, on Easter! Here's some pictures from Easter. Grandma Linda was also there and we had a great time.

Everett also got to meet the Easter Bunny! (He was visiting Hy-Vee when we were there.)

He's a Fast Little Guy

2008-03-16T15:56:00.003-06:00

In the past couple of days Everett has really put the pedal to the metal. He is very fast at crawling, especially when he doesn't have those pesky pants on that slow him down. We have purchased a couple of gates in preparation of his speed crawling.

More Teeth are on Their Way

2008-03-16T15:53:00.003-06:00

Everett has had only two teeth for several months now. Today he has been acting a little bit funny and we noticed that it appears that he has a couple of other teeth that are ready to pop out. To help relieve his pains, he really likes to chew on "teething biscuits". They are a bit messy, as you can see.

Tickle Me Everett

2008-03-16T15:50:00.002-06:00

Randy and I were trying to tickle Everett yesterday and found that the only thing that worked was a foot ticklin'. It is possible that he may be related to Linda and Scott's cat, Dr. Zaius who only likes to be petted with feet.

The Attack of a Nasty Stomach Virus

2008-03-16T15:44:00.002-06:00

Thursday morning, Everett puked, Exorcist style. After calling his daycare, it became clear that all the kids at the daycare were sick with some sort of stomach virus as no one else was at daycare that day except for the little girl that had it a couple of days before.
Poor Everett threw up everything he ate on Thursday and had the runs on Friday. He seemed to be doing better yesterday and today he is almost back to normal. Unforunately, Everett's Dad also caught the virus and was sick on Saturday, but lucky me, I have not caught it yet or I am immune the evil virus! Here's a picture of Everett yesterday, so happy to be feeling better!

Wishing for Summer (or at least Spring!)

2008-03-16T15:34:00.003-06:00

After it snowed here yesterday and sleeted today, Everett, Randy and me are all wishing that spring would finally arrive. Everett is getting prepared for spring by trying on his fisherman's hat and sunglasses.

He is pretending that he is basking in the sun here, under a palm tree....

Reading in the Bathroom

2008-03-16T15:29:00.002-06:00

It's not what you think. Everett has a bath book that he likes to read. See below.

Cute Boy Pictures

2008-02-24T12:48:00.002-06:00

I've added quite a few videos and pictures today, but I wanted to end my blog session with a couple of cute pictures of my boys. Enjoy!!

The Crib Game

2008-02-24T12:45:00.002-06:00

The other day, I went in to get Everett up from him nap. I called his name from behind his crib bumper and he was smart enough to pull it down so he could see me. We played "The Crib Game" for quite while after that. He loved it!

Sleeping

2008-02-24T12:33:00.003-06:00

This post is dedicated to Everett's new sleeping habits. We all knew that Everett likes his pacifier when he is sleeping. We even go so far at home to put several pacifiers in his bed with him at night so if he awakes without one, he can easily find one without waking up mom and dad to get one for him! I guess he really felt that he neede to round them up this morning "just in case".

Yesterday, Everett also started something new when he is napping; something that gave Dad quite the scare. Randy went in to check on Everett at naptime and found him in a similar position to the one below, except he was hunched over in the corner, not moving. We found him just a few minutes ago in this position. Instead of letting him wake up with a backache, I did move him to a proper laying down position.

Crawling!

2008-02-24T12:25:00.002-06:00

Yes, it is true. Everett has officially started crawling. This first video shows off him practicing his take-off (and some laughing, courtesy of Dad!).

Here Everett shows off his mad crawling skills while attacking the newspaper.

There are two items that will get Everett to crawl every time (almost, anyway): the cordless telephone and his favorite, the TV remote control. Here he is showing off one of his longest crawls yet, to get the remote, of course!

The Superbowl

2008-02-24T12:21:00.002-06:00

To celebrate Everett's first Superbowl and to thank Joni & Tracy, Linda, Scott and Lincoln for caring for Everett when Randy and Mary were both unexpectedly out of town for work, we had a small party. Everett thanked everyone for a fun time with them while we were away. I don't think that he really cared about this superbowl. Maybe next year...

Shake It!

2008-02-24T12:15:00.002-06:00

...Like a polaroid picture. Everett has discovered that he can make noises if he shakes some of his toys. Usually he enjoys shaking this triangle with many small balls in it for long periods.

Early Bird Gets the Worm

2008-01-20T10:30:00.000-06:00

I have accomplished a lot this morning since, as usual, Everett is up before the sun. I guess he wanted to make sure that he got the worm!
Everett can sit up on his own now, so that is what I really wanted to show in this picture. Such a big boy, now!

He's Getting Ready..

2008-01-20T08:47:00.000-06:00

I think that we are just weeks (or even days) away from needing a gate for the stairs! He loves to get into crawling position. So far, however he has not yet moved forward (unless you count the "leaps" forward, as you can see in this video. He is quite good at moving backwards and around in a circle, though.

Everett is 7 Months Old

2008-01-20T08:45:00.000-06:00

Last Monday Everett turned 7 months old. He sure is a happy baby, especially when Dad amuses him!

Bath Time

2008-01-20T08:34:00.001-06:00

Everett now has three different bath tubs that he has used. There is the white one, in which he can lay down (but he's outgrown this one.)

He also has a blue one that we used up until he was about 3 months old with a "net" for little infants. We then tried to use it recently where he could sit in the large open side in our bathtub, which was a bit more difficult since he was not quite sitting up.

Thanks to Cousin Lincoln's suggestion, he has found one that is just right! He loves the ducky bath, especially when it "quacks"!

Bouncing Boy!

2008-01-20T08:24:00.001-06:00

Everett has a bouncing playgym that he likes to stand in and play with the toys attached to the gym. (And by play, I mean mostly chew. See below.)

Over Christmas, Everett had fun playing in my parents bouncing play gym. So much fun that he figured out that he could bounce in it. He carried that over to our bouncing playgym and voila!

I took a picture but it obviously was not going to suffice. Here's a video with Everett bouncing to a very appropriate song! Hi Ho Silver and Away!

Christmas

2008-01-01T14:09:00.000-06:00

Everett spent his first Christmas in Lincoln with Grandma and Grandpa Hauner, Linda, Scott and Cousin Lincoln. It was a great time and everyone got some great gifts...especially Everett!

Everett had a cold while we were there so he took lots of naps with people. See below...

Merry Christmas!

2008-01-01T14:00:00.000-06:00

Everett wants to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! (Santa suit is courtesy of his day-care provider, Lanette!)

Santa Comes for a Visit!

2008-01-01T13:52:00.000-06:00

Right before Christmas, Santa stopped by our house to ask Everett what he wanted for Christmas. I'm not sure what Everett told him, but I'm pretty sure he got everything he wanted, as he has been a very good boy this year!

Randy's friend, Michael also stopped by later to visit, but he just missed Santa! :)

Avery heard that Santa was coming to visit our house and she thought she would come over and let Santa know that she was also a very good girl and wanted a Dora Sit-N-Spin for Christmas. Everett was enamored by her beauty and just had to give her a hug and kiss! (Everett's first girl friend?)

Everett is 6 Months Old!

2008-01-01T13:44:00.000-06:00

On December 14, 2007, Everett celebrated his 6 month birthday! At his 6 month well-baby check-up, he weighed in at 20 pounds, 8 ounces and was 27 inches long. He is now in the 89th percentile for weight and 90th percentile for height. He's happy, healthy baby! Here's some cute 6-month pictures for you!

Although Everett looks happy in all of these photos, he had to get 5 shots at the doctor. He was not too happy about that!

A Laughing Baby

2008-01-01T13:32:00.000-06:00

Randy is very good at getting Everett to laugh. This is just one instance...

Mirror, Mirror, On the Wall, Who's the Cutest Baby of All?

2008-01-01T13:21:00.000-06:00

Everett just loves talking to the baby in the mirror!

All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth

2008-01-01T13:11:00.000-06:00

On December 5, 2007, Everett got not only his first tooth, but his first two teeth! This is the best photo that we could get of the first teeth!

A closer view...

Everett says "All the better to eat you with!" He now eats all of his meals in his high chair.

Fun with Mom and Hanging with Dad

2008-01-01T12:26:00.000-06:00

Everett likes to pretend he is Superman on mom's legs. See photo below.

Here's my view from the floor!

Although Dad is usually the "fun" one, here's a cute picture of the two of them just hanging out!

Fall

2008-01-01T11:59:00.000-06:00

Everett and I (Mary) spent part of a warm fall day outside.

A cute picture of Everett in the leaves was all I wanted. Everett wanted no part of the leaves (see below).

A very similar thing happened with Cousin Lincoln and the leaves. I guess the Hauner (Davis and King) boys do not care for leaves at this age!
http://akingslife.blogspot.com/2006/11/fall-leaves-and-surprise_09.html

Thanksgiving

2008-01-01T11:42:00.000-06:00

For Everett's first Thanksgiving, we travelled to Prague,Oklahoma to spend the holiday with Grandma and Grandpa Davis, Machelle, Jimmy and Cousin Rhiley. We all had a great time and fantastic food. Here's Everett with Grandma and Grandpa Davis:

Rhiley was nice enough to share some of his old toys with Everett and even picked out some specific toys for him!

Everett, in turn, shared his Lazy Boy with Rhiley!

During our visit to Prague, Everett got to spend some time with Great Grandma Davis and all of the great aunts, uncles and cousins that were at Great Grandma's house for Thanksgiving!

This cute photo of Rhiley summed up our Thanksgiving...Happy!