On a "warmer" day, we bundled Grady up and tried sledding. He seemed to enjoy it somewhat however he struggled with sitting up due to no back on the sled. The whole adventure lasted about 7 minutes!
It was a little chilly but Grady didn't seem to mind too much; he was up for a smile with his Mommy
Such a cute winter lawn ornament!
Now all that we need is to draw some facial hair on Grady and we would have twins! "I want to be just like Daddy!"
Chicago's new best friend has become Grady due to the fact that Grady thinks it so much fun to feed the dog. Chicago is a constant companion and is always willing to take a cracker off Grady's hands. Here he waits patiently for Grady to realize that there is a hungry puppy by his side.
Grady decided that 8pm was not a late enought bed time so he decided to stay up and eat popcorn with the adults. He sat in my lap and shoveled in the popcorn like a pro. I thought he would choke, but he proved to be such a big boy by chewing each piece. He loved it!
Grady understands so much, including where to find the milk...his favorite. He was able to open the fridge, take out the milk jug and drag/carry it to the cupboard. It was pretty heavy but he was able to manage. He really wanted his milk!
It really is the simple things in life that make me smile. Here I was able to snuggle not only with my favorite toddler but also with my fluffy cat. What a night!!!
Grandpa Chris and Grandma Mary gave him a big boy tent for Christmas; we set it up and Grady just loved crawling in and out of it and wrestling with Daddy inside the tent.
Grady discovered that he can crawl under tables, dressers, and other tight places. Here he is trying to retrieve Chicago's ball, unfortunately he got stuck and it was Mommy to the rescue!
Today we are sitting at home together as Des Moines continues to get hit by crazy weather. It is such a blessing to be able to spend the day with my son, watching him discover, play and enjoy growing. I hate the weather outside but it gives me a good excuse to take time and enjoy the better things in life...children. Stay warm out there to all those fellow midwesterners!
I remember playing with this fisher price barn when I was young and it was so much fun. So I hunted an original barn down via the internet and Grady seems to have fun with all the animals.
One of Grady's most fun experiences at our Christmas was closing the cat (Aynsley) into the empty boxes...he thought that was just hilarious!
Here are the two handsome boys stealing Santa's big chair. Grady was having fun stealing Finnean's cheerios
I so enjoy our playdates together and Grady really enjoys having another little boy to play with
The first of our family gatherings was with the Blanchard side of the family. Because of all the "holiday" snow, we had somewhat of an extended celebration. It was a really good time being laid back and having fun with Grandpa and Grandma's new puppy, Rascal.
Here is Grady with his cousin Abigail. They are practically the same size; Grady has the motor skills and Abigail has the verbal skills...if only they could be put together!
Grady had much fun with his new toys. He enjoyed the clothes but the toys were the real hit!
For christmas, Grandma Mary and Grandpa Chris picked out a tunnel and a tent activity center. The tunnel was a sure hit at the Herman household with all those cousins. They ran circles in the tunnel and even the cat and Papa Chuck joined in.
We thankfully made it safe to South Dakota and had fun celebrating the holiday with the family. Here are Papa Chuck and Grandma Janelle with all the grandkids
Here are all the cousins sitting in front of the stockings!
Fur vests were the hit of the holidays, so here are the Herman sisters sporting the festive look. What pretty sisters if I do say so myself!
Ending with a family picture. It is so amazing to continue to watch Grady grow into a little young man. Sure the occasional meltdown is difficult but I am consistently reminded of the gift this child is to our family. Happy Holidays everyone!
I thought I would update the blog with more than just the crazy winter storm. Here is Grady using whatever he can to climb all over things....the dog. We have such a gentle beast that he does not mind Grady doing whatever to him. Good Chicago!
Finnean Wagler, Grady's good friend, just celebrated his One year birthday. We were blessed to join in on the festivities. Here are the two boys having fun with Finn's new toys.
We discovered that Grady is somewhat of a toy bully...he takes any and all toys from anyone he can...our next lesson will have to be sharing!
Here's our little baby getting so big. He looks just like a little toddler in this picture. They grow up so fast.
My mom started a family tradition with birthday cakes. She purchased a cut out cake book way back in the day and she wrote our names and the year that we had a certain cake. My sister Michelle has been able to carry on this tradition with her girls, so I was excited to start the tradition with my family. Here is my first attempt at a cut out cake. I think it turned out adorable; however Grady was not too into "smashing" the cake. He turned his nose up at the texture but sure enjoyed the flavor.
Grady's cousins came to celebrate his big day with him. 
All Grady's Aunts and Uncles (except Brent) was able to attend the party. 
Grady and the Grandparents...even they were willing to wear the fun birthday hats!
Another Herman family tradition...taking a picture with all the presents. As can be seen, Grady received way more than a 1 year old should. We are so blessed.
After much whining and dragging of feet, I convinced both sides of the family to take a whole group photo. I was so grateful that both sides of the family could be here to celebrate with us
This year has been full of new discoveries, new adventures, but most of all new blessings. Over the last month, Grady has had some amazing milestones. He has started to walk all over the place and has fun moving from one item to the next...he especially loves running into the arms of Mommy and Daddy. He has also started to say some words; he can say what a cow says and what a puppy says. He understands no and shakes his head when he hears it. He loves to snuggle with Mommy and Daddy in the morning and still loves his milk over table food. We have been hit by the H1N1, but Grady is such a trooper; he's starting to feel better already. We could not have asked for a more precious child or a more amazing opportunity for God to cultivate us into His likeness. I know the toddler stage will offer some amazing discoveries and challenges, but I cannot wait to see my baby continue to grow and become the child of God that he is designed to be. 
He looks so cute smiling with his two little teeffers
So much fun in the leaves!
Grady has just started to love stuffed animals; he loves to attack them/give them love
He was so chilly so we put up his hood and wouldn't you know that it was so cute. Grady can really rock out most apparel!
Of course I had to take his skunk costume...he looks so much like a real woodland creature. I just melt at this picture.
Our little stinker
This quote is so true...Family, life's greatest blessing!
