Grayson and I had such a blast last year that we couldn't wait to get out there and do it again! We decided to go out into the "country" and pick this year. The weather last week was ideal for a day out picking, so we pulled on our rain boots, got our buckets,a nd off we went. Perfect time to go as there were 5 other people there. We had a great time, although Grayson wasn't as much help this year as he was last. He really wanted to get his bucket filled up to the top, so as I picked away, I found my yield getting less and less. Grayson was sneaking up and pulling the berries out of my bucket and into his!!
One of the best moments came when Grayson and I were walking down a row filled with water and mud. I had just finished telling him to walk because the mud was slippery and thick and he didn't want to get stuck. Well no sooner had I said this than he lost his balance. His boot was buried so deeply in the mud that he couldn't get it out to right himself and ended up seat first in the mud puddle. I had to laugh as he looked at me with those big brown eyes, 1/2 of his strawberry bucket spilled. Good thing this was early on or all my picking would have gone to the birds, literally! We had our good rain boots on and wind pants so by the time we left, he had already dried off.
We came home with some great strawberries, although I'm afraid that we'll be headed back out for more as I ruined most them. I am not an expert to say the least at what to do once the berry picking is done. No further detail needed, and Heidi don't you share my huge goof/blond moment!! Let's just say that I'll know better next time what to do with these berries as soon as I come home!!
As we were leaving the house in the morning, a stray cat came up purring and rubbing against our legs. I paid no attention and went straight to the car, but Grayson made a new friend. it took us a while to leave the driveway, and that was only after Grayson asked me 2-3 times if we could keep the cat!! He knows about allergies so I tried to nicely explain to him that we would never have a cat as a pet, outdoors or in!!!
We then let Grayson choose 3 rides of his own. We walked by the swings, which boasted children only, so we asked Grayson if he wanted to go. He said yes with a lot of jumping and clapping so off he went. As we were waiting, I told Trevor that I though this was actually going to go up in the air and spin like a "real" swing ride, not be a little "joke" like the children's one at Busch Gardens. I was a little worried. It was at this time I saw another mom get on a swing by her child, so I went and asked if I too could swing. The operator said sure, so I gave my $3 tickets adn got on the swing next to Grayson. As it began and immediately lifted us off the ground, I reached over for Grayson's swing only to find he was grinning from ear to ear and proceeded to push my hand off saying, "It's okay mommy, I'm alright!" I'm so glad I gave Trevor the camera to capture this moment. I screamed the whole time and had a huge smile as I was in shock that Grayson was not only not freaking out, but loving every minute. I am so glad for that other mother who got on the ride first that allowed me to share this BIG moment with Grayson. Good thing it was me and not Trevor, he surely would have puked with all that real swinging!!
Although we couldn't convince him to ride either of the children's roller coasters, even with one of us, he accomplished something big last night. I still smile just to look beside me on the swing and see him beaming from ear to ear on that big swing ride. Another one of those moments, "yup, he's really growing up and letting go a little bit more".
Sweet Grayson, I loved seeing you take this big risk, even though at first glance it didn't look like a big one. May you always go after things that may seem a little bit scary, because you never know where the biggest blessings or enjoyment is going to come from. Take a step out of your comfort zone once in a while, you will surprised at what you may find there. Your Daddy steps out there too and has never been disappointed!!
After Grayson hit the hay, we got the cards out. No gloating guys, but Trevor and I did win 3-3! It has been a long time coming, this spades rematch, but we beat the "champs"!! After getting to bed late, church came early the next morning. Trevor headed over to 8:00 with me to listen to our new pastoral candidate, and then the 4 of them headed up to Busch Gardens for the days opening. They had already enjoyed quite a day of rides and climbing when I got there at 1:30. We had to have BBQ for lunch, then hit some more rides before the concert area opened up for seating. We got great seats on the aisle and away from the speakers to try and appease Grayson as long as possible.
The turnout for this first concert day was huge!! Maximum capacity and they actually had to turn people away until the crowd thinned out later in the evening. The rest of the park was absolutely dead as Jamie and I headed back out to get 3 roller coasters in. Matthew West and Third Day were on stage and it was fantastic! The place was rockin'!! We all had a great time and left the park at 9:00. 
Grayson did great just hanging out and letting his imagination take him wherever it wanted as he played in the dirt and the aisleway perfectly. He did really love the music, and recognized a few of the songs. He got into clapping and dacing right along with everyone else! As I watched him, I think he was playing "Polar Express" with his "friends" and making sure they all got on the train and got their tickets punched! Love, Love, Love it!!!
Joel, I hope you had a great time celebrating your birthday a little late with us at the Gardens!!
