Dean had a great time trick or treating with his friend Bella. He is still talking about all the "tandy" he got in his airplane. (His airplane Easter basket pulled double duty for the occasion.) His new favorite "tandy" is a sucker. He definitely has the Rolf sweet tooth. After every meal, he asks for his airplane basket and wants to choose a treat. He was a cute little referee thanks to the Verlander's hand-me-downs! He had no idea what the whistle did and I certainly didn't bother to tell him!

He sits on my couch and counts to five.
He argues with me.
He climbs onto the dining room chair all by himself.
He answers questions.
He throws himself dramatically onto the ground when I say no.
He mimics me.
He repeats the last word of all my sentences.
He calls me mommy now instead of momma.
He starts all his sentences with "mommy,".


I don't know who this child is, but I love him.

Introducing our first contestant in the World's strongest boy contest....Dean! Here is a recent picture of Dean enjoying a hayride before the competition.



Event One: Tractor Pull



Event Two: Pumpkin Lift



Event Three: Pumpkin Reach



Event Four: Pumpkin Squat

Here is our little guy's debut on a magazine cover! We are extremely proud of him! I hunted down the printed version today. I'm sure people thought I was crazy as I took as stack of them from the rack.

This picture was taken last October at a local pumpkin patch. Dean was 9 months old. I have forgotten how bald he was a year ago!

Also, congrats to Julie Birdseye for having her work on a cover!