Reed's Deeds

Ready and Waiting!

2012-02-08T22:40:00.002-05:00

We are all ready and now just waiting for the arrival of Reed's little sister! He has been such a great helper for his mom the whole pregnancy and with his very gentle, playful, and kind-heated spirit, how could Reed be anything but the best big brother!?!? We are all certainly looking forward to meeting Reed's little sister and getting to see him put his big brother skills into action!

At least he's got a helmet on...

2012-02-08T22:30:00.005-05:00

Reed and his dad burned some energy on a mild afternoon last week when Reed repeatedly launched himself off the front porch. Amazingly, even the new camera is just not quick enough to capture the expressions on his face or, more likely, the photographer needs a little more practice :)

Yogi Reed!

2012-02-08T22:18:00.002-05:00

Reed has been practicing yoga frequently, which makes his mother very proud, of course. However, he often likes to modify traditional poses to either make them more challenging for a limber three-year old body. Reed also likes to put his own twist on these new poses; he has re-named the traditional plow pose as the "wheelie tractor pose" and recently invented a new pose entirely. Reed lays in the center of the yoga mat and then wraps the mat around himself and proudly declares that he is in the "cement chute" pose (pictures to follow). Namaste, Reed!

Have No Fear...

2012-01-26T04:05:00.005-05:00

...Because Reed certainly does not! Whether it is sledding through the roughest terrain and aiming for the jumps or having some sad moments on his first day out on skis when he realized that he would not be able to go up the chair lift to the "big hill" on that first day, Reed is confident and always ready for new challenges.

Surfin' Snow Safari

2012-01-25T22:56:00.004-05:00

One of Reed's favorite new tricks is "surfing" on his sled. Sometimes he is pulled by his Dada and sometimes he attempts to ride down a slope on two feet! Either way, he usually topples but is up back on his feet and sled in no time!

Winter Arrived...

2012-01-25T22:50:00.002-05:00

...For at least a little while this past weekend! Although our family has been staying very busy getting ready for the arrival of our new little one (very soon!), we have also been eagerly anticipating more sledding weather. Finally we got snow and sun on the same day and it was wonderful!

Staying Warm, Koala-Style

2012-01-04T22:14:00.002-05:00

Reed, being a very proud "Koala-Kid" and member of the Koala Class at the Jowonio School, is quite happy to keep his head warm on a cold day in his new knit Koala hat!

Opening Day of Sledding Season!

2012-01-04T22:00:00.005-05:00

Each and every time Reed saw flurries in the air this fall and winter, he would ask if it was time to go sledding. On Tuesday afternoon, we finally had enough snow for Reed to don his sledding gear and get out on the hill. Well the conditions were not ideal adn the coverage was not the greatest, Reed was thrilled to be back on the slopes! As soon as we finished and were inside warming up over mugs of hot chocolate, Reed inquired about when would he get to go skiing, too!

Strong National Museum of Play

2012-01-04T21:53:00.002-05:00

Over the vacation week between Christmas and New Year's Day, Reed and his parents had a lot of fun! They finished Reed's sister's nursery, got Reed settled into his new "big boy bed", played inside and outside, bounced at a bouncy house, shared in their good friends' Hanukkah celebration (Reed now loves latkes, dreidel and gelt), and spent a day exploring the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester!

Good Afternoon, Christmas!

2012-01-04T04:22:00.007-05:00

Our Christmas festivities continued at Reed's grandparents' house, where he celebrated with both sets of grandparents, his Uncle Kevin and Jenny, Aunt Kathy and his beloved "Little Grandma"!

Good Morning, Christmas!

2012-01-04T04:12:00.003-05:00

Reed was finally beginning to feel better by Christmas morning and was very excited to see that Santa had left some presents for him under our tree!

Santa also left a new, very nice camera for Reed's mom and dad to learn to use and shoot photos with. We'll be practicing so that when our little girl arrives next month, we'll be able to capture the moments in greater detail and focus. We anticipate there will be a learning curve with this camera, so please bear with us as we figure out how to take even better photos of our family. These Christmas morning pictures are the last from our little "point and shoot" .

Oh, Christmas Tree...

2012-01-04T04:04:00.002-05:00

Our family is finally healthy, after a rough month in December, and we are going to finally get caught up here on Reed's Deeds...

Here are some photos of our brief adventure selecting and cutting our Christmas tree and then decorating it at home. Despite the fact that Reed felt pretty lousy during this time (he was diagnosed with Strep throat the day after cutting the tree and the day of decorating it), he still managed to place the topper on the highest branch of our tree (with a boost from his Dada, of course)!

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-25T07:10:00.001-05:00

We wish all our family and friends a very merry Christmas, a happy holiday season and a healthy new year!

Fresh Collage:Dark Gray Flat Holiday Photo Cards
Check out our collection of Christmas cards and holiday cards.

All Aboard...

2011-12-06T22:46:00.005-05:00

...The Santa Train Express! Last weekend, Reed and his parents took a trip on the Finger Lakes Scenic Railway. We boarded in Geneva for a ride on the rails, handed out tickets to the conductor, sipped hot chocolate, and visited with a very special guest on the train, Santa Claus! Reed loved every moment, including singing carols, savoring his candy candy from the elves, and "wooting" every chance he could. There is no wonder why Reed's mommy calls him "wootin'-tootin'-Reed Luton"!

Auntie Beth!

2011-12-06T22:43:00.004-05:00

Reed enjoyed spending time with his Auntie Beth over the Thanksgiving holiday prior to her return to California. Here are a couple of photos of the two of them!

Split Rock-ing!

2011-12-06T22:43:00.001-05:00

Reed took advantage of the unusually late fall weather pattern to visit one of his favorite haunts, the playground at Split Rock Elementary! The smile on his face showed just how he felt about this beautiful, sunny afternoon!

"F" is for Fall, Football, and Fun!

2011-12-06T22:29:00.003-05:00

Reed and his Dada have been playing a lot of that perennial fall favorite, football! Reed loves running the ball, throwing passes, but most of all, Reed loves tackling!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T04:57:00.002-05:00

Reed is very very thankful for so many things this year! He loves Dada and Mom, Maggie Dog, Orange Fish, Bas and Pas and Uncas and Aunts, Little Grandma, Baby Sister growing in Mom's tummy, his friends, his farm, and, of course, his tractors! Happy Thanksgiving from Reed and his Dada and Mom!!!!

Our Koala Kid!

2011-11-24T04:46:00.005-05:00

Reed began a new pre-school program in early November and we are all so happy with it! He is now a Koala Kid in the Koala Class at Jowonio on Tuesdays and Thursdays! He is enamored with all the fun to be had there; he loves the gym, Trike Town, the Enchanted Forest, playing in the loft in his classroom, the Rainbow Room, bringing a lunch in his lunchbox, all the fun toys and the wonderful Koala friends he is making there! Reed loves his teachers and all the staff there that has helped to make his transition into that program as smooth as possible; Reed's wonderful and very patient Dad has also been an integral part of his transition and was able to be a presence in the Koala class as needed for Reed's first few days as he became acquainted with his new teachers and his classmates. We are all so pleased that Reed is a Koala Kid! In fact, last weekend Reed even asked to have Koala pancakes for breakfast (usually we make mice or bears or any other animal that can be formed with circles)! He gobbled them up proudly!

Just Swinging Through!

2011-11-08T04:13:00.002-05:00

Reed has been taking advantage of any dry, sunny and warmer weather to soak up as much playground time as possible! Here he is swinging on a tire swing at Marcellus Park, one of his favorite places. javascript:void(0)

Reed's Own A-Mazing Maze

2011-11-08T04:08:00.002-05:00

Reed, in his love of corn mazes, created his own in a patch of tall grasses that serve as a cover crop on one of our fields. Here he bushwhacked a path, including some dead ends, through the grass and then has proudly guided friends and family through it! And, of course, there is always a big cheer once you have reached the end!

Monkey Business on Halloween!

2011-11-08T03:55:00.004-05:00

Reed dressed as a monkey for Halloween, which should come as no surprise to those who know Reed! He was very proud of his costume and had a wonderful time on Halloween afternoon and evening. He first stopped up the road at his Boo-Ba and Pa's house to trick-or-treat and then off to the village of Liverpool for a visit to Moo-Ba and Pa's house. Here he enjoyed handing out candy, trick-or-treating in his Mommy's old neighborhood, and then burning off some of that post-candy energy by running and launching himself into a pile of pillows! It was a very happy Halloween!

Pumpkin Carving!

2011-10-30T22:24:00.007-04:00

Reed and his parents spent some time on Sunday evening (Halloween Eve) carving pumpkins. The glow of the candles in our jack o'laterns never fails to enchant Reed! Happy Halloween!

Crisp and Clear Forecast...

2011-10-30T22:18:00.004-04:00

That is how the weather has ben many afternoons this October and Reed has been enjoying every minute of the fall sunshine! Here he is looking particularly grown-up in the later afternoon light.

Hi, Hip, Hooray for Dada-Day!

2011-10-30T22:10:00.005-04:00

Reed loves spending time with all of his family, but Wednesdays are particularly special because on those day, Reed and his dad are together for the whole day, with minimal farming interruptions. Often on these days, special adventures are planned and one such day brought the two of them back to the Strong Museum of Play in Rochester. Reed loves riding the train, playing at the child-sized Wegmans, indulging in a few "video" games (broad smiles in the photos!), and sharing a lunch including very delicious French Fries. Yea for Dada-Days!!

A-Maize-ing Mazes

2011-10-14T04:13:00.004-04:00

Last weekend, Reed explored two local farms corn mazes. The very warm and sunny fall weather made the exploration easy and Reed had a great time at the Golub's Farm on Sunday with his family and good friends, Jake and Lilah. The boys had a great time running ahead to each sign and then waiting for the next set of directions. At that farm, we even got to watch a pumpkin trebuchet (catapult)! The following day, Reed and his mom headed out to the Rohe's farm just up the hill for another afternoon of hayrides, corn mazes, and baby farm animals! A-maize-ing fun!!!!

Big Trucks, Year 3

2011-10-09T04:47:00.004-04:00

Last weekend, we ventured out in the cooler, fall weather to Big Trucks, an annual fundraiser held in a local quarry for two nursery schools in Marcellus and Skaneateles which has turned into an annual event for Reed and our family. Although he did not attend the first year he was born (he was only about a week old), we have been to each and every Big Trucks since. This year, the morning's cold rain broke into a comfortable afternoon sunshine, and Reed was able to "drive" all sorts of vehicles, check out a helicopter, stomp in a few mud puddles, meet a magician who made him a balloon hat, gorge on popcorn, and play in a truck-shaped bouncy house! Looking forward to next year already!

The Apple of Our Eyes!

2011-10-09T04:35:00.003-04:00

Living very close to "Apple Valley", Reed makes frequent trips to apple orchards to sample and pick apples, enjoy fall warmth and, of course, ride the hay wagons and climb the ladders. Here are some pictures from a recent afternoon outing to Beak and Skiff and Navarino Orchards.

Here's Looking at Three!

2011-09-28T05:07:00.002-04:00

Reed's official birthday was on Monday and we took a playground tour on the unusually warm and sunny afternoon and then settled into a birthday meal of pancakes and chocolate cake!

Where did three years go? Reed also has some exciting news to share...In February, he will become a big brother to a little sister! How did our first baby grow into such a very, very big boy?!?!

Happy Birthday to Reed!

2011-09-28T04:35:00.007-04:00

Reed celebrated his third birthday this week and hosted a "Tractor Party" for his friends and family here at the farm! We had a blast playing outside, engaging in a game of "Pin the Tail on the Donkey", driving tractors in the sandbox, searching in the "haystack" for treats, jumping in potato sacks and enjoying a feast consisting of a taco bar and cabbage slaw (Reed's menu choice), with food all source locally and sustainably, and finally wishing Reed a very happy birthday with singing, candles, and cupcakes! Happy birthday to our very favorite three year old in the whole world!!!

Saying Goodbye....

2011-09-28T04:28:00.002-04:00

Growing up on an organic farm, where humane animal husbandry is as important to us as treating other people and our land with respect and reverence, Reed has developed an understanding of the different between pets and farm animals. While he loves, tends to, and values our farm animals, he also is aware of the fact that they are not here forever and that we must say goodbye at some point. Recently he said goodbye to the pigs that have been here since April. He has had an almost daily role in their care and when we eat pork and say our grace, he is certain to thank those "piggies" for being part of our farm and our life.

What's Cooking?

2011-09-28T04:26:00.004-04:00

Whether it is at his own kitchen or on a chair acting as sous chef as dinner is being prepared, Reed is very interested in the culinary arts!

Rainy Day Science

2011-09-28T04:18:00.003-04:00

Reed is a very curious boy, who has lots of questions about how the world works, and "why" and "how" are two of his favorite ways to begin a conversation. He has been learning about the scientific method and how we can form a hypothesis and test it out. Recently he had questions about bridges and how they were made so we had discussions about materials and design and together we constructed and tested different bridges for their strength. Bridges made with JuJu Coins apparently are the strongest (and most delicious, too, according to Reed)!

First Day...

2011-09-28T04:16:00.004-04:00

...Of preschool, which would also be Reed's last day at this particular preschool. It was not a good fit for our family and our very intelligent, gentle, inquisitive, active and playful little boy and we are looking for other options. However, Reed was looking very cute and scholarly in his backpack and we could not help but share this photo here!

Wishing...

2011-09-04T13:41:00.003-04:00

...for more summer! On one of the last nights before school starts and summer winds down, Reed and his parents went out to their favorite burger joint, Johnny Angels in Skaneateles for a last summer burger, ate a final summer frozen custard from Doug's Fish Fry, and then walked out to the end of the pier on Skaneateles Lake to throw a few pennies and make a few final summer wishes!

Picnic Time!

2011-09-04T12:51:00.006-04:00

One of Reed's simple pleasures in the summer is planning and sharing a picnic lunch. Here are some photos from a recent picnic at Shove Park, where activities include eating, sliding, "climbing" trees and throwing sticks into the creek to watch them float downstream.

The Great NYS Fair, Year 3

2011-09-04T05:29:00.007-04:00

Technically this is Reed's fourth annual trip to the NYS fair, but we don't count the year his mommy was almost eight months pregnant with him. This year, while Reed did enjoy the animals, sights, people and and foods, was all about the tractors and the midway. Yes, along with being a complete tractor-kid, we discovered that we also have a roller coaster-kid on our hands here. Reed rode the biggest one that he was allowed to ride on twice (no hands and happily screaming the whole time) and then spent his ride on the Ferris wheel pointing out all the roller coasters he wis planning to ride when he is a big, big boy. Wheeeeee!

Our Little Hero in a Half-Shell!

2011-09-04T05:27:00.004-04:00

Reed has quite and imagination and loves ambiguous toys that he can create stories around. Recently he spent a while as a turtle crawling out from his shel when brave and then hiding when shy.

Lazy Days of Summer!

2011-09-04T05:19:00.006-04:00

While some summer days have been busy and full of fun while we are out-and-about, some of our most peaceful, pleasant days are spend just poking around the farm. On such given afternoons, Reed picks and samples grapes and raspberries (the rare golden raspberries are his treasures) , chews some grass (according to Reed, that's what farmers do) plays firefighter and jumps over the irrigation lines, snips and gathers flowers for his mommy :) and, of course, plays a little lacrosse, fetch, and sandbox.

Future Sommelier or Vintner?

2011-08-16T05:27:00.003-04:00

Reed has enjoyed exploring the tastes and beauty of our grape vines this summer. He loves picking the grapes, eating them and sharing them. We are now just working on the notion that the green grapes in the red grape bunches are just not as delicious as the green grapes in the green grape bunches :) Trying to avoid those sour grapes!

Kicking Around!

2011-08-16T05:23:00.002-04:00

Reed has enjoyed playing a lot of soccer this summer. He is particularly fond of playing barefoot, although when he feels as though he is in danger of losing the ball, Reed often scoop sit up and runs with it. We need to work on that before youth soccer starts in a few years!

Open House!

2011-08-16T05:17:00.003-04:00

Reed enjoyed the anniversary open house at Skaneateles Community Center a two weeks ago. While he is familiar with the pools and swimming there, it was a very pleasant surprise for him to discover all of the other attractions for the open house! He particularly enjoyed the popcorn, bikes, animal tunnels, and, of course, the "bouncy house"!

Reed's Stompin' Grounds...

2011-08-16T05:10:00.002-04:00

...have been primarily playgrounds this summer! Indoors or outdoors, crowded or empty, west-side, east-side or creek-side, it does not matter to Reed. They are all fun!

Up, Up and Away!

2011-07-26T05:27:00.001-04:00

Reed's playgroung exploits have continued to grow vertically as he attempts to tackle new and more challenging climbing equipment. Limited only by his 2-year-old wingspan (he is not willing to spend much time on toddler playgrounds and hence the equiptemnt is designed for much taller, bigger kids) and by the presence of spotters who are tall enough (that would be his father not mother), Reed is ready to reach for the stars!

Working for Peanuts?!!

2011-07-26T05:17:00.002-04:00

Reed went to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo yesterday morning to see the new Asian elephant exhibit. Reed loved seeing the elephant barn, "pachyderm playground", and all the open space for the elephants to roam and explore. His favorite part was riding on the baby elephant statue and pretending to get sprayed by its trunk. Awoooo-Ga, Reed!

Clowning Around!

2011-07-26T05:14:00.002-04:00

Reed's Auntie Beth visited from San Diego last week and he had a great time playing with her and clowning around together (red noses and face paint were left-overs from one of Reed's friend's birthday party earlier in the day).

Sand and Surf!

2011-07-15T17:57:00.004-04:00

Reed and his family went to Green Lakes on a warm summer day last week to soak up some sunshine, play in the water ("Motorboat" is Reed's new favorite water game), play in the sand and eat some French Fries (one of Reed's favorite snacks)!

On the Rocks!

2011-07-14T21:39:00.002-04:00

Reed's summer fun has often involved playgrounds all over the area. However, we frequent Santaro Park (aka the blue playground) most often. At this playground there is a very high slide that Reed has been itching to go on ever since he saw it. We do have a playground rule in our family, which is that if you can't climb to it on your own, you probably should not be on it. Well this rule was in effect until recently at Santaro Park, until Reed developed the skills and confidence to tackle the rock-climbing wall. Up he went, scampering hands and feet, until he reached the platform and then WHOOOOSH! So much glee and pride in one little boy's achievements!!!! The achievement was then followed up by a game of soccer on the big field. Reed is such a big boy now!

Phun at Phish!

2011-07-14T21:32:00.005-04:00

Reed experienced his first musical concert over the 4th of July weekend as he attended a festival and concert performed by the band Phish. Reed's parents have enjoyed the band's music and concerts for the past 17+ years, and they were so happy to have the opportunity to share this with Reed at an outdoor day and evening festival. Reed loved singing and dancing to the music, playing with balloons and hula hoops generously shared with him by other concert-goers, eating ice cream and spinach quesadillas and then more ice cream (and then more ice cream), playing bocci ball, exploring the art installations and riding a Ferris wheel. The while day and evening were wonderful and left us with many happy memories and a little boy who is already asking to go back to see another "fiss sew" (Phish show)!

TGIS!

2011-07-01T05:21:00.002-04:00

Thank Goodness it is Summer!

Bubble Boy!

2011-07-01T05:15:00.002-04:00

Reed's favorite part of his trip to the Ithaca Science Center was when he got to stand inside giant soap bubbles. Although the moments did not last long, he giggled with delight each time he pulled that soapy tube around himself and squealed at the inevitable POP!

The Ithaca Science Center

2011-07-01T05:07:00.002-04:00

Reed and his dad spent a few days at the Ithaca Science Center this past winter and spring, where our family's membership to the MOST in Syracuse has reciprocal benefits. However, Reed's mom had never been and Reed was very excited to give her the grand tour. Highlights included the giant vacuum cleaner, indoor duck pond, a new exhibit about the human body and strength, where Reed got to throw "fast" balls and get himself timed, jump at high as he can, and hand from a bar as long as he could. Then we moved to the outdoor science park, where Reed got to play with a waterfall, walk on suspension bridges, shout into "echo tubes" and whisper into "whisper tubes" and play some drums. Although Reed was enjoying all this tremendously, he was saving the best for last....

Lunch AKA Tractor Time

2011-07-01T04:59:00.002-04:00

Continuing on on our mini-road trip, Reed and his parents stopped for Lunch at Simeon's on the Ithaca Commons, on of Reed's parents favorite restaurants from mom's days at Cornell. Lunch at this very delicious, yet relaxed and slow-paced restaurant, was very fun, but at also a big change from meals there in the past. Today, instead of cocktails and wine, we spent our pre-meal minutes with tractors and chocolate milk. However, Reed was wonderfully behaved, as he always is in restaurants, and was very happy to see his "Mac and Cheese" finally arrive! Any restaurant serving that gets 5 stars in his book.

Strawberry Picking

2011-07-01T04:50:00.002-04:00

Reed and his parents were able to spend his mom's first official day of summer vacation on a mini-day trip; our first stop was Brookside Berry Farm in Freeville, NY. Reed enjoying himself and the strawberries. He was very proud to have accumulated a grand total of 4 berries in his basket by the end of picking (his parents had picked 8 quarts in the same amount of time). However, his face did need to be washed up a bit before we went to to pay for the berries. We had to hid the evidence as he stood near the "Please Keep Sampling to a Minimum" sign. Oops :)

Climbing That Ladder...

2011-07-01T04:44:00.001-04:00

Now Reed's certainly not at all concerned with climbing any sort of social ladder; in his toddler world, the dirtier you are and the bigger the holes in the knees of your jeans, the more fun you have had. However, playground ladders are a very different story and he recently had a lot of fun discovering Barry Park near Syracuse University.

Pre-Father's Day Fishing!

2011-06-19T04:54:00.006-04:00

Reed and his parents went fishing on Saturday afternoon at Otisco Lake, not too far from home. Reed was interested, but a bit cautious when one of the first casts yielded a rock bass! He had a great time reeling in the line, as well as playing on the shore ad skipping stones. By the way, if you are ever wondering how to tell if a toddler comes from a non-smoking family, listen to Reed's reaction to what was probably one of his first experiences seeing someone with a cigarette in their mouth..."Mommy, what kinda lollipop that man got?" ; )

Reed also wants to wish a very happy father's day to both of his beloved Pas and to his very wonderful, patient, adventurous, and loving Dada!

Re-Construction Zone

2011-06-19T04:49:00.002-04:00

The construction zone, otherwise known as the sandbox, has been a busy place again this spring. However, being safety-minded, Reed always remembers to wear protective hear gear!

Splashing Around!

2011-06-19T04:46:00.004-04:00

Reed spent a recent hot afternoon cooling off in his pool. If you're wondering why there does not seem to be too much water in Reed's pool, it is because we do not have a waterproof camera and there was just too much splashing to take any action shots!

Sticky FIngers...

2011-05-31T21:41:00.003-04:00

...and sticky face and sticky belly all the way down to sticky toes! Nothing beats a popsicle on a hot and sunny afternoon!

Memorial Day Fun!

2011-05-31T04:17:00.004-04:00

Reed and his parents enjoyed a very fun and relaxing Memorial day at home and by visiting Santaro Park for a little playground time and hike followed by a cook-out at home with the menu selected by Reed (hot dogs, chips and asparagus)! The beautiful weather and relaxed-pace of the day made Reed's mommy particularly excited for her summer vacation form school which is less than a month away!

What is "Dada's Orange Tomatoes"?

2011-05-31T04:08:00.003-04:00

Yes, if you were playing Farm Jeopardy and the answer was what is Reed's favorite food, the correct question would be What is "Dada's Orange Tomatos"?. Reed loves the little Sungolds so much that we often talk about our plans for eating them all summer, even in the dead of winter. Reed was thrilled to be able to plant his own flat of them a while ago in the greenhouse and then be able to help plant them in the fields. Reed took it upon himself to become a "bulldozer" when pushing the soil back around the seedings, hence the photos of his hands acting as a "blade". What you cannot experience from these photos is the range of sound effects that accompanied a bulldozer planting "Dada's Orange Tomatoes"!

Double Bubbles!

2011-05-31T03:58:00.003-04:00

Reed spent a quiet Sunday afternoon two weeks ago playing on the porch, recharging after attending a very fun birthday party at a fire station. We spent much of the time blowing bubbles and trying to catch them to make "double bubbles" and even a few "triple bubbles". We also enjoyed an apple snack and another of our favorite past-times, tractor-watching.

First of the Season!

2011-05-15T07:47:00.003-04:00

Reed enjoyed his first taste of this spring's asparagus with gusto earlier this week. He loved it raw in the field and then grilled and steamed later in the week! Yum!

You Say Potato....

2011-05-14T04:46:00.006-04:00

...Reed says "help Dada drive Fergie (tractor) and plant potatoes in fields"! Reed helped plant potatoes on the farm for the third year in a row last week and this was the first year that he actually rode the tractor with his father and helped "drive". Don't worry though, the speed limit for driving the tractor while planting potatoes is significantly slower than the photographer (Reed's mom) walks (e.g. 2-3 mph) and Reed was very safe! And the rows have never been straighter!

Surprise, It's a Bear! (Happy Mother's Day)

2011-05-08T19:49:00.007-04:00

Here's a link to Reed's and Brian's Mother's Day gift.

You Tube caption:

Here's is Reed's Mother's Day gift...When Brian asked him what he wanted to do to surprise me, the obvious response was a bear jumping out of a pile of couch cushions. A few footnotes: the soundtrack is Tupac's "Dear Mama"; when he is excited and runs to the camera, Reed is saying "Reed want to see that movie again"; when he forgets his line, Reed says "Happy Valentine's Day"; and at the end, he says "Love you Mommy!". Best gift ever!

Back In Balance!

2011-05-07T04:47:00.005-04:00

Reed was thrilled to return to what he affectionately calls the "blue playground" (Santaro Park on Onondaga Hill) earlier this week. This was one of the first playgrounds he frequented and remains a favorite. This visit, the first of the 2011 playground season, Reed was very proud to be able to climb higher, run faster, and gain a little more independence on the bouncy balance beams! Go Reed!

Happy May Day!

2011-05-02T04:18:00.002-04:00

Reed wanted to send a belated happy May Day wish out to his friends and family! We are enjoying the spring and very much looking forward to the summer!

April Showers...

2011-05-02T04:13:00.004-04:00

...have been torrential! However, even when there is a lot of rain, farmers like Reed still need to water the seedlings!

Feedin' Time at the Farm

2011-05-02T03:53:00.003-04:00

Reed has become quite a helper with the pigs and is very committed to their husbandry. They are very friendly and will approach visitors to their pasture and barn enthusiastically, particularly if you are a little boy bearing a bucket of food!

These Little Piggies....

2011-04-27T04:04:00.004-04:00

...now call Stones Throw Farm home! Reed is very, very excited to have four new members of our farm family; on Saturday morning, four Tamworth piglets moved into our little red barn, where they will stay until they move out to pasture. Reed had enjoyed helping them to acclimate to their new surroundings and has taken it upon himself to teach them how to use the waterer (water play is so much fun!). Reed's sweet little voice is often heard at the barn calling "Here piggie, piggie, piggie!" and it won't be long before they are running over to visit with him!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T09:41:00.003-04:00

Coffee, juice and chocolate bunnies...the perfect way to begin our family's Easter celebration! Happy Easter!

Back in the Driver's Seat!

2011-04-16T19:01:00.004-04:00

Now that spring has arrived, Reed is very happy to be back in his favorite seat perched upon one of our farm's tractors!

More Peas, Please!

2011-04-15T04:08:00.005-04:00

This spring, Reed has been very interested in learning about and participating in all the different farm work that is involved in getting Stones Throw Farm up and running for the season. Reed is a very dedicated helper and really enjoys "getting his hands dirty"! Here are some pictures of Reed's evening spent planting the spring peas!

The Return of Construction Season

2011-04-03T04:25:00.003-04:00

Now that winter seems to finally be winding down, Central New York's other season, construction season, is beginning. Here in Reed's sandbox, he takes the start of construction season very seriously and has already committing many man (toddler)-hours to bull-dozing, scooping, digging, and mixing and pouring cement. What a worker!

Opening Day Afternoon...

2011-04-03T04:20:00.003-04:00

Actually, this photo was really taken in the truck on the way home from the diner, following a late breakfast after Reed and his Dad and Grandfather experienced opening day of trout season. Although Reed was very quick to share that there were "no fish in water" that morning, a good (and exhausting) time was had by all.

Greenhouse Helper!

2011-03-29T04:13:00.003-04:00

Reed has been spending a lot of time in the greenhouse recently, where it is still toasty warm, even with the record low spring temperatures that we have had outside. Here are some photos of Reed helping mix compost and test the pH value of the potting mix. Such a good little farmer!

Sweet as Syrup!

2011-03-29T04:08:00.002-04:00

It is the middle of maple sugaring season here, and on a cold and sunny day last weekend, Reed and his parents went to the maple open house at Cedarvale Maple Sugar Company, a nearby farm. Despite the cold temperatures and frozen sap, which lead to a lull in the boiling of sap into syrup, we still had a great time taking a walk through the maple woods and seeing the miles of tubing that connected all the trees.

We're Back.....

2011-03-23T04:04:00.005-04:00

...Back to the playgrounds. With the spring thaw and slightly warmer temperatures, Reed has begun his pre-season playground trips. Although not all local playground are open yet, Marcellus Park is open and beloved by Reed. Here are some photos from his first two trips to the playground, including one of his reaction in the truck as he first pulled into the parking lot! Hip, hip, hooray, it is a playground day!

Shorty? Spot? Stretch?

2011-03-17T04:17:00.004-04:00

Reed is very enamored with his new giraffe friend. HE chose the pattern for it out of a knit-toy book and then selected the yarn for it himself. He saw daily updates on the progress of the giraffe as his Mommy knit it and was so happy to finally get to have the finished project. Reed loves his giraffe and his Mommy love how he is learning about how it takes time to create and that good things come to those who wait and are patient. Now on to selecting a name for the giraffe. Stretch? Shorty? Spot? Any other suggestions?

That's Dedication...

2011-03-17T04:13:00.002-04:00

Reed is very dedicated to the winter sport of sledding and despite the rapidly melting snow (these photos were actually taken a few days ago), Reed is still pleased to get in whatever "runs" he can!

Open House!

2011-03-17T04:06:00.002-04:00

Last week, Reed and his parents went to the spring open house at Bellevue Heights Nursery School, where Reed will be attending in the fall. Reed had a great time playing with all the toys and children and was very happy to find some of his favorite activities present at the school (diggers, play-dough and kitchen play-sets). Reed actually had so much fun that he was a little sad when it was time to go home. However, he is now very excited about starting school this September!

King of the Mountain!

2011-03-09T04:13:00.003-05:00

We got another huge snowstorm late this past weekend and Reed was very excited to go outside and sled. However, the nearly two feet of heavy snow stopped us in our tracks literally. Sledding in snow that deep was just not possible, so we resorted to playing on the giant snow piles that Reed's Daddy's trusty tractor and snow plow blade had pushed up near our house. This was great fun, though, and we used our diggers to carve out the banks, climbed very high and played "King of the Mountain" and enjoyed sliding down our custom made snow slides! Weeeeeee, Reed!

The Bunny Trail!

2011-03-09T04:00:00.005-05:00

No, this post is not about Easter yet, although spring is just around the corner! Last weekend, Reed and his Mommy went out to Beaver Lake Nature Center for the maple sugaring demonstration, which did not occur due to the weather and cold temperatures. However, we did seize the opportunity to take a hike out on one of the many arboreal trails. Reed chose the Pine Meadow trail for our adventure; each trail at the Nature Center has a name and matching animal icon, which is very convenient for teaching a toddler how to stay on the trail and look for the next trail markers. Reed took his hike on the "Bunny Trail" this time; we are already planning to travel on the "Owl Trail" and the "Deer Trail" next time!

Watercolors!

2011-03-08T03:55:00.003-05:00

Reed recently took up watercolor painting as his newest creative endeavor. Here's a short video of him as he practices his new talent!

Light a Little Later...

2011-02-27T19:53:00.004-05:00

As our days get a little longer, Reed is able to get a few more sledding runs in before coming inside for dinner. Here are some photos from our twilight adventures!

Serious Business

2011-02-27T19:40:00.005-05:00

Reed and his parents went to the NYS Farm Show at the fairground on Thursday. Reed loved "driving" the tractors and enjoying a French fry snack afterwards; you will notice that our typically gregarious and smiley little boy was very serious at the Farm Show. Come on now, combines and other heavy machinery are not child's play. Even our little farmer Reed knows that!

Reed's Dinner at Ba and Pa's House...

2011-02-27T19:36:00.003-05:00

...and Reed's Mom and Dad enjoyed a rare date night on Tuesday at Kabuki in Skaneateles, including sushi and wine!

Thinking spring...

2011-02-18T04:19:00.002-05:00

Even though the weather this coming weekend is forecast to return to normal, cool February temperatures, Reed enjoyed playing outside in the warm thaw yesterday afternoon. Oh, the freedom of not having to wear snowpants!

Check This Out, Reed!

2011-02-18T04:10:00.004-05:00

After making his selections at Wegman's, Reed heads to the check-out to scan and cash out his items!

Stinky Cheese?!?

2011-02-18T04:01:00.002-05:00

Reed has a love-hate relationship with what he affectionately refers to as "stinky cheese" (e.g. blue cheese, Wake Robin's Opus). Some days he loves them, some days he's not the biggest fam. However, the joy of smelling a cheese and then announcing its odor status is always fun! Here's Reed "shopping" for cheese at the Wegman's play store at the Strong Museum.

Strong National Museum of Play

2011-02-17T04:16:00.003-05:00

Reed and his very wonderful Dada took a surprise Valentine's Day road trip to Rochester on Monday morning to visit the Strong National Museum of Play and that they did! Reed loved the many hands-on exhibits. It is no surprise that he loved riding a train, playing with diggers, exploring the musical attractions and experiencing the mini-Wegmans. Here are some photos shot on Reed's Dada's iphone. We will be uploading a movie of him at the Wegmans too later today! Such a special adventure for such a special pair of guys! Reed's Mommy is already looking forward to joining them next time!

Our Little Dirt Devil...

2011-02-17T04:06:00.003-05:00

Reed's great-grandmother sent him a special Valentine earlier this week and included money designated for Reed to spend on a toy or book. We asked Reed if there was any special toy or book that he had in mind and he instantly replied a "red vacuum". Reed had played over at his good friend Cameron's house a few weeks ago and Cameron had a red toy vacuum that looked, sounded, and worked like a full-sized version. Reed really liked it at Cam's house and talked about it a lot afterwards. So when he had the opportunity to chose something, Reed chose a vacuum. After a few phone calls to locate one and a family road trip out to Toys 'R Us, Reed proudly handed over his money and is now the owner and operator of his own vacuum. Now if only all of his toys helped keep the house clean...

If It Walks Like a Duck...

2011-02-06T04:28:00.004-05:00

If if walks like a duck and talks like a duck, then....

It is probably just Reed doing his quacking imitation of his beloved ducks at the zoo! Quack, Quack!

Oh, Dear (Deer)!

2011-02-06T04:20:00.003-05:00

"Oh, dear (deer)" was what was on Reed's mind as he was surprised by a very large, antlered deer at our trip yesterday to the zoo. These photos shw Reed looking for the deer (notice the antlers near the bottom), the deer popping up, and Reed deciding to make a quick get-away from the scene. When he was asked why he left (Reed is usually very enamored by deer), Reed stated that the "anwahs (antlers) too big too close" . They were very large and surprisingly near the viewing area.

Despite the close encounter with the deer, Reed and his Mommy spent a long time walking around outside, looking at all the animals in their winter habitats and also spending some time looking at the indoor exhibits, including the newest baby monkey, who was just born last month at the zoo!

Digging for the Sunset...

2011-02-06T04:10:00.003-05:00

After a gorgeous, glowing sunrise on Friday morning, Reed set out in the afternoon to look for the sunset. When he was asked where he thought it was, he replied hiding in the snow. So we set out to dig it up with our shovels and rakes! While we did not find the sunset buried under the snow, we did take advantage of the sunshine and "mild" weather to get some "fwesh aiw" ("fresh air").

"We're Going on a Bear Hunt...."

2011-01-26T04:14:00.003-05:00

"...We're going to catch a big one!"

Not only is that one of Reed's favorite lines from one of his favorite books ("We're Going on a Bear Hunt"), but that was our theme on Sunday as we attended the Northeastern Sportsman Show here at the NYS Fairgrounds. Reed had a great time exploring the campers, seeing the birds of prey, captaining the boats, and, of course, the main attraction, the bear show!

Reed's Being Followed By a Moon-shadow...

2011-01-19T23:16:00.002-05:00

Moon-shadow, moon-shadow! Last night, Reed and his family took a night hike, looking for deer and owls under the near full moon. It was so clear that Reed was able to see his moon-shadow and watch it follow along on the evening's adventures.

Construction Season, All Year Long

2011-01-19T23:13:00.002-05:00

There is a running joke about Syracuse...there are only two seasons here: winter and construction season. Well, here at Reed's house, there is only one season and it is construction season! Diggers are always in season, all year long!

"Guy Stuff"

2011-01-19T23:09:00.002-05:00

If you ask Reed what he does in the basement with his Daddy, he will probably say they make "too loud noise" and "guy stuff". Reed has been a helper with our recent basement refinishing construction (creating a gym/yoga space and a playroom). Reed was very proud of himself and also very safe (please notice his safety "glasses")!

Pre-school Registration

2011-01-19T22:56:00.005-05:00

On Friday of this past week (1/14), Reed was registered to attend the 3 year-old class on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at Bellevue Heights Nursery School starting in September...Reed's Mommy had to arrive for the pre-registration sign-up very early (5:00 am, hence no photo of Reed, just the registration form) and waited patiently to ensure Reed has a slot in this program. It sounds as if the program will be wonderful and a perfect fit for our little boy! And, of course, they have a playground, which makes it a pretty special school in Reed's eyes!