Simon Says "I Think This Was Daddy and Mommy's Favorite Gift"

MiMi and I were back together again today after a long break over Christmas. I had Mommy and Daddy at home with me for five whole days! Yippee! We did join the rest of Mommy's family here at MiMi's house on Christmas morning for brunch and a gift exchange! Don't I make a great gift? Everyone was hoping the gift bag was meant for them. Well, I hope Santa brought you something special too!

Simon Says "I Love Blizzards!"

We had the Blizzard of 2009 with two feet of snow. Now I know what you can do to have a blast in all this white stuff. We took off for the big hill and we all took turns riding down. Here my Auntie Lauren takes me for a fast one!

Simon Says "The Doctor Was In!"

MiMi and I went down to visit my Aunt Kerrian at the medical office and look who I got to visit with ... Miss Deneshia and Miss Glendora. They're the ladies who help my Aunt Kerrian everyday with the care of patients and the mountains of paperwork! I was a hit with all the ladies!

But then, sometimes a guy just needs some guy-time, so thank goodness Mr. Chinor was there and we were able to hang out for a little while too!

Simon Says "Don't Make Me Growl ... it's pretty scary!"

I know usually I am all grins and smiles but there are times when I just feel like growling! Don't be too scared ... it's all in good fun! Come on, maybe today you'll just feel like a good growl too!

Simon Says "MiMi Is Decorating!"

Me!

Simon Says "A Friend On All Fours"

Molly seems to be a little miffed to see me moving all around with her here at MiMi's house. This morning we were both looking out the door to see the world go by. Mommy was here, Aunt Kerrian was here too and now they're gone and we need to find some fun. Can you come by to play?

Simon Says "I Know Where Christmas Trees Come From ... My Daddy!"

Our weekend was sunny at least, but old man winter is just around the corner and you could feel the wind blowing him our way. Every year since my Daddy was a teenager he has worked with a friend on his Christmas tree lot selling trees. It's a tradition that he really likes and so once again this year, as soon as Thanksgiving is over he works on weekends ... big guy stuff, like lifting, hauling, sawing, digging holes, and finding the patience to show "just one more" tree to people who just have to have the perfect tree for their home. Who knows, maybe one day I'll be working along side of him and I could help you find your perfect tree! So Mommy and I will spend our Saturdays and Sundays together and hang out with Aunt Kerrian or MiMi or Oma & PopPop. And one of these days we'll go to the lot and Daddy will help us pick just the right tree to be my first Christmas tree ever! MiMi tells me she once had a tree that was picked out with care, was decorated with care and she loved to sit and turn all the house lights off so she could see only her special tree ... the perfect tree. Then guess what happened? The cat thought it might be fun to climb the tree and it crashed to the ground. Poor MiMi. Well, the cat is no longer around ... hmmm, I guess I'd better be careful around her tree!

Simon Says "Isn't This How Everyone Feels The Day After?"

This is a picture of Daddy, Mommy and me from our trip to Florida ... but after a BIG day of visiting and eating and entertaining, doesn't everyone wish they had a little tent out back in the warm sunshine where they could go lie down away from it all? The sun is out again here today, so in spite of a blustery wind, I think we'll probably spend some time outside for fun ... hope you find something you like to do to enjoy your weekend too!

Simon Says "Hey Tom, It's Time To Get You Out Of Here ... I've Heard They Have Dinner Plans!"

I hope you are surrounded by family or friends that you love ~~~ I hope you fill yourself with the foods that you love ~~~ I hope you are filled in your spirit with thanksgiving ~~~ I hope you remember those that are without ~~~ I hope we all find a way to fill ourselves with love and then share an extra portion with those that need it most. ~~~ I thank you all for sharing your love with me!

Simon Says "Monday Morning Peek-a-boo!"

Good Morning MiMi and everyone!

This is going to be a fun week I think!

So let's get started now! A giggle or a laugh will start your day off right!

Simon Says "Boy Once You Can, There's A World To Explore!"

MiMi and I haven't really gotten into our groove since returning home ... adding this new skill of mine has changed things too! I am loving the freedom to explore, but MiMi cannot sit at the computer like she used to be able to do. We didn't want the weekend to come without sharing this little video with you. You see I find all kinds of places to explore! Hope you have a wonderful weekend ... one last quiet one perhaps before all the families gather for the big holiday next week!

Simon Says "I Found The Forward Gear!"

MiMi got to see me in action this morning ... last night I showed off my new crawling skill to Daddy and Mommy. We don't have any video to put up here just yet, but we will soon. The day started off with my first head-bump ... MiMi says there will probably be many more and she is not ready for me to have the run of her house just yet. I hear they are all talking about baby-proofing this weekend ... heh-heh, I bet I can still find a little mischief to get into!

Simon Says "Wow, Do I Come From A Fun Family!"

You know we just got back last night from our Kerrigan Family Reunion in Kissimmee, FL. My MiMi's family is BIG, and getting bigger! They started the photos with me in small groups so it wasn't too overwhelming right away. Here I am on the right with Asher and Megan Kerrigan. Asher is about three weeks younger than I am and lives in Collierville, Tennessee with his parents, Elyssa and Kyle Kerrigan. Megan was born in early April and lives in Spokane, Washington with her parents Lela and Ian Kerrigan. Asher and I were cracking up at all the parents trying to get us to pose and smile ... Megan on the otherhand doesn't seem at all amused. Here I am with all the great grandchildren. Let me introduce us: Back Row: L to R - Me, Caleb, Eli, James, Michael, William holding Addie, Quinn, Dane, Cooper, Brody; Front Row: Asher, Megan, Ella (and we're missing Ella's brother, Caden who is two years old but he was napping). Boy, I'm not used to all these people who are my size and it is amazing! It was a huge challenge to find a time that we were all awake and this was as close as it was going to get!

We all had so much fun and there are hundreds of pictures to be shared, but MiMi will wait until she gets one of the portraits with all 58 of us together and then you can play "Where's Simon?"

Simon Says "Oma and I Get A Day Together!"

My MiMi has run off to play today and so I get some special time with my Oma (and maybe PopPop can stop by for a little visit too). I am one lucky little guy to have all of my grandparents close by so that we can have these kinds of days! MiMi says we should all say thanks today to all of the people in our families who served in the military because today is called Veterans Day. I don't know about you, but my family has many many to remember and thank!

Simon Says "I've Got To Go Meet My Relatives - all 50 of them!"

Really MiMi? This is what you meant by "Let's get packed for our trip!" It is going to be so much fun and another exciting trip with Mommy and Daddy. MiMi, we'll meet you down in Florida ... I know I'll recognize you and a few others, but, WOW, I get to meet about fifty new people ... and best of all, many of them are my size!!! The Kerrigan family is gathering (57 out of 58 members) and when that happens, look out world ... there's going to be a lot of fun and laughter! We'll see you all back here a little later on!

Simon Says "Does A Fall Day Get Any Better Than This?"

Come on in Daddy and Mommy, jump in! This is a blast!

A walk in the woods brings a smile to our faces.

Mommy and I enjoy some time with Mother Nature. Did you get outside and find some fall fun? [photos courtesy of Simon's parents]

Simon Says "Will Yoga Help Me Crawl?"

You see I've got the plank position mastered. I can do the downward facing dog. Heck, I even throw in a little Pilates moves. But the idea I have in my mind when I work to getting up on all fours is to move along - forward - usually in pursuit of a toy just out of my reach. Somehow, I haven't found forward gear and I end up in a yoga session. Some help here, please. Maybe when I get with all of the cousins next week in Florida they'll show me the moves.

Simon Says "An Elephant on My Head Does Distract!"

All day MiMi kept hoping to be able to catch me with her camera ready and my mouth open so you can see my two new teeth. She almost gave up but then Mr. Elephant came along and distracted me in just the right way. See them? They're cool ... now I can munch!

Simon Says "Oui, Oui, Mercy Bo-cue"

At last, we are all together again! My Oma and PopPop got home from their very exciting trip to Paris ... you can tell what they brought me, right? I think I can carry this look off! I look like the world traveler too! My MiMi is home from her trip to New Orleans too. So life is back to normal and I am here with MiMi today and we're catching up on new teeth and stuff. Daddy and I had two great days together and got around to do errands and visit friends downtown. We do the hanging out thing together like good buddies do! Hope your Halloween was safe and fun ... got any good stories?

Simon Says "No Time With MiMi"

Mommy told me

Daddy and I will have the whole day together again today! Yea!

But after one more night of sleep My MiMi will be home!

Simon Says "Little Monster But A Big Roar"

Well, here I am ... do you recognize me? I hope I didn't scare you! Well, maybe just a little. I became a Little Monster but I still have a BIG ROAARRRRR! What's that? You say I didn't scare you a bit? Well, how would you like to meet this guy to talk about it?

Scared now, aren't you?

Simon Says "Buddy, You Don't Scare Me!"

This year I have the advantage ... I don't get much of the imagery ... so there's not much that scares me just yet. MiMi and I are hiding out a bit these days ... with all those flu germs floating around out there, we just don't want anyone sharing it with us! We all have BIG plans in just a few weeks to go down to Florida for our family gathering and none of us want to get sick and miss out on any of the fun! Tomorrow Auntie Kerrian flies off to play with Aunties Lauren and Rama for the weekend and my MiMi goes to help her sister in New Orleans. MiMi has made plans to post here tomorrow for sure so that you can see what you've been waiting for ... my costume!

Simon Says "Learning The Ins and Outs"

So MiMi tells me ... all I have to do is dress up in that great costume Mommy and Daddy got me ... carry a bag ... look as cute as possible ... ring a door bell ... say "Trick or Treat!" And then, wow, people will drop candy in my bag and we can go on to the next house and the next house until my bag is full! Yahoo! Well, except that I'm not really sure what candy is, but MiMi sure looks excited about it! Hmmm, now here's the thing ... why is MiMi asking me to be sure to remember to bring the bag with me to her house on Monday?

[Photos were taken by Simon's parents]

Simon Says "I'm Trying To Round This Outfit Out"

My Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa Kerrigan (that's MiMi's Mommy and Daddy) sent this outfit for me ... that was so nice! Don't I look like a great Halloween Jack-o-lantern? I've seen lots of pumpkins - on our visit to the farm, out on the porches when we are taking our walks - and I noticed that they are usually big and round ... so I'm working on filling this out a little more. This is the week we all watch the weather forecast and hope that it stays dry and not too cold for our night of trick-or-treating. It's a little iffy around here ... how about in your neighborhood? Let's hope for the best!

Simon Says "OK, that's better!"

Well, hallelujah, MiMi is back in business and able to share photos with you again. Over there on the right is the picture she gave you the link to see. Daddy is considering a new camera and has this one to try out for a few days. So far, I'd say I'm looking pretty good! Actually he and Mommy caught me with some laugh out loud funny expressions and MiMi will probably share a few more of those later. Well, this week leads up to the fun of Halloween and my Auntie Kerrian got me this cool shirt you see below to get us all in the spirit. My Great-Grandma and Grandpa Kerrigan sent me a holiday shirt too and MiMi says you'll see that one tomorrow. Then stay tuned ... by Friday you'll see me in my costume all ready for Halloween! Don't be scared, I won't bite ... okay, that's your hint! My MiMi won't have me on Friday or Monday. I get to spend those two days in a very special way ... with my Dad! MiMi's sister, my Great-Aunt Patty, fell down about 8 wks ago and broke her foot/ankle in three places. She is still in a big cast & since Great-Uncle Wayne is away on a business trip, MiMi is going to help her out and give her some company. Even they have some BIG plans for Halloween. Great-Aunt Patty's neighborhood in New Orleans goes all out and she's heard it's like a big street party ... so with Patty in the electric scooter, they'll go off and have some fun!

Simon Says "Just Call This Wacky Monday"

To see image go to: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=812357&id=1171678446 It appears that blogger has not fixed the issue that is keeping us from uploading photos. I hope that providing you with this link, you can copy and paste it into your browser and get it. It fits the frustrations that MiMi has been feeling ... begging and praying that blogger would let her do her work. Trust me, if you can get to see it, you'll have a good giggle. Now, let's go off and find a way to enjoy the rest of Wacky Monday!

Simon Says "Words Only Today - Sorry"

MiMi is a bit frustrated but it doesn't seem as though this blog post will come with a photo today ... mmm, computer-generated craziness! It's Friday and we all have the weekend to look forward to ... any big plans? Not me. I didn't get to see my Oma and PopPop today like we planned and I'm missing them ... as soon as we can we will have a play date, right?! I hope that there's some fall festival, or pumpkin carving, or playing in the leaves on your agenda ... or maybe you need time to plan your costume ... me, I'm all set. I'll share that with you next week!

Simon Says "Nine Months On The Outside - My Stats!"

Sorry I'm late ... I'm just getting here to MiMi's.

Today is my nine month mark and I had my routine check-up with Dr. Duffy. Here are the important stats ... I am now 27 1/2 inches tall and 20.4 lbs. - that's 50% weight and 25% height. And Dr. Duffy could see my two top teeth ready to pop! I got my flu shot, and one other for good measure, and Dr. Duffy gave the word that Mommy can start feeding me more varieties of food ... yum! As you can see from my picture, we're being treated to another warm day ... high might be above 75 and the sun is trying hard to push through some clouds. It'll be a nice long walk again today, right MiMi?!

Simon Says "It's What MiMi Calls Hump Day ... Or It's All Down Hill From Here!"

Wednesday again! The good news is at the end of the ride (and MiMi and I love the ride!) I fall back into the hands of Mommy and Daddy on Friday!

Simon Says "Getting in the Spirit"

I wonder would you like to come along?

We're headed out for our daily walk in MiMi's neighborhood ... pretty, huh?!

The fans put out a display for their team; but what does that tattered flag say? Looks sad, doesn't it?

Now here's a welcoming fall garden with a friendly greeter for those passing by.

Doesn't he look like he might have swallowed a whole pumpkin or two?

These pyracantha berries are full and bursting with fall color and line the road across from MiMi's house. Hope you can get out and find some autumn beauty too!

Simon Says "It's Pumpkin Time"

We had a fine weekend, but laid low ... the weather wasn't very inviting to run around town and we stayed warm and cozy at home for most of the weekend. Friday was my Uncle Charley's birthday and Oma & PopPop stayed with me so Mommy and Daddy could go to dinner to help him celebrate his day. My Auntie Kerrian is in NYC and MiMi has Molly, so today I get to spend time with a doggie ... MiMi trys to keep Molly at a safe distance ... from my little fingers that love to grab and pull!

Simon Says "Is This The Cure For a Runny Nose?"

This is the cold that won't go away from my family circle. It's made the rounds and is passing by my way yet again! And poor Oma has really had it bad. MiMi, Mommy and I are back to the sniffles and sneezes! Geesh, enough is enough! I hope your weekend is sunny and bright ... ours here in Baltimore, not so much. The weather has turned upside down too. The weather man said cold, misty and windy ... might even see a little snow shower tomorrow! Are we ready? Well, I do have my winter jacket and we'll find a way to enjoy it all!

Simon Says "Do You See What I See Mommy?"

Don't you wonder if we were gazing off at the same place? Mommy looks perfectly peaceful and reflective... Me? Not so much. We're gazing at the field at Weber Farm and maybe all I can see are the fields that need plowing while Mommy sees a pastoral wide open space without life's clutter!

Simon Says "A Daily Blog Is A Big Job!"

I don't want to suggest that MiMi can't keep up with this blog on her own, but sometimes she just needs a little break so I fill in. [Okay so MiMi just translated this for you, because as I typed it, it looked like this.] ,mpompml;m;..jyl;',h.h.,k,ol.i./g,m,/m ps ... n?omllhy,g[opl

Simon Says "I Have The Back Forty To Plow!"

Daddy, Mommy and I went out to Weber Farms over the weekend. Wow, what a fun place. I think I could be a farmer ... I love the tractors and trucks, I love the animals, I wake up early already, and I look great in overalls!

We met family friends at the farm and I had so much fun with my friend, Oliver. Hey, Oliver, now what? How do we get down from here?

Oh, yucky, hay is not for eating unless you are a farm animal!

Simon Says "A Boat Belongs In The Water!"

MiMi and I joined Daddy for the BIG day, Launch Day!

Look at this boat - a lifeboat for the USS Constellation - Bruce and Daddy built two of these cutters

Bruce MacKenzie, the Master boat builder and my Daddy his apprentice

Don't they look just perfect - right where they were meant to be - on the water!

By the end of launch day they're tied up safely at a dock! My Daddy and Mr. Bruce are my heroes and I'm planning on building too when I am a BIG boy!