More Headquarters Pictures

John Deere World Headquarters!

John Deere World Headquarters was an amazing place. Very picturesque and peaceful. Noah still talks about it and repeatedly asks to go back to "Nois" (Illinois) to see "John Deere World Headquarter." As you walk into the first building the center of the floor is open so you can look down at the display of equipment. Stairs in the center or on either lateral outer wall lead you down to admire and play on the machines. There is also a walk way on the upper level. Employees were using the layout of this building to do walking laps.

We were the only ones there to view the equipment, so Noah had his fill for the moment!

http://www.deere.com/en_US/attractions/worldhq/index.html

Check Out Time- April 7th

Noah found many ways to entertain himself...err...help us out on this trip! We had little sleep the night before since Noah does not fit into his pack-in-play anymore and does not like sleeping on a real bed OR a make shift one on the floor. Only a crib will do! We figure he'll be in his crib until at least he's 10 the rate we're going! But we are happy he's safely snug in his crib these days rather than getting nightly visits or having him wander the house while we're asleep.

Hanging out at the hotel after dinner

Can you name all the Cars characters? Noah WILL correct you if you are wrong! Left to right:

Mater, Doc, Lizzy, Filmore, Sheriff, Radiator Springs Lightening McQueen, Lightening McQueen, Flo, Sally, and tractor

More John Deere Pavilion Pictures

John Deere Pavilion!

After a 6-7 hour drive mostly through drizzle and rain, we finally made it to a pleasant day in Moline! After checking into the Radisson http://www.radisson.com/molineil on John Deere Pavilion http://www.deere.com/en_US/attractions/pavilion/index.html , we headed over to visit the display across the street.

April 6th- Off to Moline, Illinois

All packed and ready to go! A little over an hour into our trip we plugged the portible DVD player in, only to smell an awful electrical odor. Oh no! Crisis...a useless DVD player. Thank goodness for an emergency stop at a Walmart in Owatonna for a replacement!

Noah's first brush with fame

Noah encountered a bit of Hollywood while on his big excursion to Moline, Illinois, enroute to Ohio. Moline is pretty important to Noah since it is John Deere World Headquarters. This is the second year we have stopped there overnight to allow Noah to get his fill. While there we stay at the Radison on John Deere Commons. It's a pretty spot on the Mississippi River (Sippy river as Noah calls it.) Most importantly it is right across the street from the John Deere Pavillion, which is an indoor/outdoor display of John Deere equipment that is meant to climb and play on.

The morning of our departure from Moline, we entered the dining room for a continental style breakfast. In walks a group of people, one of whom was a funny sounding man in designer jeans, cowboy boots, blue tinted glasses, lots of big rings and a silly hat. The group sat down at the table next to ours and Noah proceeds to turn in his seat, look at him, and say, "That's a farmer." I guess it was the hat! Luckily the man was on his cell and did not seem to hear. Later when the funny man was getting some food, one of the other's in the group told us who he was. I was still clueless since he did not look familiar to me, and I did not remember him in the Fugitive or Matrix.

So...who was this guy? Joey Pantoliano. Besides the 2 above movies I guess he was in Risky Business with Tom Cruise (Puke) and numerous other movies. He also received an Emmy for his role in the TV series The Sopranos. If you want to check out more click here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Pantoliano

I also found this interesting: http://www.apbspeakers.com/themes/defaultview/SpeakerPages/Joe%20Pantoliano.aspx

Why was he in Moline? Well, I guess he joined up with The Help is Here Express bus tour sponsored by the Partnership for Prescription Assistance. The partnership is a nationwide effort of American pharmaceutical research companies to get no-cost or low-cost prescription drugs to uninsured or underinsured people who are dealing with chronic diseases while struggling financially.

Here is an article about his event in Moline:

http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2008/04/08/news/local/doc47fafd8c75891268911935.txt

Learning more about him on the Internet, I'm now more impressed with his stand on mental illness and his committment to helping people get prescriptions, than his actual roles. I still have no clue which parts he played in these famous movies. And I'm not a Sopranos watcher. We'd love to hear if any of you remember him!

John Deere Green!!!

Noah is looking forward to a trip to Ohio Via the John Deere World Headquarters in Moline Illinois.
He likes the following You Tube Video.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkzrMhUf5gk

Go Green!!!

Birthday Party!

Noah likes to party!!

At a recent play date/birthday party for his friend Georgia, Noah was found accepting the attention from his many "girlfriends". Seated with Noah are: Peyton, Luca, Georgia, and Ashlee.

Let's Dye Some Easter Eggs

Easter Morning!

After a Church Service and a Brunch at Church Noah Came to to have some Easter fun and festivities.

The Easter Bunny Came......and left some tracks!

Easter Egg Hunt

On Easter morning, Noah had an Easter egg hunt, Minnesota style.

Spring and Summer Can't Come Soon Enough!

Noah sure does wish it soon will we spring. On a warmer evening this past week, Noah got the chance to play with some bubbles outside....until his feet got too cold.

John Deere gifts

A patient of Steven's had his sister make some John Deere things for Noah. He loves his new pillowcase and mittens! Thanks!

Please wait on me!

Noah has found a new position. After nap or early in the morning he loves to lay on the couch with a blanket and demand milk and snacks.

I LOVE tomato soup!

2008 Birthday Party's Have Started!

Noah has LOTS of friends. January brought the start of the 3 year old birthday party's. Here are some pictures from a couple of them.

More March Warm-up

March warm-up

March has brought some beautiful days to our yard (well, except for today/tonight while we're waiting for 3-5 more inches of snow). Noah has been thrilled to get out without mittens and play in his backyard again. He has managed to play in the sand box, swing, go down the slide, and mow any patches of grass he can find. We've spent happy hours outside already, getting wet, sandy, and dirty.

Noah and Tractors

Noah still is in love with all things tractor related, such as tractors, combines, plows, cultivators, and trailers.

He really loves John Deere and if cut just might bleed green and yellow blood, but he as of late has also appreciated the power of the International Harvester/Farmall/Case tractors
Below is one of his favorite videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RIBuSNoMAo

Enjoy

Latest stats for this BIG kid

Noah's latest stats:

39 inches tall
36.4 #

All at or above the 95% for children his age.

Noah makes a Music Video.

Noah loves the song "International Harvester" by Craig Morgan.

Here is His version of what the music video should be.

Butter and Jelly?

When Grandma Tractor was here she started a bedtime tradition that has still held on. Bread, Butter and Jelly as a snack.
He seems to like it. Watch the movie.

Nana Tractor comes for a visit!

Brrr is it COLD

Nana Tractor came to the Frozen Tundra called Minnesota this last week to visit Noah his Family. She stayed warm despite the fridgid temperatures outside. Noah and her became best of friends very quickly. Noah was treated (spoiled) by her introduction of late night snacks of bread with butter and jelly and bologna cut into triangles.
Nana Tractor (which is how Noah really calls her and is a great honor no less) played cars, trains and airplanes with Noah until her Knees were sore.

And where was Papa Tractor????? You ask

In Hawaii! He had a few Mai Tai's on the beach, flew on a helicopter, and ate exotic food on a boat from Japan.

OK, OK he got to shoot off some really neat Fireworks for Lockheed Martin. So it was technically a working trip for him. Next time Papa tractor can come to Minnesota. I sure he will have a better time.

Keeping Busy and Staying Warm

Noah has been keeping busy and staying warm this early winter of 2008.

Christmas toys have been a big hit as he explores his new found imagination and dreams of warmer days to play outside and help Daddy with chores.