When I Grow Up

My mom and dad like to talk about what they think I'll be when I grow up. I've got some moves, so they think I could be an athlete of sorts. I've also tricked them into thinking that I'm also pretty smart, so it wouldn't surprise them if I become an engineer or a computer programmer. Well, I really haven't decided yet, but when I grow up, I'll be happy if I can wear boots like my dad's.

1st Annual Family Beach Vacation

My mom has been waiting forev-er to take a trip to the beach. And this year, her dreams came true! I totally understand why she insisted on going this summer. The ocean is wonderful!

Here we all are on the beach. The weather was perfect.

My dad took me in the water. The waves can get rough! It was cool, though.

I actually preferred the sand. The beach is like the world's biggest sandbox. And you know I like sandboxes. Here is my mom trying to get me to go back into the water. And here I am not going back into the water.

Got my bucket handy! Nice, squishy wet sand!

My dad helped me build a sandcastle. By the way, did you know that the sand is just as salty as the sea water?

Can't wait for next year. The end.

Berry Fun

It feels like summer outside, which means swimming, playing outside, and STRAWBERRIES! I love all kinds of fruit, but I think berries are my favorite. My mom thinks that if I had it my way, I would just eat berries for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. She's wrong, though, because she forgot about cookies. Anyway, this weekend, we went to a local farm to pick strawberries. Here I am pointing the way to the nice juicy ripe berries.

Here I am helping my dad pick the good ones.

Someone has to taste-test the strawberries to make sure they're ripe. Yummy!

Look how many strawberries we picked! And when I say "we", I really mean my mom and dad. What do I look like, a farm hand?

Still, being out in the sun and eating fresh-picked strawberries is an awful lot of work for a little kid like me. After I take a long nap, I'll look forward to warm strawberry bread, strawberry popsicles, strawberry compote on french toast, strawberry lemonade, strawberry ice-cream...

Let It Snow...Or Not.

We had some serious snowfall this winter. Yeah, yeah, I know this is nothing compared to North Dakota winters, but here in the South, this is very serious. Here is my dad adjusting my inadequate mitten so my fingers don't get frostbitten.

Snow is fun! It's everywhere! Look how deep it is!

Look again at how deep it is. It's friggin' cold! Can we go inside now?

Ready, Steady, GO!

My mom and dad cannot believe how fast I can move. What do they expect? I've been walking now for a few months. Yeah, I've got skillz.

Finally caught up to me. They're so old.

Three Wheelin'

This is me on my birthday tricycle. It's so cool. What's not cool, however, is the giant helmet my mom and dad make me wear when I ride my trike. It makes me look like a lollipop. Safety first, I guess.*

Hi, Mommy!

I like riding my tricycle. I bet driving will be even more fun. 14 and a half more years to go!

*Yes, my parents do realize that I am not wearing my helmet properly. They're working on it.

New Salem or Bust

I took my very first airplane ride to North Dakota to visit my Grandma Linda, Grandpa Randy Pandy, and Aunt Penny. I also got to meet my Great-Grandma Louise! They live in a little town called New Salem. Here I am on the airplane. I almost slept through the entire plane ride. Luckily, I woke up just in time for the landing.

New Salem is home to the largest holstein cow in the world. Her name is Salem Sue. She sits on a hilltop overlooking the town.

Look how big she is! My mom can barely reach the udders.

Just in case you wanted to know more about the giant cow.

Here is a view of New Salem from Salem Sue's hilltop.

Water Water Everywhere

Here they are!  More pictures of me, my dad, and my mom at the neighborhood pool.  I'm glad we finally made it back out to the pool. 

My dad could use the sunshine, obviously.

My mom tried to convince me to go splashing in the water, but I wasn't quite ready for that yet.

My dad forgot to bring his own beach towel.  It was OK, though.  I let him use mine.  I think his head is too big for my puppy towel.  

I had lots of fun.  The water was cool and relaxing.  VERY relaxing!

How To Keep Daddy Awake 101

Here are a few time-tested (as in 12:00am) ways to keep my dad awake:

the smack,

the eye poke,

and as a last resort, the nipple twist.

On the Move

I might have just figured out how to crawl, but I'm ready to get up on my feet.  My dad installed a gate at the top of the stairs already because he knows I'm on the move.  Look out, Mom and Dad!  Here I come!!

Like Father Like Son

When my mom tries to put me down for a nap, I see it as a challenge, so I fight tooth and nail to stay awake.  I think she likes it because it makes her laugh when I wake myself up by swinging my arms around and wiggling around in her arms.  With my dad, on the other hand, there's something about him that makes me want to sleep.  I don't know what it is, but apparently I have that effect on him, too.

Family Portrait Outtakes

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Here are some funny pictures from our family portrait photo shoot. Mommy was trying to snap the photo, but Daddy was being silly. She must have taken a hundred shots to get a good one. I think these are just as nice, especially the one where I'm eating Mommy's nose!

Family

Me & Daddy

My daddy doesn't mind changing stinky diapers.  In fact, he changed at least a hundred stinky diapers while he stayed home with me for 6 weeks after I was born...

My daddy is the only one who can get me to burp really loud...

That's why I LOVE my daddy!  He's the best.