Florida, here I come!

Mommy and Daddy said that they didn't buy me a ticket for the airplane. I guess that means I'll have to be a stowaway. I hope the belly of the plane is safe for babies. I'm sure they'll pack lots of fresh diapers and some milk for me while I'm hiding in the suit case. Now that I think about it...it might be a bumpy ride. Maybe I can get them to reconsider the whole ticket thing.

After arriving and sneaking me out of the suitcase at the baggage claim, we went to Auntie Alesha and Uncle Kevin's house to unpack. Since it was so hot, we decided to take a dip at a local pool. Unfortunately, it started raining soon after we got there. But it was fun while it lasted.

My uncle Kevin works for Disney. He says it's his job to help people make memories. So....he took us to his work to watch some 4th of July fireworks. On our way to the show, my cousin Payton wanted to stop to say hello to the tiki man. Apparently he had a rather large booger that she wanted to help him with. She's very nice like that and didn't want him to be embarrassed.

We took a family photo just before the show started....again it was soooo hot. We were sweating just standing around.

The show is about to start....this was our view as we waited. Not too bad if you ask me.

My first 4th (it was actually the 3rd...but who's counting anyway) was pretty exciting. I'm very brave and the loud sounds didn't bother me a bit!

On our way out, my mom thought that this would be a good look for me...what do you think?

My mom bought this dress for herself (only in a much smaller size) when she was a little girl and wore it at least once a week to kindergarten.

Mom...seriously...the ears are one thing...I'll let that one slide.

But the dress....get away from me with that dress.

The next night, my cousin Payton showed me all about sparklers. However...my mom didn't think it was a good idea for me to try one. She could not be conviced that I was ready for pyrotechnics. Maybe next year.

We went out for an adventure.....Let's go to the zoo.

This is the face of akid looks like who lives in Florida who is used to the heat and humidity.

This is a face of a kid who is not.... Mom, does the zoo have air conditioning....I'm a little warm.

This alligator has the right idea...dad can I take a dip?

....maybe this is a better choice...

What do you think of this photo that my dad took? He's got quite the eye.

My dad's quarter is faster than your quarter....

and the winner is.....Sorry dad :(

I was toast after the zoo....

A/C....now that's what I'm talking about.

Now that's what I call a tall drink of water.

Payton helped me get ready for bed....

And then I tucked her in...

What do you mean we have to go home?!?! Our plane is outside waiting....but we just got here.

The camera loves me...

Then.....

Now....

What's for lunch?

This menu thing it new to me. Normally I just eat whatever mom ate at her last meal. I love it when she eats ice cream...that makes a great 3 am snack. What looks good today?

Excuse me, Great Grandpa West....I've never been here before. What's good here? Can you recommend something? Preferably something soft and mushy.

mmmmm...Grandpa Gutzman's hand is tasting pretty good.

So...Elmo, Dora, and President Obama walk in to an ice cream bar. And the ice cream bartenders says....

...What is this?...some kind of a joke?...

I crack myself up...I wish every one thought I was this funny....

A new adventure...

When I turned 6 months old, it was time to take my first bites of big boy food.

BANANAS!!!!!

When I saw mom in the kitching mushing bananas through the food mill, my first thought was, "You want me to eat what?!?! I like milk... milk is good...what's with the change? Are you sure about this?"




My first bite....not so bad. This spoon thing is a little tricky. I have a feeling it's going to take some practice. By the way, do you like my high chair...my Grandpa Golden worked really hard to fix it up for me.




Mom...you've been feeding me since birth...with daddy and Miss Audrey taking a turn when you're not around. How about you give dad a try?





See I told you dad could do it....he knows how to feed himself...not too hard to feed me.

After the bananas, I slowly tried a few more things. Peas....I could do with out. But mom says I have to keep trying them. I guess I have to listen to her. Sweet potatoes!!!!! Love 'em!!!!




Come here...How would you like a sweet potato kiss from your sweet tator????

Nothing like ending a messy meal with a bath. Sometime she might bring out the hose....watch out for that. I hear the water from the hose is much colder than my nice mini tub in the sink.

Ta Da!!!!

Before I was born, my mom and dad didn't know if I was a boy or a girl. They like surprises. My mommy wanted my room to be just perfect. She shopped and shopped but could not decide on just the right bedding for my room. I was two months old when she finally made up her mind....she was going to make it...just for me. She was a little crazy. Daddy was going to be gone for the weekend and mommy honestly thought that she could get it all done while he was gone. Boy was she wrong! After a couple months of working on it on weekends and afterschool, it's done! I have to give her credit...it's hard to work and have a little guy like me. She still has some little projects left to do...but the big stuff is done! A very special thanks to Grandma Golden for helping her pick everything out, make patterns and all the coaching while sewing. Another special thank you to Miss Sue for getting the stippling done!

The valance...

The crib skirt...

The quilt up close....


The big picture of the quilt. For now it will hang on the wall. I'm not supposed to have blankets in my crib yet. I have to stay safe while I'm sleeping. But when I get a little older....that baby is mine!

Spending time with Daddy!

I have the best daddy in the world. He teaches me lots of stuff.

One morning he came home from work...he had to wake up a 4 am....and when he came home...I was just waking up. Even though he was very tired, he took the time to read with me so I will learn to read someday.

He teaches me to share...like the day it was super bright outside. He let me borrow his sunglasses. He said that I looked pretty tough in those shades.

He also let me borrow his stocking hat when it was chilly. I kind of looked like I was on my way to rob a bank...probably not a good choice to make.

He sits me down and we have man to man talks. We talk about working hard, being nice to people, being a good boy, and the importance of listening to mommy.



I love my daddy more than anything! I love that he stops whatever he is doing to spend time with me, to play with me, to teach me things. I want to grow up and be just like him.