December Update

Wow, there's lots going on. I am really getting the hang of this walking thing. I know how to get to the park now. All I have to do is walk out my driveway and turn left. I usually get distracted by a pond, or Christmas decorations, or dogs, but I always eventually find my way to the park.

Here's a photo that makes me look like I'm jogging!

Walking to the park wears me out! Time for a break.

I get excited when I see doggies!

Our park has lots of cool pine trees.

We have another great park (Sawgrass Lake) that's just a short drive away. It has these great boardwalks that let you explore the wetlands. I like it because it's like bumper bowling; just point me in the right direction and I'll get there!

At Sawgrass, we see lots of cool wildlife, like this gator!

This great blue heron was looking for lunch. He was really pretty against the fallen leaves floating on the water.

We always see lots of armadillos when we're hiking. Daddy walks real softly and sneaks up on them. He crouches down so I can get a good look at them.

Here I am watching one walk by.

I'm a pretty good drummer. Here I am teaching Daddy a few things.

Pap-Pap, would you like a few pointers too?

Three at once? I don't know if I'm ready for that yet.

This one is just the right size.

Auntie Christine came over today and spoiled me with some Christmas gifts. She is such a great Godmother.

I love my Auntie C.

Yea! Check out my cool glowing seahorse!

Hiking

Yea! Daddy was home for the long Thanksgiving weekend. Mommy had to go to work Friday so it was a daddy-daughter day in the woods! We drove up to Withlacooche State Forest and went for a nice hike. I've gone on lots of hikes in parks closer to home, but this was my longest hike yet: 8 1/2 miles!

Here I am taking a little lunch break.

Most of you have seen pictures of me in my backpack but this gives you a wider view. It has a cool little kickstand so it stands up on its own. Daddy was shopping for new backpacks that were surprisingly expensive, but he found this one on Craigslist for $20!

Here is a nice scene that shows one of the habitats we walked through. We saw a turkey near here. Pretty relaxing, huh?

The peaceful scenery, the rhythm of Daddy walking and the sounds of the forest were enough to convince me to take a few naps. Or maybe it was Daddy talking about pine flatwoods, cypress domes and the differences between hydric and xeric oak hammocks. Daddy brought along a soft shirt just so I could have a pillow. This is one of Daddy's favorite pictures of all time.

Come on Dad, I'm trying to sleep.

I'm getting pretty good at walking, but I don't think I'm ready for hiking on my own yet. It sure is nice having a PDTS (Personal Daddy Transportation System). Thanks for spending your day in the woods with me Daddy.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! After stuffing our faces full of turkey we headed out for a walk with Mimi and Pap-Pap.

OK guys, the sunset is lovely, but I'm freeezing!

Giddyup Daddy! I need some spurs! Nice shot Mommy!

What a great Thanksgiving sunset! I'm certainly thankful for sunsets over the ocean!

But mostly I'm thankful for Mommy and Daddy, and all of my family and friends. I'm thankful for a great first year. And I'm looking forward to being thankful for Christmas presents!

I'm thankful for all of you who visit my blog! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Wow, I can't believe it's already been a year! So much has happened. To celebrate the big occasion, Mommy and Daddy had a party at our house. A puppy party! I love puppies! Arf! Arf! Arf! Mommy and Daddy were too busy to take lots of photos, but they managed to get a few.

I missed my nap that day, so this was about the biggest smile you were going to see from me. I did like my sweet birthday tiara crown thing! I'm such a princess.

No, this is not my daddy. But things were so crazy that when we moved outside, I think everyone just grabbed the kid that was closest to them.

I thought I would show off my walking skills for everyone.

This first year has been full of learning new things, but there was one thing I hadn't learned yet. See that pretty, enticing candle that I'm about to grab?

Ouchie! Note to self: do not grab anything that's on fire. I think Mommy got more scared than me.

Later that night I had forgotten about the candle incident and was ready to dig into my cake.

When you throw cake across the room, make sure you have good follow-through.

Phew, that was a big day. I'm exhausted. Thanks everyone for coming to my party. I felt very blessed to have all of you there!

Catching Up

Here are a few recent photos to get you all caught up on all the great things that have been going on!

Mommy had a birthday! I helped her celebrate her 30th!

Happy Birthday Mommy! Make a wish! (I know that I'm your wish come true, but go ahead and make one anyway)

Here I am with Daddy drinking water on the couch.

I love breakfast at Skyway Jack's! I can't wait until I'm old enough to order the Hobo Hash!

Some of Pap-Pap's friends were in town to do some fishing recently. Andy's on the left and Les is on the right. Daddy didn't get to go fishing with them at all this year, but at least we had a chance to visit for a little bit.

My friend Morgan stopped by to visit. We like striking the same exact pose (see below).

I had to stick this photo in Mommy took at the park. It's me and Morgan again.

Do you have any puffs for me?

Alright Morgan, let's go. I'm drinking and you're driving.