So Much To Say

Another time I like to use my words is after dinner. I usually finish before Mom and Dad, and tell them so, but I'm learning to be patient. These days I like to (try to) use a spoon and fork, which slows me down a little bit too. It also helps if I have something to play with while I wait.

P.S.

How's this for a look? Write you're own caption.

Various and Sundry

As is often the case around here, I have to vie with Mom and Dad for computer time so my posts aren't always timely. Here's the recap of an excellent time spent with our visitors from Philly:


Checking out the ducks at the Zoo.



Sailing away at Old Wives Tales - a fabulous restaurant for the adults with a play room for the kids? Yes!



Sharing acorns in the park - believe it or not none ended up in mouths!



Thanks for coming across the country to see us!!


Other less important, but still notable developments include the frigid, but sunny weather. Sometimes fight the warm clothes...until I get outside, then I get it and leave the hat on.



And lots of communication. I still like to sign and have begun to say what I sign and copy Mom and Dad pretty well. I say 'all-done' when I sign it now (so M is treated to a chorus of 'all-done, all-done, all-done..." in the car when I want out. Luckily I have a sweet, adorable voice.) I also do my best with 'baby', 'apple', and 'amen' after we say grace. I think it's all very shocking to M & D. I do my best to surprise and hopefully please.

Going, going, gone

Really I am happy to see my ol' pals from back East. I'm glad their visiting and thrilled to have another toddler to toddle after. And dinner was delicious. The conversation was stimulating. I guess all that fresh air and good food just wore me out! Now M & D, how to make the transfer to bed from here??

The Donuts Are Gone, And So Are My New Friends

I know, it sounds like a bad country song doesn't it? After my first taste of donut goodness and a fun filled weekend toddling all over Portland we bid a fond farewell to M's Cousin Joe and the lovely Meagan. Not only did they bring delicious treats from their hometown up North, but they graciously down-shifted to toddler speed for their visit. I showed them around the Zoo and surrounding Washington Park with it's beautiful views. I sampled my first french fries and hammed it up for Joe at dinner. And we strolled the pretty tree-lined blocks near our church this morning after a delicious brunch. Plus I got to bask in the paparazzi-like zeal of my second cousin once removed (or something) as he tried out his new camera. Alas, Mom and Dad were not as good at capturing the fun.

I've been very enthusiastic about riding in my stroller these days. And why not? I get snacks, a drink, put my feet up and watch the world go by. This is the life!



What? Polar Bear? Where?



Stretching my legs and commenting on the scenery.





Helping finish off the last of the Mighty O's. Yum yum and thanks for a great visit!

Frozen Pink Bunny to the Rescue

I got an ouchie today. Now I'm all better.

The Great Pumkin

You may know of my family's (especially M's) affection for pick-your-own farms. Bonus points if there are animals, a barn, food, and a market. So it's no surprise that come this Fall we found ourselves on Sauvie Island in a pumpkin patch choosing the perfect Gourd. We took a (crazy!!) hayride to the patch. I loved it, M wasn't so sure, D just held on tight. There were pumpkins as far as the eye could see! White ones and orange ones (we got one of each). Happy Harvest-Time!

BART, Trains, and Automobiles

Mom and Dad got this idea to take Amtrak down to San Francisco this past weekend. What prompted such an adventure? Well for one the Bay Area is home to my lovely Aunt Bethany and Big Uncle Jon. In addition there was a huge free concert in Golden Gate Park called Hardly Strictly Bluegrass featuring the family favorite Gillian Welch. She is the singer/songwriter partially responsible for my unique but beautiful name. In any case, here is the photo essay:

The train worked out well as far as I was concerned. I enjoyed looking out the window and practicing my animal signs: cows, sheep, horses, dogs, birds, and ducks. I got lots of exercise too (check out Mom and my matching socks!).


Dad and I enjoying a sunrise breakfast in Northern California Saturday morning.


When we got to San Francisco, Auntie B picked us up and showed us her new digs. I LOVED her kitties. We also got to shower, nap, and recharge.


Lunch in the park listening to Nick Lowe finish his set. Ok, technically I was asleep, but it made a nice soundtrack to my dreams.


Here I am at the park listening to Bela Fleck and Keller Williams and playing a little ball. Life doesn't get much better.


Trying on Auntie's sunglasses while we wait for the main event.


There were lots and lots of people at this shin-dig. And there are five other stages. Seriously, this is as close as we could get - it was packed!!


Luckily we found a little square of grass to squeeze into near another family. Dancing with Mom.


After a long day of good music Uncle John picked us up and we went to dinner before re-boarding the train to come home. Here I am walking around while everyone finishes eating. I also got to ride the escalator (up and down, up and down), currently one of my favorite things to do.


Lounging in our seats as we traverse the Steel Bridge back into Portland.