After the boat cruise, we ran around the yard so I could blow off some steam. It was a long ride on that boat, and lots of time spent keeping me contained.
I ran, and ran and ran. No fire ants to worry about up here.
This duck is so funny. I even quacked once to show my enthusiasm. And after a good run, what's better than chilling out on the hammock with Grandpa?
The fall colors were beautiful. But, just like that, it was time to go back to Texas. Hopefully we'll see Uncle Billy, Aunt Kristen, Jamie and Katie before Christmas 2008, which is the next planned trip - this place is going to look a lot different in December! I'll see Grandma and Grandpa for Thanksgiving! Happy retirement guys, you deserve it!

First Sauerbraten dinner

My Aunt Kristen made Sauerbraten for dinner on Saturday, and Katie kept me company while I played in the pan cupboard. The last time the family had Sauerbraten together was Christmas, but I was still on a liquid diet. Sauerbraten is a traditional German meal where a huge hunk of beef is soaked in a vinegar and water mixture with cloves and a bay leaf for three days. It is then slow cooked for a long time so that the meat about falls apart. The gravy is served over potato balls, which are potatoes that are riced, formed into balls, and boiled. The sides are always green beans and red cabbage. Like a good Irish chap, I did eat the potato balls, and I gave those green beans a run for their money. Well, I'm not 100% Kraut, so mama's not surprised I wasn't a huge fan of the meat, but I bet I learn to like it in a few years. If not, Grandpa says there is more for him.

Hey ladies...you can call me Hef.
Come on over anytime!

Guess what? Happy birthday Grandpa! The big "6-5" is finally here!

Thank you Lori and John!They brought me this gift on Saturday, but with all the excitement, I didn't open it until Monday morning.

I love, love, love my baseball game. It makes good noises and plays music. Sometimes I cheat a little and just press the button to get it to make noise. But sometimes...

I hit it out of the park!!! Ka-BAM. Watch out Berkman, I'm coming to get you!

Welcome home from California, Papa!On Saturday, we invited some friends over for a fish fry, beer, wine....and bottles. There were a lot of babies! I got to see my buds Luke, Liam, Logan, Carson and Madison. It was a blast. This is Liam with his mama and grandma. He liked to play with my fishing reel. Someday my dada is going to take us fishing.

Al, Matt and Luke came too. Luke is such a ham. He kept us all entertained.

The mamas got an idea that we should all pose for a picture, so they lined us up on the couch. You can see my mama's head behind us. She was on safety duty.

What's up, Luke?

It was really good to see Lori. Hope we see you again soon!

Sorry there are no pictures of Papa - he was too busy playing chase with me. Hopefully we'll get some soon.

Mama went to Washington D.C., and all I got was this lousy t-shirt? Who wants to be president anyway?

I am officially 14 months old. Yes, I'm still entranced with climbing in this cabinet. Mac thinks I'm crazy. Do you think he'd like to join me? Probably not. I don't walk, I run, everywhere. I eat constantly, like 6 meals a day. I still love blueberries and most fruits and veggies, even brussel sprouts. If it's green, I eat it. I don't like to drink milk out a sippy cup, so I still get two bottles a day, in the morning from dada, and at night from mama - I do drink ice water out of a sippy cup like a star. I've started to say the beginning of some words, fi (for fish), Ma! (for Mac), moa (for more), issss (for Uncle Chris) and I-didah (for I did it!). I climb up the stairs and will walk down holding a hand and the stair rails. I LOVE to throw my toys down the stairs - Ga was going to leave them downstairs, but I didn't have any toys left (yeah, right!), so she conceded. I love the outdoors (see next blog entry). I go to the Little Gym on Saturday mornings where I like to hang from the bars and do forward somersaults. I ride on the bike with dada (thanks to Peggy for making sure I get home safe). I also went to my first Irish concert where I saw Danny O'Flagherty sing. When I'm not throwing temper tantrums (oh yeah, I can throw a doosie - mama didn't know they started when babies are so young, and is scared about what the "terrible twos" mean because of my early start), I melt everyone's heart by giving squeezes and making kissy noises. Isn't life grand? What will next month bring?

Sunday with the family Hung out with mama. Gave her lots of hugs and kissey sounds all day to make up for her time away.

Ga and I went out in the yard to tidy up.

We dead-headed the roses. I love to help out. See? How excited am I? I even got to keep a rose.

Chasing after dada.

Time to go in. I got 4 fire ant bites on my hands and feet. I wasn't too bothered, but mama watched me close to make sure I'd be ok.
Poor Mac wanted to join us outside.

Mama gave me my very own cabinet to play in. All the others are locked up.

I know that cup was in here somewhere...

I'll get to the bottom of it!

Another day at the pool. Anything to beat the heat!

Chillin'

Dada, Ga, Brig, Marianne and Brenden went to a Dynamos game while they were here. They all wore orange so there was no doubt who they were rooting for. Mama and I stayed home and chilled - it was too hot for me to go. Maybe next year. Brenden chowed down.
Marianne admired the cheerleaders. She got their autographs later that night. Dada wasn't sure about Marianne in a short skirt. These kids grow up so fast!

I had a blast with my cousins and Aunt Bridey...

But, all good things must come to an end. The crew pulled out on Saturday, and are safely home in Missouri. See y'all at Christmas!

It's been VERY hot in Texas, so we got to go to the pool. Aunt Bridey took me in the fountains.

I love running around at the pool. Oh yeah, you're not supposed to run. Oh well. Check out my super sweet Spider Man pool shoes. Sweet.

I've having a ball playing with my cousins.

This is Marianne. She is sweet as sugar.

This is Brenden. He's one cool dude!

Waiting for my cousins and Aunt Bridey to arrive from Missouri...

Chewing on some green peas to pass the time, and help with teething...

Fluffy MAC waiting too...

They're here! Have you ever seen a happier GA?