My Top Ten Traveling Tips for Toddlers...

Mommy and I flew to California on Tuesday. While we were on the plane, we counted how many flights I had been on since I was born~ 21! Can you believe it? Mommy, daddy, and I have this airplane traveling business down! So, we thought we would offer our tips for stress free

(or an attempt at a stress free) flight...

10. Pack light- this means only one medium sized carry on bag

9. Bring an entire bag of Pirate Booty~ any flavor will do!

8. Travel with a car seat that transforms into a stroller

7. Bring a few of favorite books/toys from home and throw in a few new ones...Mommy always hits the dollar bin at Target right before a trip to collect a few surprises for me!

6. A portable DVD player and some Baby Einstein DVDs

5. A mini magna doodle

4. Finger puppets

3.Order lots of ice in a cup from the flight attendants

2. Stay calm and toddler will try to stay calm too!

1. Just bring it...

Your improv skills, sense of humor, and patience to name a few!

Crate Training...

Ahh, kisses from pup (before the torture)!

Here pup, want your bone?

Caged in!

Hey, make some room for me pup...

Now I am going to lock you in!

My new obsession is to harass pup...
Well, maybe that's not new.
But, crawling into his crate with him is!
Last night after my bath I was having a little naked play time and I thought it might be fun to check out pup's crate- with him in it. Mommy and daddy thought it was a hoot...
Both their wild animals were caged (for the moment)!

July...

July 4, 2007

July 27, 2008

Wow...have I grown or what (and not just my hair)! What a difference a year makes! Mommy took this picture of me yesterday and she remembered taking a similar photo last July.
Ahh, the memories!

Papa Neal's Hat...

Every morning and afternoon mommy (and sometimes daddy and pup) and I go for a walk in our funky Travis Heights neighborhood. We love collecting flowers and leaves. We also search for kitties and squirrels...
Well, mommy is usually not looking her best when we head out in the early morn. So, she typically sports a hat. Mommy's favorite is a hat she gave Papa Neal a few years ago. She loves it so and it makes her think of Papa Neal.
I am really into putting mom's clothes, jewelery, shoes, and hats on these days. The other day I decided to try on Papa's hat for fun! Daddy was even trying to teach me a few moves...

Swinging on a Friday Afternoon...

Swinging feet...

Holding on...

Such a thrill...

More mommy...

I love to swing....faster mommy!

Playing footsie with mommy's foot...

Hi pup!

Resting for just a minute...

Ahh, lazy pup!

Woke up from my nap this afternoon, ate a little snack of pineapple, red grapes and y0-baby yogurt. Mommy suggested we go outside and play in my pool. I had other plans!
I wanted to swing...
So, for about an hour I sat in my swing, mommy pushed, pup watched and we sang lots of songs.
My new favorite is "The Wheels on the Bus." I think mommy is going to get tired of this one quick. We also practiced counting to 10, my ABC's, etc. What a lovely way to end the week and begin the weekend!
Happy Friday!

Paisley Perfection....

Well, that's what mommy's email from Finestationary.com said!

We loved their take on my namesake...

"As a centuries old floral motif, the paisley pattern's recent renewal can be attributed to the modern bohemian movement. Revitalize your style today with this new take on an old favorite."

J'adore de l'eau...

Water, anyone?

Look, it's water!

Yes, I know I am cute!

Aidan and I enjoying watering the pool...

Hmm....

Love it!

My pal Aidan came over to play with me in my new pool (thanks mommy!)
We had fun hanging out in our backyard swinging, pouring water, sliding, splashing, and smiling!
A perfect way to spend a hot Austin afternoon if you ask moi!

Loving My Mommy...

Mommy and daddy are still amazed at the love I give...
It is natural for me to want to hug, and kiss, hug, and kiss.
I am especially lovey when I wake up from my afternoon nap. All I want to do is sit with mommy and love on her. Typically I start with "Hi, mommy. I want up." Once she gets me out of my crib I give her a big hug and then "beep" her nose. After she changes me we usually sit and hug and kiss for a few minutes before I feel like having my snack or playing. Daddy grabbed the camera and took of few shots of our afternoon loving...
Even pup joined in!

17 Months Old...

My new thing is to pucker my lips...

Posing with my sunscreen...I love to put lotion on!

I really am a water baby...

Hey pup! Do you want to play???

Playing with the grass~I love the great outdoors!

Can you believe it, I am 17 months old! I am almost half way to two!
Time is flying...

A Little Time Out For Mommy...

Mommy with her college roomies Conne and Erin and...
her high school BFF Alyson

Ya, Jen Jen, Nanie and Mommy ready for dinner at Canlis...

Mommy and Jen Jen at Pike Place Market...

The girls in front of mommy's favorite brunch spot in Seattle...

Don't we all need a little time away?
Mommy took a few days off from her occupation as teacher, maid, nurse, therapist, friend, librarian, entertainer, chauffeur, cook, and dog walker this week.
She left me in daddy's care to go to Seattle
(her beloved college town)
with Nanie, Ya-Ya and Jen Jen.
It looks like they had a swell time to me! How could they not?
They ate, shopped, talked, and ate some more. Isn't that the perfect combo?
Daddy and I had loads of fun but I am really happy that mommy is home...

p.s. Happy Birthday Nanie.
I love you!

Stick Horse Ranch...

Oh, look at this grass...

Climbing...

Playing in the mulch...

Riding the tractor...

Oh, Stick Horse Ranch...
YOU are so lovely!
I look forward to visiting again soon.

Thank you Stokes and Sewell Families for a perfect Texas summer weekend!

Traveling Chic With a Toddler in Tow?

Okay, so this is not us...but aren't they chic???
(Mommy and I can only hope we look this fab when we are traveling together!)


This afternoon we are off to Stick Horse Ranch...
Daddy and I visited our friend's family home last month when mommy went to see family in California. I cannot wait to show her around the barn, the ponds, the swimming pool, etc.
Ahh, Texas Hill Country is waiting!

P.S. Pictures from my adventures will be posted this weekend!

This One is for Jen Jen, GG and Jeddi...

After eating a large quantity of yo-baby yogurt with a spoon and my hands mommy stuck in me in the sink for a scrub...
We practiced a few of my new words which are mostly names for my favorite peeps~

Books...

Today mommy and I went on our usual morning walk and spotted a quote on the marquis of the neighborhood elementary school. We wanted to share...

"A house without books is like a room without windows."
~Horace Mann

My favorite thing to do is look at and read books!
I cannot get enough of them. After our walk we got cleaned up (thank goodness) and went to Book People for story time. How lucky were we to find out it was Miss Staci singing songs from her CD and reading Chicka Chicka Boom Boom!
I love living in such a fab city with so many literary activities for me to enjoy~
Happy Reading!

My 4th of July Weekend...

Our family + 1 sleepy lion...

Daddy and I hanging out with the elephants...

xoxo with Eliza...

Well, it goes a little something like this: Bonjour Houston! Hello Lilah! Hello ducks in the pond! Hello Kinder family pool and spa! Hello Texas fireworks! Hello Jamba Juice smoothie! Hello banana bread! Hello Starbucks for mommy, daddy, Jen and Jer!
Hello Houston Zoo!
Hello...
Hola!
Bonjourno!
Bonjour!