Really? 60?! Happy, happy!

Grandpa Gette turned 60 yesterday and I am so happy for him! I have so much fun with him, but it's hard to see him as much as like since he's in Texas. Thanks for holding my hand in the water,reading books to me,being a strong leader in the family (and also sometimes the biggest goof ball),taking me on boat rides,dancing (at least, I think that's what we're doing here!),and living a happy life to 60 for now- if you are anything like your daddy (my Great-Grandpa Leo), which I think you are the spitting image, you will be here long past 80! I love you Grandpa Gette and hope you had a great birthday!

My new skill

Eating with a spoon :)

First attempt:


Second attempt (and more successful):

...with a dramatic finish!

Hiking!

Two weekends ago (Mommy is a little behind), we went hiking at King's Mountain State Park. It was a beautiful morning and a quiet trail. I wish we could have stayed longer, but Grand Daddy Pope and Grandma Teresa were coming in town so we met them for lunch. Mommy and Daddy got a night out on the town, while I got some play time with the grandparents. Thanks for coming all the way from Knoxville for a night! I had a great time and can't wait to see you guys soon.

I also talked to Grandpa and "Ma-Ga" Gette on webcam this past weekend and it was so fun! I showed them my new skill- which Mommy has on video so she'll be posting it real soon. I can't wait to see them in October- look out Texas people, we'll be there the 1st through the 7th!! Call me so we can hang out!

A perfect smile

Delicious yogurt makes a happy girl!

Someone's hiding...

and getting into trouble! Mommy and Daddy say they have a long road ahead of them, but I'm not sure what they mean. I guess we're going for a drive :)

Want to read with me?

Although I like it better when Mommy and Daddy read to me, I'm trying to do it on my own when they are busy.

Who doesn't love ....

...the Oscar Meier Weiner-mobile! I forgot to tell you that I saw this on the return drive home from Florida.Oh, and I got to stop in Savannah and meet a new friend, Finn. He's getting ready to become a big brother. His Mommy and Daddy, Margaret and Dory, were so nice to let us stay with them overnight. We also got to see a baseball game with Godfather John and Amelia. Wish we could have stayed longer to play more with them!

A few more vacation pictures

Waiting for the car to get fixed in Homestead, FL

Great-Grandpa Leo is good at stacking things

Cousin Mikayla and I love playing together!

Thanks for reading to me, Great-Grandpa!

Ribs, anyone? I'll just get them myself.

I love the sand!!

Who doesn't love the feet in the sand photo?What adorable little feet I have!

So, I can build a sand castle with this shovel thing?

I might need your help, cousin Mikayla!

Key West- what a beautiful place!

Here are my silly Great-Grandpa Leo and Great-Grandma Ruby just down the street from our house in Key West.The word of the week in Key West: "Chillin"

"Look, Mommy!"

It's a beautiful rainbow!

And what an incredible sunrise.

The sunset picture is on a different camera, but it was magnificent too. We highly recommend making the trip down to Key West to see the beautiful sights and sounds. Beach pictures to come!

Welcome Uncle Bobby!

Aunt Leanna tied the knot on Saturday, July 26th, on the beach in Key West, FL at sunset. It was an amazing, beautiful ceremony that I was fortunate to be a part of. The pictures are so incredible, so I won't talk much about it- just look at how beautiful my Aunt Leanna is and I love my new Uncle Bobby (I haven't stopped saying his name since returning home.)

Aunt Leanna and Grandpa Gette

You-know-who with her beautiful Aunt (wearing Aunt Jen's wedding jewelry- how special!)

Me and my cousin Mikayla ("Kayla")- aren't we adorable?! (I wouldn't leave the house without my necklace)

Awww, how sweet!

Who's ready for a road trip?

I am!! Well, we are already back but here's a little video to enjoy of my new car seat and what I think of it: (ps- Just so you know, Mommy was not driving while she was filming this!)

Dad's Monday Update

I'm sitting here in a rapid warming house, waiting for Eleanor to get up so we can go to a playdate. Yes, I am going to a playdate. It's part of "Monday is Dad's Day" around the Pope house. Sarah has taken a job where she works a 12 hour Monday, but that's it; she doesn't work any other days of the week. My schedule is flexible enough where I can work around that and stay at home with Eleanor. So far, it's a win-win-win. Sarah gets a day away, even if it is working. She gets to interact with other adults and not sweat childcare. I get a day where it's just my daughter and I. It's good bonding time for us. And, I also get to be the stay at home parent for a day, which makes me appreciate what Sarah does the rest of the week even more. I'd like to think Eleanor likes it, too, although she has been saying "mommy" a lot today. Finally, it's good extra income for the family.

Today we went for a walk in Cherry Park this morning, which was cut a little short when Eleanor hit her nose on her stroller as we played peekaboo. That made her cry and generally threw her all out of sorts, so we went on to the grocery store. She loves to sit in the carts shaped like cars, but this time she was more interested in helping me with the grocery list (i.e. scribbling on it and herself with my pen) than driving. Still, it kept her occupied long enough for us to get our stuff and get out.

We're trying to transition Eleanor to a single, afternoon nap, one right after her lunch. Thus far it's worked swimmingly. Today she's been asleep for over two hours! Sarah said she did the same yesterday, but I was at the movies. I finally got to see The Dark Knight. Awesome!

We have lots of Key West photos and stories to share. Sarah, Eleanor and I will get to them over the next week or so. We had a great time and Eleanor did great. She's really a wonderful traveler!