Happy Halloween!

Pumpkin Carving

I'm getting close to my first Halloween and we got our pumpkins ready today. Daddy carved a skeleton face, mommy carved a spider and mommy helped me to carve a face on mine. I didn't like the feel of the inside of them but didn't mind the taste of the outside.

Viva Las Vegas

We just got back from a much needed vacation to Las Vegas. With the fires in the area we wondered if we'd get a flight out of San Diego but we were able to go without delay and had a great time. The family met up with Gram and Pop and Max stayed behind. The neighbors kept an eye on any possible evacuations. You'll be happy to hear that everything is fine with our house and Max was quite excited to see us come home.

I went for my first dip in a pool. The water was cold but I was having so much fun that mommy let me play despite the intermittent shivers. We got out before my lips started changing to purple. We walked around the grounds at our hotel and saw all sorts of birds including a flock of flamingos. I especially enjoyed watching the fountains at the Bellagio Hotel, all while looking at the Eiffel Tower of the Paris Hotel. We also had a lot of fun shopping and, of course, eating at the buffet.

11 Months Old

We missed posting something yesterday because we weren't able to get on the computer. I'm learning new things every day. As you can see, I love picking out books to read now that I can pull myself up to the coffee table. One of my favorites is 'The Foot Book' by Dr. Seuss. I repeat the title after mommy says it but only she can understand me.

Homecoming

We have been in hiding since yesterday and daddy's still trying to get over his jet lag. He had to go into work last night and welcome home another platoon of his Marines. It's so wonderful to see all the guys come home.

For those of you who never experienced the joy of a military homecoming I thought I would share my experience. Since the battalion is referred to as the 'Highlanders', they were properly escorted by a bagpiper and light armored vehicles. All the wives, girlfriends and family members went crazy when the buses drove up behind them.

Daddy's company went up to the armory to hand in their weapons and marched down the hill toward us in smaller groups. He was one of the last to come down the hill. Mommy and I saw him before he saw us so we made our way through the crowd. We gave him all sorts of hugs and kisses!

He carried me around and showed everyone how big I had gotten. After a while we packed the truck up. Daddy was so excited to get home to see Max. When we got home he ran and jumped all around the yard. We are all so extremely happy to have our family back together!!

DADDY'S HOME!!!!!!

No Escape

My success and enjoyment in being mobile has really affected Max's daily life. There is no place to hide. I suppose he could get right in the middle of a bed, if need be, but he always wants to be close to mommy. He continues to be very patient with my progress and puts up with my not-so-gentle petting.

Jumperoo

A friend of mine is letting me borrow his 'Jumperoo'. I sent daddy a video to show him how I love to just jump and jump and jump. Mommy says it gives her a chance to get some things done in the kitchen without having to continually chase after me.