Trip to the Zoo

Today we went to the zoo and met with Madeline and her mom, Adrienne. It was a beautiful day and there were lots of people there to have to navigate through.

Ember looking on as dad pets a goat. She seems to enjoy kicking her leg up on her wagon sides.


Even with Daddy holding Em up, she's not quite as tall as a Polar bear on its hind legs.


Em and Madeline having lunch in the wagon. Em was getting a little grabby at times with her friend's food.


Have you ever seen someone look so dejected?



Looking on at the Black Howler Monkey and fishies in the Amazon Forest.


Looking out at the Hippos. They were out and pretty active today and not just lounging.


Ember and Mom with Madeline and Mom. Don't forget the Giraffes head in back.


Looking on at the Giraffe


Those Meerkats should be glad there is that glass between them and Ember. Their tails would not be safe without it.


They both loved the Meerkats. Right at their level and very active.

Walk in the park

Saturday, we made it to the park. It was a beautiful afternoon and we had a very pleasant walk, and swing, and slide, etc.

It's hard to tell, I know, but this is actually mid-swing. Em loves to swing, if ya couldn't tell.


You may not believe me, but she was smiling very big the split-second before.


Daddy aids Ember in her sliding pursuits.


She's definitely an adrenaline junkie. Pretty soon it'll all be about base-jumping and cave diving.

Catchup pics

Just as the title implies, these are pics that "fell through the cracks" and didn't get a post of their own.

This was just a ride in Ember's 3rd favorite mode of transport. The 1st being carried by someone else, the 2nd being walking on her own.


This was from a trip to the zoo a couple weeks ago (I was lax with the camera). But, I did manage to somewhat capture Ember chasing the peacock that was following us around for awhile. By the way, she can do a perfect imitation of a peacock call.


Also at the zoo, they have a safari play area and she had lots of fun playing in the back of the safari vehicle.




This is Ember in the Bald Eagle viewing station. In the enlarged pic you can see the eagles in the background, one mid-flight.


Now, these two pics happened while Ember was in the kitchen. She started pulling every pot and pan out she could get her hands on...and then she sat in one (did I mention she was bare-bottomed?) She seemed to love the excellent fit of the pan on her bottom, henceforth known as the " Butt Pan".


See...she does have a tiny bit of modesty.


It's so nice to have a bright, yellow rain slicker on those dark, dismal, rainy afternoons.

BDay Get Together at Omsi

About 3 weeks ago we got together to have a group gift exchange. All seven (former) babies all turned one within weeks of each other. I offered to make cupcakes for the party and tried my hand at decorating them. Neither Madeline nor Zachary were able to attend, but I thought there should be one picture with everyone represented.


Abbey, with her folks, enjoys Klaire's company across the way.


Klaire, with mom and dad, opens her present from the gift exchange.


Aubrey, and her parents, go through the myriad of bath toys from the gift exchange.


Braeden, and ma, enjoy his gift.


Ember, and her mama, marvel at her presents.


Em playing at OMSI (as viewed through the fish tank).


Em wears what may be a beaver costume while she collects nuts for the winter.


Ember experiences life a little taller.


Playing on a play structure...a howling good time!

Bath Time

Been a little occupied and short of time to put up pics recently. But here are some good pics from a couple weeks ago of Ember and baby during a nap. If she is cranky after eating dinner at night this usually helps change the mood.

Grandma Jan Visit, I'm One

Grandma Jan came for a visit Last week. Ember also Turned a whole 1 year old. Pics below, more commentary to be added later.

Ember after a meal at her new favorite kids themed restaurant Peanut Butter & Ellies.

After a well deserved cleanup


Walking along next to Grandma Jan and Mom




Opening up some of her b-day presents


Em enjoying her catipillar hand puppet


Gotta give it to the old fashond toys. She loves her top.




Some happy b-day messages from local stations.

Turning 1

3 more days until Ember turns 1. She will have a surprise since her Grandma Jan will be flying up for her birthday this weekend.