Snow Time

Big boots to fill.

So bundled up she can barely move.

Uncle Kev looking like he's posing for a "Land's End" catalog.

I need to ask my friend Allison to "Photoshop" in a Mt. Everest background to match the look of determination on her face. LOL

This snow is REALLY icy. I can't do anything with it. :-((

Special Tribute to Mammaw Cheryl

Here's Mammaw Cheryl (and I don't know if I'm spelling that right, Mom). There a a lot of pictures where Zoey looks a lot like her Gramma Cheryl. I can definitely see some similarities.

But I have to put this photo on the site...sorry Mom. Let's hope that if Zoey is a bowler we can teach her better form...not that I can talk though...you whupped my butt in both games!

But since bowling was part of Kevin's Bday celebration, I'll go ahead and include the rest...especially since the birth of Kevin is, in and of itself, a tribute to Mammaw Cheryl.
Here's Auntie Kris and PZ (PZ=Princess Zoey) And Uncle Kev holding PZ while I "bowl"...soon to be stomped on the nuts...notice Zoey is looking down to perfect her aim.

I was losing so badly...but having a great time at it, I might mention...I let Zoey bowl my last frames. I don't remember exactly, but I think she did OK.

Packer Backer

Hey, da Packer's are playin'! Ya, I said the Packers!

Wait, got a tooth comin' in right...there. Just 1 more second...

OK,wait...pass da darn ball, Brett. Yeah, TD!! Hold me uncle Kev. Tooth pain and a TD is a lot to deal with all at once.

See, just gimme a football. OK, a token pose with Mom.

Our First Trip

OK, how much do you need to travel for 8 days with a baby? Aparently a lot because I shipped a box in addition to all this stuff...but if only you knew what I had originally packed and didn't, you'd be impressed. We're all packed and off to Wisconsin.



We checked in to the best room in the house!



Here's a letter that the kind staff left on Princess Zoey's linens. I think if you click on it, it'll enlarge. Her personal servant (aka Mom) had to make her bed to her specifications though. I'll have to take that up with the staff at some time.



These are the owners of Chez Tootz. They are "special" to us. LOL No, JK, I think this picture was taken after a few days of Zoey servitude and they were trying really hard to be good sports about it.

On a more serious note, thank you so much. You two were awesome!!! Zoey told me she misses you and cried herself to sleep for many nights once we got home...she really did, and that may actually have been the reason, who knows! When can we come back?

10 Months

Here's Zoey playing tent...Ugh, I'm so behind! I can't be playing tent and other stuff AND do a blog too!! But she looks like she's having so much fun, how can I resist?!

How do all of you people with kids do it? Here's a thought that I typed to Charlie's mom in an e-mail...this is what's plagueing (sp?) my mind now. It seems like I could possibly have half a brain if I can say this, so I'm including it now just as a personal reminder:

"It's like I can only lend half an ear when trying to have a conversation and nothing outside my bubble of domesticity can even spark my "interest" even though I know I need to cling to what WAS me BEFORE in some capacity...the old me is going head under water and the new me can barely be bothered to throw a life preserver. It's a painful death for one and a difficult thing to witness for the other."

Can you believe it? 10 months old...she's practically 1 year old already. Poor girl! It's all down-hill from there.



This is Zoey's Christmas present from Grandpa Don and Judy. Yay! A trike!!! It's just what I wanted. Too bad mom won't let me use it yet...it's sitting in my bathtub and I can only play with the tassles on the the handlebars.



This is one of out favorite things to do lately. Again, more exercise for mom. She laughs her butt off when I say "giddy-up mommy" or when I imitate how my heart pounds as I hike up a particularly large hill. The back pack (although you can't really see it was a shower gift from Charlie's Mom & Dad, Julia & Craig).



Out of context, this photo is merely cute...but if you could hear what she was saying, or trying to say it is infinitely better.

A New Stage

OK, if you happen to run in to us, the trick is to ignore Zoey. Don't acknowledge her for at least 15 minutes, until she deems you safe and starts to seek your attention...typical girl, according to Aunt Chris (not to be confused with Aunt Kris). She's definitely entered into the "stranger" anxiety phase...even though familiar people have been given the "stranger" title, no one soothes like Mommy. Please don't be offended Uncle Bill. What post would be complete without pictures? Here's photos of Zoey on sushi night...ok, it's a Chinese outfit that Uncle Kevin brought back from his time in China but it's adorable. I gave her her first taste of sashimi and later, some ice cream. She seemed to think the sashimi tasted like chicken and the ice cream was...?

A Visit to see St. Nick

First time with Santa. She did get a few pictures pre-melt-down, but what fun would those be? And for the sake of comparison, I've added one from my childhood...although I was at least a year older than Zoey at the time.

The Lost Napa Roll

Where are we going now? I think this is Peju.

They've got one wicked Cabernet Sauvignon, Mom.

Oh, OK another winerey. As long as it's Rombauer and I can have some "Joy". No, but really, I look like I've had quite enough. I'm feeling better and would like to do some more serious poses now.

Striking a pose on the props at Rombauer.

Here's me peeking through the rosemary at Rombauer's cellar door.

Just Pictures

OK, she's officially 9 months now. I took these a couple days ago.

Christmas Pictures

Just a quick photo peek...these will be going out with the Chrstmas Cards if I ever get my act together.