Clapping is So Much Fun

Move over Bock, Bock toy, the Counting Song Turtle is in town! Aunt Brandi gave me this super cool toy. I just push a button on the turtle's back and out comes the best song ever, the counting song. I'm so smart that I can clap along to the tune, my newest trick. Enjoy!

9 Months Old Today

My friend Bradyn invited me up to his mountain crib to celebrate my 9 month birthday. Bradyn was born just 9 nine days after me. The number of the day must be "9". Of course he's almost 9 inches taller than me, just kidding, probably just two inches taller. Although I am much more tan than him, than most caucasian babies it seems. He had some super cool toys. I loved the buddha boy. I wonder if I can get my legs into that position? My nine month check-up isn't until Sept. 9th (there's that number again), so I will have to get back to you with my 9 month stats.

Bock Bock

I wanted to share a video of one of my favorite toys. A still photo just doesn't give it justice. Get a load of this catchy tune. We call it the "Bock Bock" toy. The battery seems to be running low and mommy says it's some super special battery that we can't get in the USA, so it may be a while before the chicken gets his sound back, if ever. It sounds kind of suspect to me. What do you think?

Who Are You Calling Old

Settle down Uncle Norman. We won't make you blow out all 70 candles by yourself. I'll help ya.

Supermodel

I now see who got all the looks in the family. Cousin Tina is just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the out. I hope to visit her in San Diego someday. She said she'll take me surfing. Totally awesome dude!

Cailfornia Cousins

My Great Uncle Norman turned 70 years old on August 19th and he spent his birthday in Brevard, and had his party at his place in Georgia on the following Saturday. In honor of the occassion, his two kids, Tina and Bryant came all the way from California to be with the family. The littler person in the photos, besides me, is Bryant's daughter Kaylan. I loved meeting them all, especially Kaylan, as she was sugary sweet, loving on me the whole time. Kaylan is only 8 months younger than Arawen so they played together a lot. Happy Birthday Uncle Norm!

CAT and DaDa

Well, I've decided to join in all the fun those around me seem to have and talk. Dada is my favorite word. I call most everything Dada, except for the cat. I call the cat, "cat." At least I've got dada convinced that's what I'm saying, Mommy seems to need more anunciation before she officially bequeaths me as brilliant. Geez.

The Sandifer Family Comes North

Mommy's best friend from Lynchburg College and her family came all the way from Florida to hang-out with us in the Carolinas. Pam, Brian, Ian and Ashley, flew in an airplane. We started out at MiMi and Pop Pop's house, and were joined by Pat Ryan and his friend Mary Alice, on the Saturday, which was Brian's birthday. Sunday morning we headed over the mountain and stopped in at Dupont Forest, picnicing at Triple Falls, before bringing them all to our home in the trees. Arawen joined in the fun since she is the same age as Ian. I loved having so much activity around the house. I hope I get to visit them in return sometime this winter.

Cup Photos for Grandpa Coadwell

Don't work too hard to get these cups. If it's an easy task, go for it, if not, I can very easily live without them. I'm sure the USA has some sort of kids cups around somewhere!

Last of the Beach Photos, I Promise

One last photo of me and daddy. I love to stand and now am cruising all around, crawling too. It's full on! That big hat is Mimi's beach hat. They thought it was funny, I was not so amused. And alas, a picture with Mommy to prove that she was there too. I thoroughly enjoyed my beach vacation and look forward to spending time near the ocean again soon.

Goofy Faces

Me and Aunt Brandi had fun making goofy faces one evening before bedtime. I love Aunt Brandi.

The Grandins Visit Edisto

Cousin Jon, his wife Ashley, their son Max and their new wee daughter, Anna, came to visit us at the beach. They live up the road on John's Island, outside Charleston, so it was just a short road trip. Daddy made lamb burgers for lunch and then we played on the beach and chatted on the porch overlooking the ocean all day. Max and Arawen made great playmates. The evening ended with a competitive game of croquet on the front lawn. Jon won.

Clowns to the Left Jokers to the Right

Here I am, stuck in the middle...Mimi and Pop Pop rented the house to the left and Gabby and Uncle Jack rented the house to the right. Sometimes we met in the middle. Most of the time we congregated in the tent. I was never without a play mate that's for sure!

You Didn't Leave Any Wine for Me

Pop Pop drank all the wine and didn't leav any for me. I was very sad, all I wanted was one little sip. You would think he could share.

Uncle Chad and a Yellow Umbrella

Cold Beer on the Beach

Let me get that for you Aunt Brandi. Now, don't I deserve a sip after helping you with your beer? Ahhhh, nothing is more refreshing than a cold beer on a hot, sunny day at the beach. I'm not too picky about brands, I'll play with a can or a bottle.

Sunbathing with Mimi and Gabby

It is important to stay hydrated at the beach. I very much enjoyed Mimi's water bottle.

Dinnertime

MiMi, the master organizer, arranged the week so that each "family" had to make dinner for the group at least once during the week. Mommy and Daddy were in charge of the first evening meal, Monday. Given we were at the beach, daddy headed out in search of fresh shrimp to add to the Thai green curry they had planned to create. Needless to say it was all very tasty. Mimi and Pop Pop were the first ones to the table. They are proof that red wine drinkers and white wine drinkers can live together in perfect harmony.

Stuck in the Sand

My favorite thing about the beach was the sand. I loved when Mommy covered up my feet with sand so I could attempt to push it all off. I enjoyed the feel of the sand between my fingers and toes, and I even liked putting it in my mouth. Pass the salt.

My First Swim in the Atlantic Ocean

Nothing But Blue Skies

Beach or Bust

This was the perfect travelling outfit. For those who are sight impaired, my shirt reads "Beach or Bust." We loaded up the vehicle and headed to the low country, Edisto Island, SC on Monday, August 3rd. The next several posts will fill you in on my first trip to the beach. Enjoy.

Adios Amigo

Another Kiwi flies the coop. Vern left for Ohio on Friday before heading back to AU. But before he left he gave me this really cool pressie. A fun book for me to eat, I mean read. It is called "The Very Hungry Catepillar", and I am a very hungry Rion. Books are tasty. I'll miss you Vern. Tell Ailsa thanks for the book and kangaroo magnet. Cheers!

Childproofing 101

Let me out! Let me out! Just kidding. While Vern was here, Daddy conned him into helping childproof the back patio. I was hoping they were installing a cool bungy jumping platform, given the great 20ft. drop from the patio, but no luck. Looks like I'll be safe and sound. Thanks Vern and Daddy.