Eko Dog Hunter - Ventures Out!

With my trusty caterpillar and camera crew, I ventured beyond the Eko Dog habitat to somewhere more unfamiliar - The zoo of Como. I knew this was no ordinary day and certain precautions needed to be taken. I buckled and sunscreen lotioned up and we were off.

We came across a large turtle that didn't seem to move. Naturally, my fellow companions opted for a photo since the beast was so welcoming (plus no signs warning to not climb).

I was looking really hard to spot an ostrich, but no luck. I think I must have missed it... maybe it was running and it's speed was just too quick. Valiant effort!

I say, I've never seen a giraffe do the splits before - Show Off!!

We did catch a glimpse of the tiger pacing back and forth. I tried to tell him it was hot out and to just lay down, but tigers can be a little hard headed.

It was a great adventure. Thank you to my traveling companions for a fun afternoon!

Can't Quite Reach

See my phone on the edge of the table in this picture... I was giving Eko a toy when I turned around to see her outstretched arm reaching for my phone. Not just an ordinary reach - It was a "I'm determined to get there, no matter what" type reach. Her face was so focused on the prize. She's caught on how to move this chair/walker thing back and forward, so no more just setting something down - everything has to be intentionally put up!

She was sure cute doing it though.

OK OK... How about this...

I've heard from a few people that my "Before and After" puzzle was a little difficult. Let's try this.

_ _ i _ _       A r _ y        _ r a _ l

* ^   * *            -          "       ^

The symbols mark the remaining letters left to be filled in. As you can see only 4 more letters are needed to solve the puzzle. Any guesses??!?

Happy Birthday Jon!

You are an amazing husband and an awesome father. I love watching Brianna's face light up when you come in the room - and your face as you get her smiles and laughter! We love you so much and hope we could make your birthday special!

Starting Thursday night, we began the celebration of Jon's birthday with a Twins game with friends. It was so much fun to enjoy a beautiful evening watching outdoor baseball sans a major loss to the White Sox.

Friday, his actual birthday, we headed northeast to the cabin to spend time there with family. We were able to swim, play a bunch of games, and just enjoy some time away.

Thank you to everyone for helping us celebrate!

Wheel of Fortune... Your clue is "Before and After"

_ _ i _ _       A r _ y        _ r a _ l

It is so fun (and slightly amusing) to watch as Brianna has now mastered the art of pulling and skooching. Her adventures have only just begun - and at this point, limited to areas that have enough gription for her little hands to pull with. Dog toys will now be a challenge to keep out of her mouth, as is sucking on the carpet!

She makes me smile every time she looks up and grins, saying... there are places to go, things to see and items to touch. You can see in her eyes that she is enjoying her new found talent. The day has finally arrived that I need to officially "baby proof" the house. Almost 8 months have gone by, she amazes me with her daily transformations!

Eko doesn't seem to mind sharing.

She just spied the camera wrist strap when I took the picture.

You can see her first tooth - she's showing it off proudly!

I've Stopped Asking Questions

It doesn't seem to bother Brianna that Eko just loves to be around us - even when he lays his head on top of her. She giggles and smiles every time he comes around. I suppose Eko thinks it's fair game since Brianna grabs for him and plays with his paws! The two of them will be quite the pair to watch as Brianna's mobility continues to increase...

Our First Box

Need I say more!





AND her first attempt at her fish face!

Eko Dog Hunter

Brianna, Eko, and I went outside the other day to hang out and get some fresh air. It was so nice out, that we just had to take advantage of it. The little hat that I put on her, flipped up on the one side, kept reminding me of the crocodile hunter. Although no crocodiles were spotted that day, we did come across an Eko Dog in his native habitat (please add your own Australian accent).