The One and Only ... In the Flesh

One morning, Nickolas thought it would be fun to roll around on the big king-size bed versus his crib. Here are some shots of him spreading out, eating his feet, and a particularly special one showing how fun it is to roll on his changing table while he gets his diaper changed.

SPLASH

Today marks the last day the pool is open at the apartment. Aimee took advantage of it one last time last weekend. Nickolas got to enjoy it a couple of times over the summer once his mom finally discovered water diapers for him. Even daddy jumped in -- once. Here are some photos of Nickolas in the pool. Each time, he discovered something new - a wee splash, splashing with both hands, and splashing everyone around him. Apparently, he likes to splash and has taken that fun with him to the bathtub.

Grandparent's Day

This past Sunday was Grandparent's Day. Nickolas was pretty good about getting his cards out in time to his Grandparents, Great-grandmother, and Great-grandfather; however, mommy and daddy were not as good with putting a little tribute up on Wee Chitlin. In honor of Grandparents Day, here are some photos with Nickolas and his beloved Grandparents.

Skills

I married a chick with skills - bass fishing skills, kung fu fighting skills, historic preservation skills, baby mama skills, and of course, gourmet cooking skills. Tonight she wowed me again with an apricot almond chicken dish served with basmati rice and corn on the cob. All this and heaven, too. Truly, who could ask for anything more?

Kentucky Sunset

A Visit with the Jeffersons

When it comes to driving, Aimee gets passenger ADD and wants to stop at many historic sites, scenic overlooks, or anything else off the beaten path. Driving from northern Virginia through the state into Tennessee and Kentucky has lots of opportunities to do just that. Some day, and it really could be any day now, Dan just might let them go a little further to visit Asheville, North Carolina which Aimee has been dying to see for quite some time.

On this particular lazy drive, Dan complied, so we stopped in Charlottesville, VA to tour the home of Thomas Jefferson known as Monticello. Nickolas was full of beans as we toured the home offering his opinions of Mr. Jefferson. I think he appreciated the fact that Thomas Jefferson loved his children and grandchildren and appreciated the innovations and architectural qualities of the home; however, wasn't fond of his Presidency or relationship with Alexander Hamilton. We could be wrong, but that's what we were able to decipher from Nickolas during the tour.

As usual, going to such places with Dan is such a treat. Even if it's Arlington Cemetery or the FDR Memorial close to home, Nickolas and Aimee learn so much from daddy's knowledge and insight on historic places and people. I have a feeling if we ever make it to Greece, Italy, Russia, or Iran, we may end up there for months thanks to Dan's lessons on thousands of years of history. So far, we've only experienced a couple of hundred years of Scottish and American history in person.

Back to KY

Nickolas took a little trip to see his Grandparents and we all had a lovely time eating, playing with the dogs, and taking in two spectacular sunsets. I'm tempted to move there -- Nickolas took 3 nearly 2-hour naps each day we were there. Must be that fresh country air.

Each evening, we took a nice walk with Grandfather Manoo up the road and back accompanied by several dogs. One of the dogs, Ranger, ran up to us to show off a cute little bunny ... dead in his mouth. That was a first for Aimee. Nickolas seemed to notice the dogs more this time and one morning, Dan came into the kitchen with Nickolas to wash his little hand over the sink after petting the dogs. Never too early to learn good hygiene.

I think we each gained a pound or two thanks to Nana Jean's fabulous cooking which isn't helping Aimee shed her pregnancy weight. Maybe next summer...

Grant with Cocoa, Frankie, and Shant

This is a photo of our nephew, Grant Noah. Grant is my brother David's boy. He loves his dogs. He is also a very talented chef. He is a good boy, both decent and kind to everyone. He just started the second grade this past week.

Brown Hair and Hazel Eyes

Aimee, Katrina, and Cocoa share these attributes. Katrina loves Aimee (and who doesn't?) and Aimee loves Katrina. She is the world's greatest niece.

What Is Aunt Flora describing?

Aunt Flora is describing:

A. How much violent crime has increased due to Labour's extreme gun control laws;

B. How long one needs to wait for a doctor's visit under the National Health Service;

C. How happy she is to have a Scottish Prime Minister;

D. How much it rained while we were in Scotland; or

E. How much her family loves her?

Answer: All of the above.

Wee Flora

Wee Flora is an absolute superstar. We have posted a photo of her standing next to her husband and her gifted children, Andrew and James. Without her, I suspect our trip to Scotland would have been less memorable. Like her mother, Wee Flora is always, always working behind the scenes to make a million things happen. Despite her hard work, she accomplishes everything with a certain effortless grace. We are deeply grateful. She will, I believe, be turning 30 this year.