Halloween

Now, just to be straight up front, I'm not a fan off Halloween. In fact, I come pretty close to being a total grinch about the whole thing. A 'holiday' that involves training kids in extortion, based on very dark and dubious traditions, seems to be a good candidate for a boycott.
But, if there's a chance to dress my little darling up and make her look cute, then I tend to be a bit of a sucker. It just so happens that in the piles of clothes given to us when Kierally was born was a cute little ASU (Arizona State University) cheerleader outfit. Here I come across another problem. I do NOT want Kierally to grow up to be a cheerleader. President of the Maths club, sure, but not cheer-leading. Goodness no!
But if she looks cute... You get where I'm going.

So here are a couple of videos of Kierally, Halloween and cheer-leading. *Sigh*
(But she's awfully cute!)

Summer & Water - It's a good combination

Summer is slowly leaving us and while it's still very hot in the middle of the day, the evenings are almost livable. It's certainly nice outside if you've got a stream of water to play with, as Kierally found out to her delight this week.
Here are a couple of photos of her discovering running water and puddles and associated delights.

Kierally walking and hiding

Here a some videos of Kierally as she continues to grow and learn new skills, the most impressive this time being walking. Yes, she's up and about and loves to toddle all over the place. She hasn't got herself into any trouble yet, but I'm sure that's just around the corner.

Carrying the puppies

Hiding the yellow ball

Just being cute

Thanks for watching.

Kierally's First Birthday

A whole 12 months has passed since Kierally enterred the world. It's one of those short/long time experiences. It seems like so long ago, but then again as though it happened only recently.

Lois and I are extremely grateful that we've been blessed with a healthy, adorable, sweet, happy and charming child. She's not perfect, which we neither expected nor wanted, but she's pretty close and that'll do just fine.

God is good.

To celebrate the day we escaped the heat of Pheonix and drove to Payson for the day and spent most of it near the lake under the shade of the large trees there. It was very peaceful and relaxing.

Kierally was able to open her presents, with some help, and a good time was had by all the family.

Here are a couple of videos and photos of the day.

Walking is such a useful skill

We've been waiting expectantly for Kierally to start walking. Her Daddy, me, was a little slower than average to get up and going so there was some interest in when Kierally would show some interest.

Over the last week she's made some significant steps, pun intended.

Here are some videos...

Boy am I happy to see YOU!

If you want to feel special, a quick way is to release the captive from the prison!
This is how we are greeted when Kierally wakes from a sleep. You can't beat the enthusiasm!

Piano - Mummy's happy

NOT having a nap

Catching the cat - Poor George

Bath time

Crawling - Nope! But I spin on my tummy pretty well.

Early Crawling

Icecream!

On Saturday the family and some friends went to a small car parts swap-meet where there was a display of electrically powered vehicles. Although not a big event, the achievements of the backyard mechanics was quite impressive, particularly the ability to scrounge parts to make a workable system. One chap had made a complete electric car conversion for about $6500, and that INCLUDED the price of the car. Not bad, not bad at all!

Afterwards, seeing as the temperature was in the 80s we all decided that ice-cream was in order so toddled over to Swensen's to indulge.

The ice-cream was very good, but the fun started when I decided that Kierally should try sucking on some ice chips left over from my drink. Her facial expressions are very expressive whenever she tries something new and this time we caught it on camera. (Thanks to Jacque who was on the spot with the pocket digital.) You'll see the ice chip slip out of her mouth at the start and then the puzzled look on her face as it melts on her tongue. Ahhh - the things that she's got to learn about life. 

One day I'll get her some ice-cream and that'll make up for missing out today.

Here's the video

Playing around with videos and YouTube

Having family across the other side of the planet, and a new baby this side, I thought I'd put up a couple of videos of the new young one. This is first up effort, so it'll be interesting to see how it works.

Kierally feeding herself a rice cracker

Kierally being cute on the changing table

Thanks for indulging me.

John