RAINY AFTERNOON

It rained most of the afternoon so I was stuck inside my playroom. I investigated everything in NaNa's house at least twice.

I discovered that pulling potato chips out of the bag was more fun than eating them.

And pulling the characters out of my pop-up book was MUCH more fun than reading about them.

Although the story about the mouse was pretty funny. -maddox

MONEY MONEY MONEY!

When Mom wasn't looking, I ran off with her wallet.

I was thinking about all the things I could buy when she spotted me. -maddox

HIDE AND SEEK

I like hiding under things now.

But I start to panic until I find the way out. -maddox

SHARING

I am not too happy about sharing my food, but today I was nice and shared my cookie with Cousin Abbie. Well, I shared most of it. I managed to sneak in a quick grab and got a teeny tiny chunk of hers. -maddox

NEW MOVES

Bath time is now really fun because I know I can climb out the tub. I try over and over, but somehow Mom is always watching and I never make it out...not yet, anyway.

I could climb out of my high chair, too, if it wasn't for that annoying belt that keeps me in.

For now, I have to practice my new moves on the floor and in the bed. This is my latest favorite. I'm so excited about looking at the world upside down that I even manage to do it in my sleep. -maddox

SPLISH SPLASH

Mom handed me the washcloth tonight and jokingly said, "Ok, now wash your hair." I think she underestimated my smarts because she looked pretty impressed when I actually started to wash it.

I scrubbed a long time.

Having a lot of hair is a lot of work!! -maddox

UP AND DOWN

I love throwing things off my high chair. Mimi and Grandpa joined in my game by picking up my ball every time I threw it down. -maddox

A DOUBLE WHAMMY

This is what I think about double ear infections. This is also what I think about the doctor's office (although I did have fun telling every single kid in there hi over and over and over).

Luckily, I still have a good appetite.

I just need a little more cuddle time. -maddox

WILD MAN

I wonder if my hair will ever stop growing.

In a few more months, I'll be the perfect candidate for a rock band.

I don't even like wearing a shirt anymore. -maddox

NEW STUFF

I'm sleeping in a new place and doing new things. I'm also trying new food. String cheese is fun to play with and eat.

I'm getting some more teeth and have discovered how to bite. Unfortunately, it's a "no-no."

I still love being outside and swimming, but lately I've been even more fascinated with butterflies. I want to grab one and kiss it, but those little guys are so fast! -maddox

MY DADDY

I am so proud of my daddy, but I sure do miss him. I didn't understand that when I kissed him and waved bye-bye to him Monday night that he was going away for such a long time. Mom told me he is in San Antonio, Texas and that we will go there to see him in September. He is now not only my daddy, but also an Airman. In this picture he is getting "sworn in," whatever that means. It kinda looks like they are waving bye-bye.

Here is a closer shot. When I see my daddy in photos Mom shows me, I touch his face, lean in and give him a big kiss. I know he misses me as much as I miss him - maybe even more.

This is the first picture of daddy as an active member of the Air Force. He was tired because he had to get up at 3 a.m. He probably won't get a good night of sleep for a while...basic training sounds tough to me!

I look for daddy, but I guess he really is gone like Mom said. I can't wait to show him how I can high five and I will give him the BIGGEST kiss ever in September. Love you, Daddy. -maddox

THE MORNING AFTER

I think I recovered from my night of partying pretty well, don't you? -maddox

HAPPY 4TH!

I took an extra nap today so I could stay up late for Papa Joe and Grandma's 4th of July bash. It worked - I made it 'til 9:30!!

I went swimming with Dad...tasted strawberry shortcake and strawberry lemonade...watched some games of badminton...and hung out with a LOT of family (more than I could count on all my fingers and toes). I saw, but mostly heard, some fireworks before I crashed. -maddox