Happy Halloween!

Violet is getting ready to go out for her first Halloween.

I was out one day and saw this costume. I thought it was so cute and creative. Melissa says most babies are a ladybug for their first costume. Oh well, it was either this or a bumble bee.

Dunked at Swimming Lessons

I captured a video of Violet getting dunked at her swimming lesson.

She goes off the frame for a bit because I didn't know whether to concentrate on the camera or figuring a way to save her in case Melissa chickened out half way through. I really don't think Violet knew exactly what was happening to her. As long as she has her duck you can do just about anything.

VIP Host - Michael and Grandpa

I took Dad to Harrah's last Friday so he could see Michael working as a VIP Host.

Dad's not happy with the picture. He thinks he looks old. I keep trying to tell him he looks good for a man his age! I also think he's just saying that so I'll take him back for coupon Friday.

Thursday Night Dinner at Outback Steakhouse

It's been several weeks since I've posted a picture of Thursday night dinners and almost as long since we've actually gone out to dinner. Tonight Michael, Dad and I went to Outback Steakhouse. I had so much seafood in Florida that I've been craving steak. Dad and I had the prime rib and Michael had the chicken. Michael's dinner came with cheesecake covered in chocolate sauce so I stole a bite for my dessert.

Most of my Thursday night pictures are of Dad and Michael, or Dad and Melissa, or anyone else but myself. So tonight I decided to post a picture of Dad and me.

Our Little Tadpole

I had the opportunity yesterday to go with Melissa to Violet's swim lessons. I was surprised at the teachers. Melissa thinks they are on the swim team from the high school which makes them about 16 years old. What they know about teaching babies to swim is beyond me. Violet was one of the younger students with the oldest being around 2 years old. Parents and babies are confined to a very small area of the pool.

Violet didn't have a very long afternoon nap so she wasn't as excited about swim lessons today as she has been. She seemed more interested in eating the duck instead of swimming. I must have taken 50 pictures just to get one where Violet was close to looking at me. Violet loves the water but it seems more of a workout for Melissa instead of swim lessons for Violet. Skills include getting wet, kicking, front float, back float and leg action. Instructors encourage parents to submerge their babies at least once. After much coaxing Melissa finally immersed Violet in the pool. Just before her head goes in the water you blow in her face then push her back, down and up. That way water flows over the back of her head and not up her nose. By the time it's over the only tears are the ones coming from the mothers.

Violet is 7 Months Old

I almost forgot to post Violet's 7 month picture.

These stickers are so cute and also very helpful. I hope Violet understands when she graduates from high school why she has a sticker on her dress saying she's 18 years old.

Violet and the Pumpkin Patch

While I was away in Florida, Violet, Melissa and Jamie visited Carolyn's Pumpkin Patch in Liberty.

Violet's first Halloween experience included pumpkins...

posing in a giant chair...

and a petting zoo where she saw her first goat.

Melissa and Jamie are so creative with their selection of toys and activities for Violet. It's probably why she's so smart. If it were up to me all she'd have would be an empty water bottle.

But what amazing memories for all of us.