Let Us Give Thanks to Sonoma County

There are days when we feel quite lucky to live in Northern California. Like today, when we headed to Healdsburg to enjoy a tour of a winery and sample the yummy vino. Mia joined us and was a very good sport, embracing the wide open space and, especially, the sign that warned everybody about her very hostile Piggy. Here are some additional photos, artistically produced by Mr. David Corey.

Big Gurrrllll

"Big Gurrrlllll" is how Mia describes herself these days, and according to the pediatrician during her visit today, looks like Mia is pretty accurate. She's 23 pounds and 32 inches, which means she is far bigger (percentile-wise) than she's ever been. The chubby legs (that we love, of course) don't lie.

In other Big Girl News, Mia ditched the high chair today, moving on to the booster seat. Now she can join the adults at the dining room table this Thanksgiving. Gobble, gobble!

Fun in the Sunshine State

We are back from Florida, where Mia had a blast with her extended family -- she is especially fond of G'Mama, Lex and Pop-Pop. Aunt Kelly would rank higher on the list, but a miscalculated joke ended up scaring Mia away from her (don't worry, Kel, I'm sure your status will be restored next trip). We spent lots of time swimming, playing at the beach, and watching Aunt Karen diligently work out to her Firm DVDs. Here are some photos, taken by Grandma.

Back at home, it was nice to see that little has changed. The rainboots were requested immediately.

TRUCK!!!

Mia LOVES trucks and she was especially excited, therefore, when we pulled into the parking lot for the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and there was a Scraper (as featured in one of her favorite books, "Trucks"). It was a little more thrilling for her than the dolphins and turtles inside the Aquarium, but Grandpa and I will accept entertainment value for Mia where and when it comes.

Here Comes the Rain ...

...and Mia is very prepared. The skies opened up over San Francisco last weekend to give us a preview of the winter to come and, in response, we found a rain jacket and rain boots to keep the little one dry and, it seems, quite pink. Mia loves the boots so much (or, alternatively, is so afraid of the possibility of rain) that she wants to wear them indoors.

Happy voting!