What does Texas, Bhutan, and NASA have in common?

Why they all were displayed on the National Mall for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival this year http://www.folklife.si.edu/festival/2008/index.html .

This afternoon we schlepped down to the National Mall not for the festival BUT, more importantly because Texas was on display and my parents were hoping for some very much missed Texas BBQ! Once we arrived in the district we realized that it was our lucky day - a FREE parking spot near the National Mall! So my Dad parked (this time without grunting :-), loaded me in the stroller and off we set out for some BBQ. I'm not sure why I was so excited, especially knowing that I wouldn't get a taste of the BBQ. At the very least I would get to smell the famous smell of good ole Texas BBQ. Here are a few shots taken from our adventure today:




Texas, Our Texas! so wonderful so great!

Shiner Bock -Mommy & Daddy's favorite beer

Bhutan's rich and unique architectural

"Mommy, you make me laugh!"

"Dad's hoping that I'll learn to fly a space shuttle one day or at least learn how to operate one of these engines pictured here".

Love,

Emerson

Happy Birthday America!

Friday was the first 4th of July that my parents celebrated at home in a while. Last year they were in NYC with my cousin Jessica and the year before that they took my cousin Jessica down to the National Mall to watch the fireworks. In fact, my Dad was saying earlier that this was the first year that Jessica hasn't been with us in a while. Nevertheless, we managed to have fun and party it up! Here's some shots from my first 4th of July:



"Auntie Sarita, help me... I'm eating my shorts!"

"Emily you are too cool and WOW, check out those pretty eyes!"

"Auntie Amanda, you have the best shoulder".

"Uncle Daren, can't you stay longer so that we can play?"

" Yeah, Mom & Dad.... I've decided to move in with these folks. "

So, I hope everyone had as good of a holiday as I did. Maybe next year you'll be able to make it to our neck of the woods!

Love,

Emerson

I've Got A New Trick!

Today was a special day - it was the first day I rolled from my stomach to my back without any help from Mom, Dad or Pa Sai (that means Auntie in Thai). I could hardly wait for Mom to pick me up today from Pa Sai's house to tell her the good news. Mom was so happy that she cried...... between you and me I think she wanted Dad or her to be the first to watch me roll over. It's all good though because right before bath time, I rolled over again (I didn't want to disappoint her.... you know how women can be, there just so sensitive sometimes :-). Pa Sai also sent me home with some Pad Thai that she had made for the big kids to eat. The Pad Thai sure smelled good...... I'm counting down the days that I can eat solid food! This milk thing is getting old and I'm looking forward to sitting at the table with the big kids.

Love,
Emerson

Summertime Fun!

On this past Saturday, Mom & Dad loaded up the car with pasta salad, brownies, cookies and of course me and off we went for a picnic. I was worried at first because it started raining pretty hard but then the sun came out so all was good. I tried my hardest to sneak a taste of the brownies (especially since they were right next to me on the ride over) but Mom had them sealed up like Fort Knox!

The afternoon got off to a good start. First, Dad tried to teach me how to do the cabbage patch dance (photo #1). Then Auntie Sarita (I so have a crush on her :-) cleaned my face (photo #2). Dad tried to give me my first beer (Mom put a kibosh on that... thus why I'm crying in photo #3). Last but not least, I had to include a photo of some of my favorite Aunties - Sarah and Susan! I'm looking forward to this Friday.... more BBQ, more friends, and lots of fun for the 4th. I'll let you know how it goes :-).

Love,
Emerson

Saturday Fun!

Saturday's are our favorite time to go the local farmer's market in old town Alexandria. This week Mom's friend Becky and her daughter Margaret Rose (a.k.a. Maggie or Mags as my Dad says it) came with us to the farmer's market. Dad went hiking in Great Falls so he was happy too. It was so nice out this morning that I couldn't wait to get out of the house. Mom picked up some herbs for her garden. I'm not sure why as we all know that they'll be dead within the week but, we'll keep encouraging her..... she's certainly determined to grow cilantro this year! Afterwards, we headed down to the park along the Potomac river in old town where Maggie and I got to spend some quality time together. Check us out below:

Love,
Emerson


"Hey baby, what's your sign?"

"Seriously, I can't understand a word your saying"

" No, I don't know why she has me locked up?"

"Do you think that you can help bust me out of here?"

The Longest Day of My Life!

The summer solstice, the most daylight that we'll have all year and we spent part of it in Gathersburg, MD - Smokey Glen Farm.

My Daddy had his company picnic this evening. I couldn't wait to get there as I've been dreaming for days of the moon bounce, putt putt golf, horse shoes and BBQ. Of course, Mom was a party pooper and instead of BBQ I had milk and I was only allowed to assist Dad with putt putt..... thank goodness I was there for him..... don't tell him but he could use a little help :-).

The best part was that I got to meet a bunch a cool people that my Dad hangs out with at work. There's Steve (they call him Hollywood.... check out the photo below and you'll know why) with his daughter named Shayana (I believe that's how you spell her name). Shayana is five months older than me which is OK by me... I've always wanted to date an older woman. She has gorgeous hair and eyes and has a great smile too! I'm thinking she dug me too but, with my cold I didn't want to get too close to her. Then there's Jeff, he's the guy in the blue shirt that pretty much takes care of all of the folks in my Dad's office. He's really nice and plays horse shoes really well. Last but not least, my Daddy's buddy Alvaro is pictured below in the black shirt. Alvaro always seems really happy because he smiles a lot..... I bet it's because he got to eat the BBQ instead of milk like me!

We had a great time at the company picnic and I'm looking forward to next year. Maybe then I can have some BBQ or at the very least sneak some when Mom's not looking :-).

Love,
Emerson

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Today was a great day! Mom and I made Dad breakfast in bed, Dad opened presents and off to church we went. Dad wore the present that I picked out for him to church (guitar cuff links). I chose this gift mainly because I think my Daddy Rocks! After church, Dad went on a much deserved bike ride while I caught up on my sleep. Upon awaking from my nap, Dad and I hung out for a little while until bath/bed time. Tonight's bedtime reading selection was really cool.... I got to learn about all sorts of animals like apes, gorillas, alligators and so on. All in all, I think my Dad had a good first Father's day and I'm so happy that he did!

Here below is a photo of Dad and I trying to figure out the electronic brag book (to load pictures of me of course) that Mom and I picked out for him. Pay no attention to my spooky eyes. Mom's a little slow at figuring out how to take pictures of me but don't tell her that.... I wouldn't want to hurt her feelings :-).

Love,
Emerson