Afternoon at the zoo

A couple of weeks ago, Riley and I spent the first sunny weekend afternoon at the Hogle Zoo. We have a membership, so we go frequently, but this was, by far, the best trip yet. It could have been a combination of the great weather, happy mood, or Riley's rapidly developing independence, but she was a riot to watch.

She especially loved the spider-monkeys. We watched them for about 20 minutes.


She was very brave around the elephant sculpture, until it roared and she came running back to me.


Again, enthralled by the monkeys.


In this shot, i was trying to get a pic of the monkeys, but Miss Yaya's sweet little face was captured in the reflection.I think this is my favorite pic from the whole day! (Hint: look at the hole in the tree)


Proof of Riley-bug's independent nature. She wanted to be in front of me the entire time.


Bugga is loving the zoo! Good thing we just renewed our membership!


All tired out, but we stopped to watch the monkeys one more time.

Chuck E. Cheese

Riley and I met up with our friends Candace and Cody, and Cody's little boy, Ryan for a fun night at Chuck E. Cheese. She had a ball! It had all the elements of a great time for her...pizza, games, a playmate (who is the cutest little boy on earth), lots of noise and lots of excitement.


Riley and Ryan driving together. Isn't he cute? he has the most expressive eyes.

My girl takes the wheel. I'm teaching her young to be in the driver's seat.


She really liked the car. She comes by it naturally, I guess.


She liked the carousel as long as I didn't move too far away from her.


The "Hickory-Dickory-Dock Clock" ride was, far and away, her favorite thing there!


Love my girl! I can see our resemblence clearly in this pic.


She did her fair share of showing off on the slide.

Fun times for all of us! Thanks, guys! Let's do it again SOON!

Photo credits belong to Candace on this post. Thanks, girl!

Tickle-Monster

Every night....

Before baths

Before stories

Before prayers

Before bed....

the "tickle-monster" shows up.

But she produces laughs and giggles and cuddles and grins.






So we let her stay around.

A dress of her own making.

I have a little fashionista on my hands. Riley's favorite thing to do while i am sorting, washing, and folding laundry is to design new outfits for herself from the various pieces and parts.

She started this look by donning two of mom's sports bras around her neck and a camisole over it all. A brave look for a brave girl.

She tried on several socks before deciding to keep it barefoot.


Mom's green tank top was part of the original idea, but it didn't work with the look she was creating.


Oh, yes. The black and white accessory is actually some of mom's underwear, slung fashionably over one shoulder. It's important for your clothing to work multiple ways in this lean economy.


Miss Yaya takes a bow in the chic ensemble she created for herself. The girl will definitely be on "Project Runway" in a few years.



TA-DA! Givenchy, Michael Kors, Versace, eat your heart out. This girl is the real deal.