Stacer Days: Out and about

The new baby hiking backpack was used, so we went for a test-hike close by to get Autumn used to being hauled around on Daddy's back. This was a very frequent thing with both boys, so as soon as we thought she was ready, it was time to get out there.

Maiden voyage... Tejas Park area. It's our local favorite. When we got there we were stunned to see how high the San Gabriel River was, which ended up flooding over one of our trails, but we made the best of it and still managed a fun afternoon and trial run with the little lady.

Her new chariot. I guess it would be more closely related to a sedan if she was royal or a papoose if we were indigenous and centuries old..

Throwing rocks and whatever else he can pick up.

She did great and ended up taking a nap too. The rhythmic motion of Daddy's walk mixed with his voice and the outdoors... leads to a hypnotic sleepy state.

The excess water revealed this pretty spring area we have not seen before.

King of the mountain, and his devious right-hand-man.

This was a "Mama, take my picture up here" moment.

Look close, you'll see that I've been left in the dust. Okay, so I'm out of shape and if I stop to take any photos, I fall behind. The story of my life.

The highest Alan has ever seen it, and he's been coming to this area for a long time.

She's a big fan of the Jumperoo. We love to watch her go nuts in there. Crowd pleaser and a handy short-term babysitter I might add.

Adam, doing serious work. Game: Most and Least, music: Dave Brubeck.

The first Christmas craft.

My cousin Sam, who currently lives in NYC, was in Texas for a business party and swung through for a visit. We trekked over to my sister's house to eat lunch with him and introduce him to our big baby girl...