Can you dig it?

So here is a montage of photos showing what Sequoia has been up to while her dad has been working at everything other than the Blog.

with the warmer weather life has definitely moved outside to an unending stream of BBQs and pool parties.

This summer is so completely different than last now that all of Sequoia's little friends are running around and able to really enjoy themselves.

every day is a new discovery and a new adventure. I love how fearless Sequoia is.

She continues to love her books.

She is so very confident with her social skills - sort of like a golden retriever, positive that everyone will love her.

She is very active and social, but at the same time completely happy entertaining herself when need be.

We got to take her on her first camping trip, which she loved.

The other day she met her first Box Turtle in our back yard.

She really enjoys being outside and exploring.

It is hard to picture a happier or better adjusted little girl.

She cracks me up with all of her funny expressions.

She definitely keeps us entertained.

She makes life fun - can you dig it?

And there is no doubt who she takes after.

Seriously, just look at these two pictures.

Anyway, I will do my best to get pictures up on this Blog as much as possible. In the meantime rest assured that Sequoia is growing up and loving life. She can say ball and puppy now in addition to some other words now and again.

Hey, Where've ya been?

So it's been awhile since I've been on the blog. Work has been quite busy - as it always is this time of year.

While I've been away, Sequoia celebrated her second mother's day by taking her mom to a vineyard on the Northern Neck.

We also spent a day at Maymont again. This time Sequoia had a ball walking around and looking at the animals.

She wanted in as bad as the goats wanted out.

She certainly loves her animals.

One of her new toys is a second generation John Deere tractor trike handed down from cousins William and Christopher. She has some growing in to it to do, but she already loves it.

Colleen's sister Kathleen was in town for a big 40th birthday bash. I hope to post more pictures from that party when time allows, but evidently Sequoia knows how to settle in for a good party. I'm not certain if that is a lemon because she was drinking a Corona or doing shots, but either way, that's my girl.

Also with the combination of warmer weather and truly amazing walking skills, she has found a new joy in playing in her private swimming pool.

Tonight she was having fun trying to drink out of her big bucket.

She is definitely growing up. I will try to get some more pictures posted soon.

Sequoia can walk...

Sequoia can walk!!
With news this big it's no surprise that Sequoia broke out her blackberry and called all of her friends.

Kind of scary how good she is at using her phone ... I better get a better plan with unlimited minutes.

This certainly is not a great shot, but you get the idea. She has been able to take steps since her birthday and this past weekend she took a few steps on her own in front of her grandparents, but as of today she suddenly decided that she can and will walk everywhere.

She is incredibly coordinated and careful as she walks, but not at all hesitant. She is a confident walker and easily negotiates around the furniture and over the steps between rooms.
We are very proud of her.

Pool Party

The other day Sequoia was joined in her pool by her good friend Brooklyn.

Sequoia had fun climbing in and out of the pool sporting her surfer girl trunks.

Brooklyn borrowed Sequoia's Pooh bear Bikini and made friends with the lifeguard.

They shared Sequoia's Dora the explorer watering can.

Brooklyn obviously had a good time.

Sequoia also took some time to check out her tomato gardens.

Hitting the books...

Today Sequoia got a brand new 30 year old hand me down thrift store Care Bear Desk.

Now she can get serious about hitting the books. There are so many things to learn. So many books to read.

Beach Baby Days ...

Today Colleen and Sequoia packed up there beach gear and headed down to the Yorktown beach for some pre-summer fun.

They were joined at the beach by some of their friends.

Sequoia really enjoyed playing with Elizabeth.

Elizabeth entertained the crowd with her performance of "The Girl With One Red Shoe"

Luckily they came into the possession of some other kid's toys to play with.

It looks like they had a pretty good time.

I wonder what the kid who brought these toys is playing with.....

Will march for dimes...

Saturday, one of our first days to pass 90 degrees this year, Colleen and Sequoia left daddy at home ... well actually at work, so that they could walk in the March of Dimes fund raising walk. Here the Peninsula Mommies group rests up after the hot 5 mile walk.
Colleen kept referring to it as a race if that tells you anything about her competitive side...

After sweating their way through the 5 mile course at CNU, it is debatable whether or not Colleen and Sequoia won since they could not find any judges who were keeping score, but there was no debate about the fact that the Peninsula Mommies raised about $1,400 for a worthwhile cause.

Sequoia thought the best idea after all of that exertion in the hot sun was a refreshing dip in her new pool.

Horsing around....

Sequoia and Colleen took a short trip up to Maryland last week while I stayed home to work. While they were up there Sequoia got to go to the horse stables where Aunt Sherri keeps her horse, Chancellor along with Ryley's Pony, Buddy. Here she is with the Goliath, Chancellor.

And the more diminutive Buddy.

Feeding Buddy a carrot - that was good.

Shoving her hands into Buddy's nostrils - not so good.

Riding Buddy - started out good but went bad...very bad in Sequoia's opinion when they left the stable to try her out in the pasture. Between you and me, I think the upshot of that is that Sequoia will not be asking me to buy her a pony anytime soon. It will happen soon enough.

Our dear friends Becky and Larry were in town and gave Sequoia and Colleen a chance to squeeze in a visit with them. The visit was delightful even if the circumstances were unfortunate.

Larry's sister has 3 kids - the two boys are Sequoia's age.

The all had a ball playing together.

Sequoia particularly enjoyed the pool filled with balls.

She made it look so fun Larry had to try it out for himself.

One of Sequoia's favorite things to do is play with her cousins Ryley and Aiden. They are both really good with her and we are glad they are around to show Sequoia how to be a good big kid.