Exersaucer

Evan's new obsession, another blessing brought over from the Popelmayer clan.  They have the best toys.

Smiles

How can this not make you smile and be thankful?

The Best.

He was the best.  My dad.  This is the first time I've sat at the computer and thought about doing another blog.  It has not been easy finding motivation for just about anything over the past month, and outside of Jen and Evan...not many things even bring a smile to my face right now.  This blog was never meant to be a place for deep thoughts or feelings, and to be honest...I really can't even put into words how much I'll miss my father.  He was the best man I'll ever meet in my life.  A man I've tried hard to mirror in so many ways, through the things he taught me and the selfless ways he conducted himself on an everyday basis.  Although it feels selfish now putting up blogs of Evan and trying to make it seem like everything is going along fine, I know how much joy Evan provided my dad and how much he enjoyed seeing pictures on this blog.  Whenever we talked on the phone over the past several months, every conversation started with him asking the same thing, "How's the little guy?".

Although he and Evan only met one time...it was a meeting I'll never forget and I'll be thankful for my entire life.  My dad was so excited to hold and feed Evan, and his face lit up when Evan fell asleep in his arms.  That was a good day.  A great day. 

In honor of the best man I've ever known, I am going to attempt to continue this blog.  The posts might not be as frequent, but they'll keep coming.  Pictures and stories are how we remember those who have passed on and how I'll make sure Evan always knows how incredible his Bacca was and how much Bacca loved him.

New Threads

Evan was sporting a dapper new outfit this weekend.  As you can tell...he was thrilled.

Smiles (kind of)

It's all about smiles these days.  Most moves are now an attempt to elicit smiles.  Although we're working on smile on demand, it's still a bit random.  Apparently today the combination of a full belly (of course), the bouncy chair, and very annoying clicking noises I made with my tongue, was enough for a few smiles.  Once the camera was rolling, he became very shy...however this take got a little smirk.  Sorry about the sideways shot.

Little Man in the Mirror

A quick video.  Watch the whole video (46 seconds of your life), it's worth it near the end.

Pumpkin Patch

The Griswolds Martins went to a pumpkin patch today.  How times have changed...a few years ago we dressed up in costumes and went to late night parties on Halloween.  Now, we dress up kids like pumpkins and go to petting zoos.  Regardless, it was a good time.  Jen's parents a/k/a Grammi and Grandpa are in town and we all met up with our good friends the Pops family.

Lil' pumpkin...

Evan doing his favorite activity...screaming.

He calmed down pretty quickly and was so excited about his first pumpkin patch, that he fell asleep for the rest of the trip.

Ella showing her Ohio State spirit

I don't know this guy..but even in Chicago, Bengals fans have too much facial hair and wear camo jackets.

Evan was exhausted...time to go home.

Cincy cont'd

Another nice trip to Cincy to see family.  Evan loved meeting his Aunt Erica, Uncle Kelly and Miss Melanie.

Halloween Preview

Play Date

On Saturday Evan got to hang out with his buddy William.  They got along well and William was even nice enough to share his lamb chair and changing table with Evan.  These guys are both growing fast, it's crazy to see.

Intense

Evan has recently discovered the toys hanging from his play mat.  Let the staring contest begin...

Aluminum Overcast

Rusty and I passed on an opportunity to take a flight in a B-17 about 15 years ago.  In a total coincidence, our trip last weekend to Cincy coincided with the return of the Aluminum Overcast B-17 to Lunken.  This time...we (Rusty) ponied up the cash and 15 years of regrets were put behind us.  An absolutely incredible experience, made special because I was able to share it with my father.

 We only had to sit during take-off and flight, the rest of the 30 minute flight we were free to roam the plane and do as we pleased.  A view from our take-off seat in the tail of the plane.

Rusty taking aim at a Nazi fighter plane.  Oh wait...those are just birds.

Radio room...

Walkway to the nose of the plane.  There is a step up to the pilot's seat, and a small plank where you had to crawl on all fours to get to the nose of the plane underneath the pilot (Bombardier's section).

In the nose...

Rusty emerging on all fours from the nose:

Back on the ground.

More Cincinnati

It's been a few days since the last blog.  Sorry.  I'm sure both of you have anxiously been awaiting an entry.  Regardless, here are a few pictures from the Cincy trip.  Evan had a great time and was way excited to meet Bacca and spend some time with Mimi.  By the way...I think Bacca might be the best "grandpa" name around...well done Elise on starting that name. 

Evan's already excited to head back to Cincy in a few weeks to see Bacca again and meet Uncle Kelly and Miss Melanie. 

A side note, the next blog will have some photos from the B-17 flight that my dad and I took.  Incredible.  In the meantime...