Sometimes in life you've got to stop and smell the oleander blooms

Hello to all my adoring fans!

Poor Eating Habits

Who taught this kid how to eat salad?!


Or cheese sticks?

Maia opens an early birthday present from Aunt Sandy and Uncle Gene

A sweet, one-of-a-kind, Noah's Ark dress - made by the Amish Community.



Thanks Aunt Sandy!!

Maia rides her bike at the Duck Pond

And then halfway through gives up on the bike!

Video of the Day - Maia Reed, singer/songwriter

This video was taken last week. Maia very frequently makes up her own words and tunes to songs. Most of what she is singing here is gibberish but if you listen closely you can make out a few words or phrases like "hiccup" (followed by a fake hiccup), "lion" (followed by a roar), and towards the end is "wash the princess out." You mean you don't see how all those are connected?! :)

Video of the Day - Exersaucer play

This was taken when Maia was about 4 months old I think. You can tell that she's just learning how to control her arm movements and such. It's already visible how determined she is! It's hard to believe when watching this, that this is the same little girl who is now speaking in complete sentences and the other day was counting in Spanish!

Video of the Day - Sucker sharing

This video was taken at my "surprise" 30th birthday party last year. I received a sucker as a gift, which Maia quickly snagged. Watch Dawson as he so diligently tries for more and more licks from the sucker, then Maia finally giving in. Hilarious! - mar

Video of the Day - Maia's first snow

This was a short video taken in the middle of January 2007. It snowed several inches over the night and Maia was excited to get out and experience her first snowfall. She is 20 months old in this video.

Visit from Papa and Grandma Carol

Maia's Papa, who she hasn't seen since January, and Grandma Carol came from California for a visit. It was a full weekend and lots of pictures to show for it...

Every former Midlander, when they come back to town has to make a stop at Rosa's Cafe. Maia and Dawson didn't seem to have any complaints though!

Photo opp in the Rosa's parking lot...of all places

Papa and Grandma Carol's last night in Midland - all the Rydell's met at Texas Roadhouse for dinner. It's a good thing it's loud when we're all together!

Kissing cousins ... but in the cute way!





Maia and Dawson were having fun running around and playing in the outdoor waiting area. We all decided that next time we should just eat out there and let them play!