HadenSmith.com

Actually, Haden has had a lot to say lately. For months now, he’s been saying “kitty", “mommy” and “shoes", but over the last 3-4 weeks he’s really expanded his vocabulary. He now regularly says “ice", “daddy", “bo bo” (which can mean both bird and ball), “mo” (which means either more or milk), “Elmo” (yes, the little red monster), “ish” which means fish, and of course the dreaded “no!".

Starting just before Father’s Day, Haden began talking non-stop about “Daddy", who appears to be his favorite person in the world at the moment.

Over this last weekend Haden began saying “Ah Bee” repeatedly. We tried and tried to figure out what “Ah Bee” meant, with no luck. Until, that is, Mom picked Haden up from day care today. The teacher innocently said - “Oh, you just missed Aubrey. Her mom just picked her up. Haden can’t quit talking about her.” And suddenly it all made sense… it seems that “Ah Bee” is Haden-speak for Aubrey!

Could Haden have his first girlfriend?

Haden had a big weekend, filled with all sorts of fun! Today, he took Mom and Dad to the beach. He had a great time collecting (and throwing) all the little shells that littered the sand.

We all drove over to Oldsmar on Saturday. Here is Haden at the park.

It might not look like it, but Haden loved this slide and wanted to repeat the experience again and again and again.

Haden had to try dosa today at an Indian restaurant.

This pose has been one of Haden’s favorite pastimes the last few days.

Haden spent the day with Dad, celebrating the day. For dinner, he took Dad (and Mom) to a German beer garden for some wurst and kraut.

Haden went over to Orlando to meet up with some of Mom’s friends (L->R Amy, Eliza, Haden, Carmen, and Haven).

Haden was just a little guy last time they were here.

Haden spent a night on the town in honor of Mom’s Birthday. He also wants to give a “shout out” to Jonas (HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY!! You can check out his adventures at lawler-white.blogspot.com) and Riley (HAPPY #3!!) who also share this day.

This past week, Haden has learned how to drink from a regular cup without spilling the contents everywhere. Now he begs us to use one, instead of his regular sippy cup.

Haden checked out the Pirate Ship at the Buccaneer Fan Fest today.

Here’s a short video from our trip of Haden petting a toucan. This is from last Friday, on our hike/horse ride to the jungle waterfalls.

The man in the video is Don Lulu, our wonderful guide to the waterfalls. (It turns out that Lulu also owns the land surrounding the waterfalls, and the tour operation to them.) Haden really took to Lulu, and even let him hold him to get a closer view of the toucan. (Haden doesn’t usually let strangers touch him.)

We’re working on sorting through all the pictures we took last week (nearly 1500!!) and will let everyone know when they’re ready for viewing.

Haden was thrilled to play with all the toys he had to leave behind.

Everyone made it back home to Tampa early this AM.

Everyone made the drive back to San Jose today. We fly back home on Sunday.

Everyone took a trek to some waterfalls in the jungle today.

Grandma, Haden, Mom, Aunt Kirsten, Grandpa, Uncle Jaron and Cousin Henry at Playa Colonia.

Practicing sharing on the beach.

Today’s jungle hike ended up on beach. Haden spotted three species of monkeys on this trek.

Haden spent the morning on a jungle hike spotting monkeys. He also got to visit a butterfly garden.