I Talked Today!

I think I said my first words today!!! I was just blabbering along and I think I said Da-Da or I Luh Da-Da! I am not too sure what it means, but Mommy and Daddy get soooo excited when I say it!! So they took a picture of me sittin in front of the Christmas tree. I think I will say I Luh Ma-Ma next!!!

Chillin' in my Street Car

Mommy and Daddy take me on walks in the neighborhood, and I just chill in my Street Car! Look at me go!

I Like Water.

When Mommy wasn't looking, I stole her water bottle and drank it all down. About 75% of the earth's surface is covered with water, and now about 90% of my church dress is covered with water too!

Lights at the Zoo

Daddy and Mommy took me to the Lights at the Zoo tonight! Even though I was whiney and grumpy, they decided to take me because they thought it would cheer me up. Boy were they right! Seems like Mommy and Daddy know how to fix everything. You bet I won't be admitting that when I am a teenager and I think they don't know anything!

When we got to the zoo, I was sleeping, so they walked around a little bit but they finally woke me up and took me out of my streetcar. The lights were really pretty. There was even snow there too!! Daddy bought Mommy some Kettle Korn and we walked around and saw all the lights and some animals. Mommy says if I act nice, she might take me to the zoo again to see the lights this Christmas. Boy I hope so!!

Oh Christmas Tree!

We put up our Christmas tree last night! It was the first time I have ever helped to put up a Christmas Tree. It seems like it's always my first time doing things. I must have lived a boring life up until recently. I totally LOOOOOVED the lights. They are so awesome!! I wanted to grab them and put them in my mouth, because that's what I do with everything lately. But Mommy said they might shock me. I just love to sit and stare at all the twinkly lights on the tree. I am going to love Christmas!!

Sleigh Bell Trot!

On Tuesday night, Mommy and Daddy took me to the Sleigh Bell Trot 5k at Saluda Shoals Park because they had to work the event. Since I was there, I figured I might as well compete in the race. Needless to say, I finished first. I felt bad beating all those other runners that run all the time, but what can I say, I am an athlete. It was cold and rainy, and there were over 1,000 people there. It was a hectic night, but as you can see, I was all bundled up and I had a blast!

My First Veggies!

I ate my first Veggies last Sunday! As my first Veggie choice, I chose Sweet Taters! I thought since Thanksgiving was coming up, I might as well make it a seasonal selection. Mommy gave me the box of Sweet Taters and I went at it. Then I realized we had to open up the box first! So Mommy opened it and I really enjoyed it. I ended up getting it all over my face so Daddy could take a picture of it. That's what we do. Hopefully I can eat Fried Chicken soon. That seems like the most reasonable choice once I get Sweet Taters out of the way!!!

Did I Tell Everyone How Much I Love Soccer?

Well, I do. As you can see here, I am quickly becoming one of America's future stars of soccer......What's that Daddy? What do you mean I can't touch the ball with my hands? What do you know about soccer anyway? Sorry! My Daddy thinks he knows everything. Like I was saying, I am going to be the best soccer player ever!!

Baptism

I was baptized today at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Chapin!! It was so amazing! I got to go up front with Mommy and Daddy and Aunt Tracy (who was my sponsor) and Pastor Dave. Everyone in the church was looking, so I promised Mom and Dad I wouldn't act up, and I didn't. Mommy had me dressed in the prettiest little white dress. I felt just like a princess. Pastor Dave said some things, and Aunt Tracy said some things, and Mommy and Daddy said some things, and then Pastor Dave took me and gave me a little bath. I wasn't used to the cold water, because at home, I get nice little warm baths. But I didn't act up!! Then Pastor Dave walked me up and down the church aisle and introduced me as the newest little member to God's family. I already have an awesome family, but I guess it's cool to be a part of another amazing family!! All the spectators really enjoyed seeing me. I guess I am famous? We took pictures after church and all in all it was such a glorious day!

Treat-or-Trickin!!

Me and Isabel had a blast Friday night during our first Treat-or-Tricking!! (Daddy says it should be called Treat-or-Tricking because either you give me a treat or I trick you, not the other way around. But I don't know, he says weird stuff all the time!) Anyhoo, we went to the Riddles in Little Mountain for some treats, then came back home to the neighborhood to get some treats and do a little reverse treat-or-tricking. It's something new we invented where we go door to door and give out candy. As you can see, I was dressed up as a horse (or a cow if that does ya well) and my sister Isabel was a little pumpkin-o-lantern we snatched down from the pumpkin patch!

Halloween at the Park

Howdy Pardner! We had a rough-n-tumble Friday niiiite down at the parkderosa. But me and my cowpokes were darn tootin ready for em! We had darn near over 2 thousand Indians come cuttin us off at the pass to have a showdown at the parkderosa!!! But my fabulous duo of Daddy and Momma were more'n ready to handle the barrage of mouth-fire and shindigism that was goin on! And it was a six-shootin' success!! We make a great team!!!

Gymboree Pumpkin Patch Party!

I went to my Gymboree Pumpkin Patch party on Thursday night!! It was soooo fun! Me and the other babies had a blast playing games like soccer and taking pictures and having treats and just socializing with my friends. All the Gymboree workers love me, so I like Gymboree. Me and Daddy had fun going down the sliding boards and I was dressed up as a little puppy!!Take a looksee at my pictures!

Boo At The Zoo!

I know what you're thinking -- "why is there a Greenbay Packer Cheerleader/Puppy on this page?" Don't worry -- you're in the right place -- it's me, Heidi! I'm dressed up as a cheerleader for Boo at the Zoo. I got to go trick or treating there with Mommy and Daddy on Sunday night. It was lots of fun -- I got to see all the usual animals plus pretty lights and you won't even believe who was there -- a real live angel, a snowman, a witch, and even celebrities. I got my mask at the zoo, I look so cute in it. I got some candy in my pumpkin basket but I don't know where the candy went. Mommy and Daddy rosted marshmallows, but they didn't even share with me -- that's so unfair! I got tired and fell asleep, but you can see my cool pink pumpkin. Then I got to play in frankenstien's foam area -- I was a little unsure about it. You can see me here in the foam -- it was slippery and mommy had to hold my hand. You can also see my cool new cheerleader shoes -- mommy bought them for me at this trendy little botique called Wal-Mart -- she says it's a very exclusive place where only the finest people shop.

Here's me by a pretty tree with lights!

The Zoo Part 2!

Me and Mommy and Daddy went to the zoo again the other day. I was soooo fascinated with the fishies! The were so colorful and movey! (That's me looking at the Fishies in the top picture!) We had a fun time walking (well, I was riding and sleeping) through the trails in the Botanical Garden. It started to rain for a little bit, so we left after a little while. But I got the idea that I wanted to go to Boo at the Zoo!! I will tell you about that a little later!

Gymboree Class

On Wednesday I had my 2nd Gymboree class at Crooked Creek Park. We got to sing songs, play with fun toys, ride around the floor, play with a parachute, look at bubbles -- so many fun things. In this picture you can see my friend Porter -- he's a little bit older than me, but he's still cool. We were in some of the same classes this summer -- we took Kindermusik together so we go way back. Porter came to class in a turtleneck shirt and jeans! I don't know what kind of workout he was planning on doing in that -- I wore my love bunny outfit because it's fashionable and allows for me to move freely. I am looking forward to next class to see what fun stuff we will do and to see what kind of outfit ol' Porter will have on.

Riding in my carseat

I'm all ready to go riding in my carseat! Daddy got me all buckled up so I will be safe.

My First Trick or Treating!

On Saturday, I did my first Trick-or-Treating!! I would tell you how fun it was, but I don't remember. Truth is....I slept through the whole thing! The local Food Lion had a community Trick or Treat in the Shopping Center, so some of the stores were giving away candy. Mommy dressed me in my little Jack-o-Lantern onesie. I wasn't going to wear my main Halloween outfit, for that is a surprise I am saving for Halloween! Anyway, Mom and Dad pushed me around in my stroller as I slept, and I got candy. Mom says they are going to save the candy until I am old enough to eat it. But I have already seen Dad stick his hand in my candy jar and eat some. After further deliberations with myself, I have come to the conclusion that Mom and Dad just took me Trick-or-Treating to get candy for themselves. *Sigh* There's always next year!

Mommy finally let me have some cereal....

And let me say, it didn't look like the yummy cereal they eat all the time!!!  They eat yummy looking cereal called Cap'n Crunch Peanut Butter, and Frankenberry, and Lucky Charms, but what do I get???  Rice cereal!!  That's not even a real cereal.  It's like a powder.  I mean, don't get me wrong, I eat it, because I am a wonderful obedient daugther.  But I am going to have to have a talk with them, because I feel like I am getting wronged here.  I spit some of it out and let it get all over my face to give Mom and Dad some good photo opportunities.  Soon, I will throw it all over the floor, and all over my clothes, and all over my face, because that's what babies do!  And truth is, I am still a baby!  Hopefully though, I will graduate to some Froot Loops or something!!

Hi there!

Group Shot!

This is a group shot on Sunday morning before we had to leave! It was sad that we had to leave, but Mommy and Daddy said we might go back next year!! I can hardly wait! I loved my first mountain vacation!! And I love Mommy and Daddy!

Marshmallow Roasting!

My Mommy loves Smores! We roasted marshmallows and made Smores. I must have been bad that day, because they didn't give me any!!

Amicalola State Park

After Fall Branch Falls, we took a 45 minute drive (1 hour actually, because Daddy went the wrong way) south to Amicalola State Park. We got there and it was REALLY crowded. There were tons of people there. We took about a 15-20 minute hike to see the falls. It was pretty nice aside from all the people there. We didn't hike all the way to the top of the falls, but it was still pretty nice!

Fall Branch Falls

On Saturday, me and Mommy and Daddy went riding around looking for adventure. Our first stop brought us to Fall Branch Falls, about 15 minutes from our Cabin. It was a pretty strenuous uphill hike to the waterfall. Mommy carried me in my little kangaroo pouch (that's what I like to call it!) Daddy led the way through the treacherous mountain trail. After about a 15 minute hike, we came to the base of the waterfall. It was a pretty cool waterfall! Check out my pictures!

Gone Fishin'?

Daddy tried to go fishing a little bit in the river. Supposedly, little corn kernels are supposed to catch trout. Daddy is not a good fisherman. He didn't catch anything. But the squirrels really enjoyed the corn!!

Pumpkin Patch!!

After we left the Vineyard, we all stopped and ate lunch at Rib Country in Blairsville, GA. Then we took off on an adventure to find Southern Tree Plantation Pumpkin Patch. After a long trek through the Georgia countryside, we finally found it, but it wasn't open yet. So we drove a few miles around the bend and found another pumpkin patch. Mommy and Daddy stuck me all around the pumpkins because I guess they think I am a pumpkin. They call me "Pumpkin" all the time! I think they took 984 pictures of me with the pumpkins. Here are just a couple!

Crane Creek Vineyard

On Friday morning, the whole group set out to visit Crane Creek Winery in Young Harris, Georgia. It was about a 45 minute drive east from our riverside cabin in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Me and Mommy and Daddy and Grandmommy and Grandpoppa Riddle and Uncle Nick and Aunt Tricia and Uncle Gary all went. We left Isabel at the cabin to keep watch. When we got there we all went inside for Wine Tasting. Since I was a little too young to drink, me and Daddy went outside to walk around the vineyard. We found a nice little spot under a big oak tree to sit down and enjoy the beautiful scenery and breathe in the cool mountain air. I found it a great place to take a little nap! When everyone got done wine tasting, we all walked through the vineyards, tasted a few grapes, and found a nice gazebo for some photos!

Going to the Spa!

Getting spa treatment on Vacation is always a must!! As you see here, I was getting a back rub at the Spa La Mommy! Nice and relaxing!

Helen, GA

After we went to Toccoa Falls, we drive through Helen, Georgia to get lunch. Helen is a German Bavarian town in the Mountains. Daddy tells me I am part German, so it was like I was re-tracing my roots! Our actual German name before it was changed a while back to Riddle, used to be Ridlehoover. How German is that!?!? I don't know if that is true or not, but I believe anything that Daddy tells me. So anyway, we were going to stop for lunch in Helen, but since we got a late start, it was already after 3pm and the restaurant we were going to was closed. So we walked up to my Motel (as you can see), the Heidi Motel and me and Daddy got some pictures. Then we went to the Troll Tavern and had lunch. Daddy had a Kraut Bratwurst and Mommy had a Garden Salad, and I had some milk. Then we left Helen and hit the road!

Love Always,

The Littlest Riddle,

Heidi Catherine

Toccoa Falls, GA

The first place we stopped along the way (other than the Georgia Welcome Center) was Toccoa Falls. It is located on the campus of Taccoa Falls College at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains (which are at the bottom of the Appalachain Mountain Range.) Mommy thought Daddy was getting lost but Daddy knew where he was driving. We drove to the parking lot and I got to ride in my stroller for the 2 minute trek up to the falls. It was a very high waterfall, about 186 feet tall to be exact! Toccoa means "beautiful" in the Cherokee language and it was definitely a beautiful backdrop for Mommy and Daddy to get some good pictures of me!

My First Mountain Trip!

Me and Mommy and Daddy and Isabel just got home from my first Mountain Trip!! I am going to be blogging about my adventures as time permits, but I just wanted to let everyone know we got home ok. We visited waterfalls and pumpkin patches. Visited Helen, Georgia, the land of my German ancestry (we even saw my motel!) Went to restaurants and tried out unique foods. Went trail hiking and visited state parks. Hung out by the campfire and roasted marshmallows. Went fishing and shopping in the downtown. We did lots of things in which I will document in my next few blogs. It was so fun! I think I will take my family back there again next year! It was so cool!

Love Always,

The Littlest Riddle,

Heidi Catherine

My First Wedding!

I went to my first wedding last night!! We had such a fun time! I partied late into the night (until about 8:45pm!) Julian got married to Heather. I don't know them all that well, but they tell me Julian is my 3rd cousin! Grandpa Riddle and his Grandma were brother and sister. Anyway, although it was a rainy night in Greer, we had a blast. Well, I was loud during the ceremony, so Mommy had to take me out back. I wasn't being bad, I was just voicing my opinion about the wedding. I am just a talkative little baby. Supposedly I get that from my Daddy. After we left the church, we went to Greer City Park. It was a convention center place. It was really pretty in there. We got to sit down and eat, and me and Mommy danced, and me and Daddy danced, and Mommy and Daddy danced, and then all 3 of us danced together! I was the life of the party (like usual!) I was like a hot potato with everyone passing me around! It was fun, I think I will go to another wedding one day. Looks like we have one scheduled for April!!

An Elf?

Who said I looked like an elf?? OK, maybe in this picture I do. But I don't work at the North Pole. I've never even been up as far as Minnesota. And no, that's not a reindeer in the picture, that's just my Moosie! I'm just a cute baby with an orange elf-like hat.

Hooters!

Since Aunt Shiner came to town and she LOOOOVES Hooters, we got to go to Hooters tonight! Daddy tried to talk us into going somewhere else, but us 3 girls (me, mommy and Shiner) out-voted him 3-1. All the Hooters girls wanted to hang out with me all night, which made all the other customers there upset, but what can I say, I am famous! Everybody wants to hang out with me, as shown in this picture!