1/8 time

Pops set up a partial drum kit in the basement. Some would say it was for him but I think it was more so for me. Here and there he's been giving me lessons like how to hold the sticks and which drum makes which sound. Some dads would just tell their kids how to look cool behind the drums. Not my Pops. He teaches me to play the drums in essence makes me look cool behind the drums. I'm hoping to start up a band with my cousins, Joey and Zac. I think we would be way better than the Jonas Brothers.

Autumn Rivulets

It's times like these when I come to realize what a true outdoorsman I have become. I don't think I can really pinpoint which is my favorite season. I love spring because you can see the leaves growing and the flowers blooming. It's such an exciting time of renewal. Summer is always a blast. The is warm and sunny. You can run, play, fish and hike all day long. The sun doesn't go down until 8:30 meaning I get to stay up just a little bit longer. Then fall comes and brings in the brisk cool air. It's a different type of renewal. Everything around me is changing and it feels exciting and new again. I know winter is coming and everyone will be cursing the snow. I on the other hand love the snow. It's so fluffy, soft, and fun!

So today I had the pleasure of raking the leaves in the front yard. What comes off as a chore to Joe the plumber is a real treat for me. Mom even bought me my own rake. I wanted the super big one but I kept on whacking Mom in the knee with it. (Mental note to self: Work on coordination.)

America's Best Dance Crew in da house!

Summer came and went pretty quickly. I feel like summer only began a month ago. Well, I've been pretty busy these past few months. I helped mom redecorate the house. I've been building things here and there. Plus, I've discovered my passion for dancing.

I'd like to think I have some street cred since I come from the very far west side of Chi-town. I can totally bring it to the table and then some. My signature move happens to be the donkey kick. Whenever Mom and Pops put on the beats, I gotta throw it down yo!

Tour de Block

I don't know about the Tour de France but the Tour de Block seems to be just as challenging. There's lot of winding sidewalks. Plus, I have to watch out for speeding vehicles. Thank goodness for the bell on my bike. It's a great way to alert people of my arrival. Of course, "On your left!" helps but some people can't tell between their right and their left.

At every stop sign I was expecting people to throw cups of water at me but I think they were on lunch.

Eyes Wide Open

I just realized bird-days are full of surprises. Mom and Dad said they are usually a one day festivity but in my case it turned into a 4 day blow out. It started on Thursday at Grandmama's house. I thought it was going to be my usual painting day. Much to my surprise, Grandmama had a cake with candles and presents in the library. Oh how exciting to get my own cake. It was nice to have the whole day devoted to eating it. Besides the cake, the wonderful thing I received from Grandmama and Grandpapa was my own personal Thomas the Train laptop. Now I can work side by side with Grandmama (not Grannie!) when she's doing important work stuff.

The festivities didn't end there. When I got home, I had more CAKE! You can never have too much cake is my motto. I would have been just happy with getting a cake but Dad had something else in store.

At the age of twee, I have my very own bike! Who would have guessed there was something better than cake?

Twee or Tree?

So I celebrated my third year of being out of Mom's womb. (It feels great to be free.) This was the best party I've ever been to. It was awesome having everyone over. We ate lots of good food (thanks, Pops, for the pasta with vodka cream sauce), played in the yard, and opened presents (the cards were the best part of the gifts). So when people ask me how old I am, I can proudly say, "I'm twee!"

I hope all my bird-days get to be this fun and festive.

Out fishing

I believe fishing is in my blood. I come from an elite lineage of fishermen. So when Pops when took me out fishing last month, it was no surprise I was able to hook a fish and drag him to shore. Of course we practiced catch and release. It's the only way to fish.

I'm striving to get enough fishing experience under my belt so Pops can take me to Canada soon. I missed the boat this year, but may be next year I'll get to experience the land of 1,000 walleyes.

RIP Blue Balloon 3/1/08 - 3/1/08

I feel pretty lucky to have known Blue Balloon. His life may have short, but he really knew how to live life. He didn't let anyone hold him down and he always took to the skies. Blue Balloon was fearless. That's what I really admired about him. Even when Pops said not to let him go up so high because that popcorn ceiling is very sharp, Blue Balloon continued to go up, up, up. Again, Blue Balloon was fearless. There were no bounds for him.

It was hard to see him in a deflated state. The words "Trader Joe's" were hardly visible. The white string was limp. His bright blue color had darkened. Worst of all, he was torn in half. Honestly, I still don't understand why he couldn't be fixed after hitting the popcorn ceiling. We were right there and I think we could have saved Blue Balloon.

I remember hearing that loud pop. Inside I knew it was Blue Balloon because he rushed to the ceiling so fast, but I hoped it was something else like someone crushing popcorn packaging. Alas, Blue Balloon fell into my arms. It was never the same after that.

Mom said it was good Blue Balloon lived the way he did because he had a very fragile life. So to that, I thank Blue Balloon for showing how to live so carefree and to live out every emotion that runs through me. I hope to be as fearless as Blue Balloon.

Do one thing everyday that scares you.

Breakfast of Champions

Oatmeal tastes so yummy and keeps me pretty regular. I can have 3 bowls of oatmeal for breakfast and may be an extra one for snack. I'm really digging this sitting at the big people table. Not only is the view better but you get more room for plates full of food and for trucks.

Leo's dinner theater

Dinner is one of my favorite times of the day. We get to sit down, talk amongst each other, and enjoy a really good meal. Last night we had breakfast for dinner. What could be better than scrambled eggs, French toast, and bacon? Nothing really.

Year of the Rat

So I've been hibernating these past few months. Well, I wouldn't say I was hibernating. It's more like my blog has been hibernating. Lots of things have been going on. The year 2007 has finally concluded and I've begun the year of the rat.

I found out my cousin Beth has a baby inside her belly. Remember, it's in her belly, not my belly. I would get totally confused about the whole matter because Mom would point to my belly. Although, one would think I would have a baby in my belly since it does stick out. I like to say it's just my food baby.

The new year has been treating me well. I've discovered a passion for fixing things. All the tools I received have came in handy. Mom and Pops have new floors everyday. Plus, I even make them new stairs at no extra cost. The house is in tip top shape. Bob the Builder has been a great mentor and teacher. Without him, I don't know what I would be doing with my tools.

I'm sure there's lot of new things ahead for me in 2008. Mom and Pops have been talking about preschool. I'm all set since I have my trusty rescue pack to carry all my trucks to and from home. Pops even mentioned in taking me out fishing in the backyard. I'm pretty psyched about it. I begged for him to take me to the fishing store so I can pick out my own lure.

So we'll see how everything goes. I will definitely keep you all posted.