Alligator Bait

Howdy do and how are you?? Cooper B here happy to report the news, especially the weather! We sure hope it is as beautiful wherever you choose to be as it is here in downtown UB. After the crazy thunderstorms finally stopped, we have been enjoying some especially fine sunshine and blue skies! Yesterday we celebrated with a trip to our local zoo even though both m&d are secretly terrified of the tigers and their enclosure (or lack thereof). Good news is, we made it out of there alive yet again. Although, mom swears the tiger was eyeballing brother...that's another story. Luckily, my little brother Jag, is a courageous adventurer, he has escaped peril twice so far this month, not to mention the myriad times he manages to get through the day with me (that doesn't count). You will see him staring a crocodile right in the eye above...this pic was taken during our wonderful family vacation in NC. You will see several pics from said vacation, though not many on the beach proper. Of course, you know there is a reason for this...yours truly did take a wee bit to warm up to the sand and the waves, especially the waves. I would say by Friday (read end of our stay there) I finally decided that the ocean wasn't going to "get me". I then began to laugh, run, squeal and play like my other comrades on vacation. Before that, not so much. There was definitely squealing, but prior to my acceptance, it was accompanied by copious amounts of snot, sweat and tears. Now Jag was definitely another story. He was gung ho from the get go! He loves water, regardless of the source. Be it pool, puddle, or ocean, he kicks his little feet like a boy possessed! Let's just say I am not so easily convinced. Don't worry though, m&d did their darndest to entertain me as usual. We hit the boardwalk with cousin Connor one night, went to the aquarium one morning and on one rainy day, we had the most fun at the Wilmington children's museum. As you can see from above, it was designed for kids like me. We all got in on the fun and Jag was a model patient for me to check him, bless his heart! I would say this and the aquarium were my most favorite, although all of it had stiff competition with all my "friends" at the blue house. I was constantly asking m&d to look into their cell phones and see where my friends are. I can't tell you how much fun I had spending time with and playing with my family. What a treat! I think mom and dad enjoyed being with them more than the idea of going to "the beach". I know Jag and I sure did!! The ride there and back sure was rough, but once we were there, it was TOTALLY worth it! I also enjoyed the pool, aunt Deb and uncle Bart's golf cart, and our daily outings in the car for a Starbucks. You know how it is, can't go through my day without a grande half caff!! More news on the homefront, dad's business is booming, Jag has two top teeth (though no front teeth), and poor mom is preparing to return to the working world (insert frown here). She had her picture in the paper this past week with her new coworkers, looks like quite a group indeed. I know she is excited, but she can hardly bear leaving me and brother. Who can honestly blame her?! Great upcoming news, m&d, brother, me, and Grampagrampa are all going on a ride on none other than Thomas the train. I told mom today he is my favorite. We are also hitting dutch wonderland and making a weekend out of it, staying in a hotel and EVERYTHING! Is that exciting or what! All the fun of a vacation but only a two hour drive. Perhaps m&d learned their lesson with that last road trip?! I will be sure to post the pics. You know I am always something to see! And of course, so is my amazing brother. Until then, enjoy my sweet pics above. The handsome guy with Gram and Gramp is cousin Gage. He was a special surprise waiting when we got home. We had lots of fun and Jag and I sure were glad to meet him! Please tune in again real soon. And thank you, as always loyal reader, for checking in on us. We love you and think of you always. Be good and REMEMBER, sharing is caring! At least that's what mom always crams down my throat!! With love and warm hugs to fight off the upcoming chilly air, yours truly, Cooper B.