Roadie

As has become tradition, Daddy takes a picture for the road before we part ways. Can't wait to give thanks again! Although Grandpa is threatening to change it up and do prime rib next year. What a fowl idea!

Scaquarium

So you've heard of the squacoon but not the scaquarium? Well, silly, that's the South Carolina Aquarium. And it's a good place to get tanked.

A-bridged Version

Grandma and Grandpa's condo building is right on the river so we can walk to this pier. Like a bridge over troubled water, Mommy laid her head down.

8 Months Old!

It was tough to do my monthly photo on the road but we made do with the only brown chair Grandma and Grandpa have. There wasn't enough room for the sign though so Grandma had to prop it up behind me. You get the point though... I'm getting bigger!

Life's a Beach

Flew down to Charleston, SC yesterday for Thanksgiving with the Neimans. Took a spin around town and checked out the Isle of Palms beach, which is only 20 minutes away from Grandma and Grandpa's House. As little orphan Annie said, "I think I'm gonna like it here!"



There was a guy flying this crazy 7-tiered kite. I was winded just watching.

It Takes More Than a Hammer and Nails

Our tour of Charleston continued to downtown and Rainbow Row. This house wasn't part of that strip but made for a serviceable backdrop. I'll spare you the rest of the tour that included circling a park in Daniel Island about 15 times.

What a Croc!

Charleston is full of interesting wildlife. We saw a crocodile chilling on a golf course in Daniel Island. We really weren't this close. Daddy was making full use of the 32x zoom on his camcorder (which he had to use all weekend after a certain someone dropped his camera at Mommy's 30th birthday blowout bash).

The Squacoon

Speaking of interesting wildlife, apparently Charleston is home to the endangered squacoon (yes, that's a cross between a squirrel and a raccoon).

Dog-gone It!

Auntie Em was determined to get me to stand but, outside of Gracie, you can't teach a young dog new tricks!

Giving Thanks

After a full day exploring Charleston, it was finally time for my first Thanksgiving dinner. Mommy brought out my turkey bib and teased me with a close up of the bird before stuffing me with formula and mashed potatoes. I'm so thankful to have such a loving family and so many (Facebook) friends.

Turkey Trot

Got to participate in a Goldman family tradition today -- the Lincolnwood Turkey Trot. Every year we all run/walk 5k together. My Great-Grandma Nicky (who my Hebrew name, Naima, is in memory of) used to run the 10k and always win first place for her age group (of course, she was always the only one in her age group). Grandma Nicky taught elementary school and used to take her class running every morning. Her motto was "keep it up, don't stop." That's what we try to do each year during the Turkey Trot. This year was no exception. Daddy didn't hit the 20 minute mark he was gunning for (which, btw, is well off Zayde's personal best of 17:55) and Great-Grandpa Irv ran into an old friend who slowed him down so, all around, it was a down year but we finished and that's all that matters.



After the race we went back to Bubbie and Zayde's for brunch. With Thanksgiving around the corner and all the attention I was getting, I was afraid they were gonna carve me up and eat me. What a fowl thought!

Birthday Suit

Mommy and Daddy brought in a professional photog today for some glamour shots. We started off with some pics in the flesh. This pose will come in handy when I'm pregnant and still posing nude...

Still Nude, Dude

The photog did a good job hiding my privates. After all this is a G-rated blog!



Not sure what expression this is. Cross between kissing and spitting, I guess.



Still haven't quite got the crawl down. Can prop up on my belly but no forward motion.

Earning My Stripes

Family Matters

I Fly Through the Air with the Greatest of Ease

I've gotten quite used to being thrown around like a rag doll. Guess that makes my parents a couple of tossers, aye?

Band of Gypsys

When it comes to living up to my karaoke potential, it's never to early to "Start Me Up."



In true Mick Jagger fashion, I switched over to harmonica without missing a beat.



We had to take a break to field calls from our agents.

Finger in the Dam

When Daddy saw this pic of me, he knew the pose looked familar so he dug out this shot of him "enjoying" his Hinano beer in Tahiti while honeymooning with Mommy 4 years ago.

The Universal Symbol for Naptime

By the end of the photo shoot, I was pooped. All this modeling is hard work!

Look Out -- We've Got A Jumper!

Leo J let me borrow his Jumperoo so I can practice for the lead role in Jumper 2.

Pass the Barf Bag

Eliara Airlines encounters some man-made turbulence en route to a smooth landing.

Taking a Page from Mommy

There's not enough baby paper in the house (world?) to keep me happy so I've moved on to adult paper now.

Whoopsie

I can honestly say I've never laughed so hard in my entire life.

Party Girl

Kate Campbell (my counting and riding pal) had her first birthday party today. Leo Spiegel took me as his date (that makes six so far) but, when we got there, it seemed like he had other intentions (anyone watch Big Love?)

Pugnacious

Just when I finally managed to get some alone time with Leo, Oliver showed up and stole Leo's attention. And to rub it in, Ollie stuck his tongue out at me. As Stephanie Tanner would say, "How rude!"

Cutting Corn-ers

I'm starting to cut a tooth and have been craving corn on the cob for the past 3 weeks ever since Daddy flaunted it in front of me at County Line Orchard. Fortunately, Kate had some lying around that she didn't mind sharing with me. Good thing High Fructose Corn Syrup is no worse for me than other natural sweeteners. (Disclosure: the Corn Refiners Association is one of Daddy's clients.)

Yes We Can

Well, it's official... I will not know what it's like to live in a country that's never had an African American President. Looks like Daddy's campaigning in Florida and all the people that saw Leo's "Yo Mamma! Vote Obama" really made a difference. Now let's hope the new administration can do something about this economy as my college fund is already in the red and it's looking like Social Security will just be something I read about in my history books. Hmmm, there's a punchline in here somewhere... what's black and white and read all over?

Ellie Crack Corn (and I Don't Care!)

With the election just 2 days away and all the chatter about Joe the Plumber, I thought I'd do my best impression on the plane ride home to Chicago.

One for the Road

We had to say goodbye to Great-Grandpa Abe today and took one last pic for the road. We all huddled around his big brown chair (how did he know that's my favorite photo spot?) and somehow we managed to get one off with everyone looking at the camera and noone horsing around (although you really can't see where Uncle Noah and David's hands are!)

Come Sail Away With Me

On our last day in Florida we all went for a boat ride to look at the big houses that line Palm Beach. Noah's friend, Sara, joined us. It was cool to meet her. Too bad she took my cue and decided not to look at the camera when we took this picture on the dock. Good thing noone in our family harbors any resentment.



It was a bit bright out there on the water. Of course, Mommy and Daddy didn't have my sunglasses the one time I actually needed them, unlike those other times when they just used them as props.



As you can see, Uncle Noah is experimenting with the goatee. We really run the facial hair gamut in this family.

Hair. Hairier. Hairiest.

And here I thought Daddy had an intense flavor savor. Uncle Josh has an entire meal tray on his chin.

Bump up the Jam

My Uncles know all the cool tricks... airplane, wet willy, and, of course, the chest bump.

Ring Around the Ellie

Hard to believe my Uncles were able to hold such a conservative pose.



Shocker, they're weren't.



Now that's how you give a proper Wet Willy.