Life's a beach

We're in Florida right now visiting my mother-in-law in her fabulous beachside condo. We came this time last year when Riley was about three months old. This trip is waaaaaaaaay more fun.

For one thing, Riley has long since decided that she likes us and she'll stay. That was still up in the air a year ago. She was crying all the time. There was some crazy talk last year about the kiddie pool, but wiser minds prevailed. This year, she has a fabulous bikini, a month of swim lessons under her belt and a zig-zag, bow-legged power walk that Mom and Dad break a sweat to keep up with.

But we've managed pretty well so far. Between the beach and the pool, we have the perfect setting for a G-rated version of Girl Gone Wild. She gets so excited, she waves hi to everyone she sees, including sea gulls and the ocean. She squeals as we dip her toes in cresting waves and maintains a happy growl as she digs her fingers through wet sand.

Life is good.