Hello everyone. It's been a great weekend out here in Alameda. The weather's been perfect; lower 70's and not a cloud in the sky. This past weekend was the Alameda Art and Wine Festival so we rode our bicycles down to the other side of the island to check it out.

It was appropriate that Dexter wore his, "Hello, my name is Trouble" shirt. Alameda Police Department had to ask him a few questions before we went on our way to the rest of the street fair.



There was a petting zoo at the festival so the Dexican had to go and check it out to make sure the health and safety standards were being met.



Dexter found a goat that he insisted we take home. He said he wanted to trade Vlad for him and thought it would be an easy exchange. Suzie was not impressed.



We told Dexter we had to go to other parts of the festival and to say goodbye to his goat. He proceeded to put his head down on it like it was time to sleep. I guess now would be a good time to tell everyone that Dexter's way of showing affection is to put his head down on whatever he's in love with; either that or it means it's time for him to go to sleep.



We took a trip out to Oakland Zoo because the weather was perfect to be out and about. Whaddaya know, there's a petting zoo there too!



And since I'm one of Dexter's guardians, I'm gonna go ahead and say that Dexter liked the otters the best.



Before the festival, I happened to capture some video of our friend Dexter walking, talking, and carrying around one of his beloved toys (the curiosity cube).



Oh yeah, Dexter wanted to say, "Happy Birthday, Uncle Rodney!". Hope you had a great birthday weekend. And "Happy 1st Birthday, Cousin Randall!"

It's been a while. No, it's not because of my laziness. Work has been keeping me busy and well, time just flies by when you're having son. Get it? Meh.

So, the big news is this: Dexter has a new cousin, Brooke! That's right, Brooke Taylor Coleman was born on July 19, 2007 at 9:47 PM Central time.



Friendly wagers were made between some of the family (I lost, however, Suzie won, so in theory, I won). Here is Brooke tipping the scale at 7 lbs, 10 oz.



John is beaming with pride at this tender moment. Welcome John, to the wonderful club of fatherhood!



Now, this blog is aptly named, The Dex Files. If it weren't for this guy, there would be no blog. And no blog means no funny pictures of Dexter. Suzie bought Dexter some new pacifiers and I have to say, this one looks weird only cause you can see Dexter smile through the pacifier.



Dexter had his first trip to the Oakland Zoo.



There was a petting zoo where our little Dexter got to pet some goats. Or A goat.



Dexter the naturalist letting it all hang out. See you next time!

Ok, maybe it's a matter of perspective or maybe I'm biased but...I think that this picture is one of the best pictures I have ever taken. That's saying a lot since I've taken hundreds of pictures since little Dexter was born. And to top it all off, the Dexican is wearing an LA Dodger cap. We're at Tilden Park where we met up with the Dillworth/Mamane family. That's right, we had a sunny Sunday afternoon of fun with Stephanie and Matt and their twins Sophia and Aidan. We had so much fun that day!



What a weekend for Dexter. It was his first time on a train while we were in Los Angeles, and now, it's his first time on a merry-go-round. Or is it a carousel? Either way, he thoroughly enjoyed himself on it. Mom rode with him to make sure everything was legit.



Stephanie, Sophia, Aidan, Suzie and Dexter all went for a quick spin on one of the oldest merry go rounds in the country.



And we all took a nice long train ride through Tilden Park. It was quite a site to see all the kids on the train. Most of the fun was probably with the twins getting to ride with "Baby Nexter" as they affectionately refer to Dexter. Here's a good picture of Aidan and Sophia.



And a good pic of Sophia and Aidan.

The whole tribe went down to Los Angeles for the 4th of July. Dexter, Suzie and I decided at the last minute to take a trip to see Lola and Lolo; it was good to see Lolo because the last time we saw him he was in the hospital. Dexter wanted to make sure that Lolo was feeling better and we're happy to report that he is indeed feeling and looking better! Down in LA we also got to see Uncle Victor.



Whenever we go to Los Angeles, I insist on going to Bob's Big Boy in Burbank, not too far where I went to Providence High School and graduated in 1987; go Pioneers! You might recall that we have a picture of Dexatrim back in September here, but here's an updated picture.



Dexter needed to do some office work at my parent's house. After eating some delicious pureed prunes, he sat himself down at their computer and started banging away. I'm quoting Dexter the office temp, "I can listen to my radio at a reasonable volume while I collate and use the computer".



Dexter is banging away with AUTHORITY. You know he's in the middle of taking down some important thoughts when he pounds those keys.



Lola gave Dexter some tips on his typing technique.



And a reward for good typing? A kiss from Lola!



We took the Dexican to an outdoor train museum called Travel Town. It was heaven on earth for the Dexican since he just loves anything with wheels. Here we are outrunning a train barrelling down on us.



We took a little train ride around the museum. First time that Dexatrim has been on a train, albeit a miniature one. Suzie and I are pretty sure he enjoyed it.



And to prove he enjoyed it, we have video of Dexter showing his enthusiasm of the train ride...to be fair, it was very hot and we're sure that our little Dexter appreciated it even though the heat makes him very uncomfortable (it makes his eczema flair up).

We all went to a BBQ in Alameda. Billie, Jakki and Andy hosted a great BBQ for the weekend before July 4. The weather has been absolutely gorgeous the past few days; lower 70's and not a cloud in the sky. Billie has a lot of toys and Dexter settled down in front of one of his most favorite things; he enjoys opening and closing doors.



Dexter was talking shop to Billie about the trials and tribulations of being a toddler; walking, babbling, playing with toys, etc. Oh, and that's not Dexter's belly; it's his sweater puffing out, but don't worry, he's got himself a bit of belly, only not that big.



The surprised look on Dexter's face is due to Billie taking one of his beloved water sippy cups. I guess in the world of babies, everything's communal.



We rode our bikes to Billie, Jakki and Andy's house. They live a few blocks from our house. I taped Dexter as we rode home. If you listen closely, you can hear Dexter humming to himself as we go home.



Dexter is really enjoying his bath time nowadays. We hope you have as much watching this video as much as Dexter had taking a bath.