What's old is new again

That's right, it's party time. Out with 2005 and in with 2006. From what I've observed so far about the whole concept of a year, it seems the beginning is for looking forward with eager anticipation and the end is for looking back with reflection. Apparently, there's also a choice involved when looking back. Some choose thankfulness, others choose regret and most people mix a little of each.

I, for one, can say it's been a great year. Granted I don't have any other years to compare it to. But hey, my parents have managed to keep me in one piece and my diaper's clean, so I can't complain. Not to mention that Christmas was very fruitful. Yes, that smile you see is sincere. I am one happy guy.

As you look back at 2005, I hope you get a big smile, too. Hopefully the New Year holds much health and happiness.

And if nothing else, a clean diaper for all.

Zaya's Holiday Top 10

Things I love about Christmas time:

1. Our house looks way cooler at this time of year.

2. Napping off all that holiday stress.

3. Showing off my winter attire.

4. Clowning around at fancy church dinners.

5. All the trees get dressed up.

6. Loungin' around the house in my Santa hat.

7. Pretty paper. You get to tear it up! And there's cool stuff inside!!

8. That fun and festive feeling...it almost makes you feel like singing.

9. Family fun-time.

10. All those holiday parties, oh yeah.
(Don't panic ladies...there's plenty of Zaya to go around)

The thrill of victory

My team may have lost, but my cuteness remains triumphant!

Turkey and stuffing and legs...oh my!

First things first...let's have a moment of silence for Bob the pumpkin. Here I thought Mom had just put him away somewhere safe until next Halloween. He was, in fact, "disposed of." I don't really know what that means, but it just sounds ominous. Mom tried explaining to me that I'll get to go back to the pumpkin patch next year and pick out a new pumpkin, but I wasn't hearing it. There will never be another Bob. Maybe a Joe, or possibly a Bill, but Bob was one-of-a-kind.

Now, onto the next holiday report. I trust you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. While this was technically my second Thanksgiving, I basically slept right through my first, so this year had a lot of new experiences for me. Auntie Rachel slept over at our place and fed me my morning cereal. This was a very relaxed and pleasant dining experience. Let's just say Mom sometimes moves faster than my mouth can keep up.

After breakfast, Dad, Mom, Auntie and I sprawled out across the living room to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Why didn't someone tell me about this before? All that music and dancing, not to mention those amazing balloons. It was like a party for my senses. And then, I saw them...like a dream, they came to me. The Radio City Rockettes. I couldn't take my eyes off the TV. Wow. That's just about all I can say. WOW.

In the afternoon, we headed over to Nana & Papa's house for the big meal. Up to this point, a big meal for me has consisted of two jars of mush instead of just one. But on Thanksgiving, I got to eat it all...turkey and stuffing, peas and smashed tatoes. It was great. It was a meal fit for a king (or a charming prince, like me).

And I don't know what they put in that food, but pretty soon I started to get really sleepy and had to take a nap. Dad said it had something to do with "trip-toe-fan," whatever that means. I didn't see anyone trip over anything, and why would that make me tired? Sometimes I'm not too sure about those parents of mine.

Anyhow, it was a great way to kick off the holiday season and I'm starting to understand why people get so excited about this time of year. It's cold outside, but warm feelings are all around. There's a lot of color and good food, family and friends. We have so much to be thankful for. And I have a feeling each year will be more amazing than the last.

Especially with those Rockettes. WOW.

Ready for my close-up

This is my good friend Christie. She happens to know her way around behind a camera. Which is great for me because, as you already know, I have some expertise in front of the camera. So we make a great pair.

Christie invited Mom, Dad and I to come down to her studio in Marina Del Rey. So a few weeks ago, the three of us went for a drive and ended up at a place called Bikini Islands. I thought for sure the folks were lost until we saw Christie and she told us the studio was upstairs. It was really cool. She's got a neat space right near the beach with windows all around.

We got there around my usual nap time, so I wasn't quite as playful as I could've been. But I think Christie managed to get some good shots anyway. I'll let you judge for yourself.