My Niece Sophie at 8 Months

According to her father, she now growls and crawls backwards. Check out more pics of the little princess at http://www.bradriddell.com/. Thanks to the Dime for sharing.

Babies Galore

More congratulations are in order. This time the well wishes go to my good friend Sara Clark-Davis and her husband Ryan. On Sunday, May 4, 2008, Sara gave birth to their daughter, Alexandra Grace. She came in at 7 lbs., 6 oz., and just short of 19 inches. You can see more pics of Alexandra on her mommy's blog, "Southern Comfort": http://www.southerncomfort-scd.blogspot.com/

Sawyer Does The Dew

Hello Monica Zerhusen

This is a little overdue, but, congratulations to Kelly, Jaden, Lilly, Hannah, and Isabell on the birth of their most recent addition, Monica. All are doing well, and the girls absolutely adore their little sister.

Growing Belly

Hello Taco Salad Readers!

Well, I'm a little over 18 weeks now and my belly gets bigger each day. As of last week, Baby Riddell has been on the move in my stomach.

It was so amazing when I felt the first movement or at least that's what I thought it was. When I experienced it again I knew it was Baby Riddell. Lately, Baby Riddell has been very active in the morning, but I'm convinced that it's enjoying my morning bowl of Cherrios! However, there are times where I feel movement pretty much all day. It's amazing to know that I have this little life inside of me.

Brian and I have our 5 month check up next Thursday and we are both super excited. This appointment will tell us the gender of baby Riddell and most importantly we'll finally get to see our little one!

Stay posted for the big announcement coming to a computer near you next week!

End of an Era

Approximately two weeks ago Showcase Cinemas in Erlanger, Kentucky closed its doors forever. I was confronted by that reality, and saddened at the same time when, while driving home from work, I saw that the marquee, which has stood next to I-75 for so many years, read: "Closed: Please visit our Florence location." The recent rash of "state-of-the art stadium theatres" made the closing of National Amusements' antiquated and over-priced picture house inevitable. Naturally, I've spent a great deal of time recently reflecting on the many hours and wonderful times I spent at that place.

My position as an usher was my first job. Well, actually my second. I started the summer of my sixteenth year doing landscaping for my second cousin Carla's husband, Norb, for a couple of days. I quit when my buddy Jaden approached me with the promise of free movies, free popcorn, and air conditioning. I know, I know. Chad and Ryan think I did ole Norbie wrong. But, what 16 year-old would turn down a deal like that?

I watched, and worked through, hits such as Jurassic Park, Mrs. Doubtfire, The Fugitive, Schindler's List, Philadelphia, Grumpy Old Men, Wayne's World 2, The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Lion King, Dumb & Dumber, Ace Ventura Pet Detective, The Crow, Interview With The Vampire, Pulp Fiction, Toy Story, Braveheart, Bad Boys, Jerry Maguire, Scream, Titanic, Men In Black, Good Will Hunting, and As Good As It Gets. There were quite a few bombs that rolled through that place as well--see Cliffhanger, Demolition Man, and Water World.

I also had the opportunity to work with some of my best hommies--Chad, Jaden, Justin, Suave, Girds. I'll never forget the time me and Steve Holmstrom called Chad, while he was working his shift at the rival Florence theatre, Lowes, to convince him to dawn the blue blazer and come work for us. Unfortunately, we could never lure Newmpsee to make the move and join us as well.

I can't believe the last time I "stood poles" will have been 11 years ago this summer. It's funny. As a child, you hear parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles tell stories about the good memories they have of places that are no longer here (the Dixie Ice Bowl, the Florence Drive-In Theatre, The Beverly Hills Supper Club, etc.). Now, as an adult, I'm telling those same stories. The passing of time and feelings of nastalgia sure do allow for new and interesting perspectives on things.

Walton Verona Elementary Has a New Chief

I'm sure most of already know, but some of you may not. Rob Hartman (yes, the guy who can run for days and loves to jam out to 80's glam rock), will be the new Principal at Walton Verona Elementary next year. I'm sure his wife and daughter, sister and brother-in-law, and mom and dad (who was also an elementary school principal for many years) are extremely proud. Taco Salad and its readers are proud of you as well. Congratulations Principal Hartman! (Special thanks go to Rob's mom, Brenda Hartman, and his sister, Leslie Marshall, who provided Taco Salad with this photo that truly captures Rob's charisma and leadership ability.)

Baby Walters News

Since the cat is already out of the bag (i.e., something got out of Ryan's bag), congratulations are in order to Shelly, Ryan, and Nolan. The Walters/Boots clan are expecting a little one of their own sometime around Dec. 4, 2008. Looks like there's going to be lots of babies this Christmas.

Game On

I've never really considered myself much of a gamer. In fact, growing up, video games could only entertain me for so long. I've always thought they were cool, but after a while, I'd be up to shoot baskets, ride my bike, toss baseball (or play pickle) with my Dad and/or my bros, or play Paul O'Neal or Glen Braggs with my bros and El Senior (Paul O'Neal and Glen Braggs are games invented by me and my brothers that are variations of two spectacular plays made by O'Neal and Braggs respectively during the 1990 National League Championship Series against the Pittsburgh Pirates). I like physical activity, and prefer to be active over watching a TV screen and manipulating a controller with my thumbs. As such, it would take something extraordinary to change my ways and make me a convert. Well, I'm officially a convert, and both my wife and Nintendo are responsible for the change.

In particular, Tasha, who as been yearning for a Wii for quite some time, recently got a wild hair up her $@ss and decided to pull the trigger. End result: Prego T-Fab leaving Toys R Us with one of the last two Wii's in stock (As an aside, are multiple Wii's pronounced Wi? I leave you all to debate).

Long story short, this little white box has provided endless fun for us over the mere five days that we've had it. In fact, all of my post-Derby activity last Saturday consisted of sipping mint juleps and playing: (1) Super Mario Cart, (2) Wii Bowling, and (3) Wii Golf. I am continuously amazed at how realistic the games feel and how accurately movements translate to the TV screen. I absolutely love it.

Nintendo Wii: The perfect mix of video games and activity. Go get'cha one.

Your Me Me Has Spoken

A thank you goes to my Aunt Sherry for totally making my day by sending this awesome picture of my grandmother, Me Me. I agree Sherry, this picture truly captures her essence. We miss you dearly Lib.