Happy Juneteenth!!!

The History Behind Juneteenth:

Though the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued on September 22, 1862, with an effective date of January 1, 1863, it had little immediate effect on most slaves day-to-day lives, particularly in Texas, which was almost entirely under Confederate control. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day Union General Gordon Granger and 2,000 federal troops arrived on Galveston Island to take possession of the state and enforce the emancipation of its slaves.

That day has since become known as Juneteenth, a name derived from a portmanteau of the words June and nineteenth. Former slaves in Galveston rejoiced in the streets with jubilant celebrations. Juneteenth celebrations began in Texas the following year.

On Juneteenth we come together young and old to listen, to learn and to refresh the drive to achieve. It is a day where we all take one step closer together - to better utilize the energy wasted on racism. Juneteenth is a day that we pray for peace and liberty for all. Juneteenth celebrates African American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures.

Party Like A RockStar!!

Ok guys, let me give you the whole story. A few weeks ago, my mom and I were on our way to the mall and this song started playing on the radio. I began to smile and clap my hands once I heard it. Then just the other day as I was on my way home from daycare, the same song came on the radio again. All of the sudden, I started laughing, dancing, and clapping my hands in my carseat. My mom figured that I must really like this song, so she put it on her cell phone and took me over to my grandparents' house to see if I would act the same way again. Of course I did, and she also caught it on video. Check out the clips below to see me in action.

Party Like A RockStar 1
Party Like A RockStar 2

Check Out The Leaf!!

So today after I was picked up from school, my mommy took me to play at Hickory Dickory Park. We had a great time, and I even made some new friends. I walked across the bridge, slid down the slide, swung on the swing set, crawled through the tunnel, and climbed on the tractor all with my big green leaf in hand. Yeah that's right, I said LEAF. It stayed with me almost the entire time until I dropped it coming off the tractor. Oh well, it wouldn't have worked out anyways. It was a tad bit too needy. LOL!!

Auburn Cityfest 2007

Man I had a BLAST at Cityfest this year. Just take a look at the pictures, because they speak for themselves.

WalkAmerica 2007

Today, I participated in the March of Dimes WalkAmerica for the second year in a row. WalkAmerica began in 1970, and is the oldest plus one of the most popular walking events in the nation. My grandfather raised funds in my honor again this year as a member of the Alabama Power - Auburn Team. He also defended and regained his title as top walker this year by raising over $3,000. Although the walk has already taken place, please continue to contribute to this worthy cause. You can do so by clicking on the following link.

http://www.walkamerica.org/gdechols

Happy Easter

Today I learned a lot about The Easter Story. I was taught all about the arrest, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. My cousin Alex did a great job of reading the resurrection story to the entire congregation at church, and my other cousin Brad even reluctantly got up and wished us all a Happy Easter. So for those of you who were not in attendace with us today, let me do the same...

HAPPY EASTER EVERYBODY!!

Springing Into Action

Well spring is finally here and I'm ready to go outside and play. I had so much fun playing in the yard at my cousin's birthday party a few weeks ago that I didn't want to leave. It's also time for us to start going out to the playground at daycare. YES!!! The outdoors just fascinates me (and yes I said fascinate). Maybe my mommy will get the hint and take me back to Hickory Dickory Park one day.

I know you guys keep asking my mommy to send you pictures of me, but instead she's posted them online. Feel free to look at the latest pictures of me in my age 1 photo album. Keep looking back at the album for updates.