Eric—Alabama

Well, Alabama defeated the Texas Longhorns to win this season’s national college championship football game.

And what a time to introduce one of my nephews, the son of my niece’s daughter. (Whew!) See, Eric lives in Alabama. Notice, however, that he’s wearing a fine-looking Texas cowboy hat. I figure for him, it’s the best of both worlds. And notice that his hat is just like his Uncle Paul’s. The best of three worlds.

His grandmother, my niece, proudly asked me, “Isn’t that the cutest picture ever?” I’d say so.

Tristan—Colorado

Some photos are timeless. This one of Tristan will bring out the cutest comments from all of us for years and years to come. What a charmer!



And ain’t that the coolest hat? Tristan’s mom took this photo on an unusually warm Thanksgiving day, not long before the turkey was served. Do you suppose that's where Tristan was headed with all that cute determination?

The Mayor's Granddaughter--Arizona

While we were in Arizona at my high school reunion, we were introduced to Mayor Gomez, his wife and their granddaughter. This picture is a magazine cover, is it not?

The Mayor’s Granddaughter was not feeling well that day, after some days with the flu, but she managed this delicious smile for us, and now all of us are feeling better. If it wasn't for her hat, this picture may not have been so terrific.

Or maybe it's those eyes. Or that smile. Whatever: she's a glamorous little model!

Kohen--Kansas

Kohen is just three months old. Isn't he cute? Yes, he is.
I spied him at my niece's wedding a couple of weeks ago and he let me take his picture.
Kohen'll grow up to be a handsome young man cuz both his folks are really good looking--and nice. His mommy cut me a big piece of wedding cake with thick icing slathered all over it.



I want a beret like Kohen's.

Jordan--Kansas

You don't want to mess with Jordan. He's one big boy and one tough hombre.

Why, he's so fast that he can stand, er...sit in front of a mirror and outdraw hisself.

He's my nephew. This picture was taken last week when he turned 8 months old.

Here's wishing you many happy Hats, Jordan.


"My Unca Paul is right. You don't wanna mess with me, podner."

Allison--Nebraska

Everyone should have a New Years Day hat.

Cliff Morrow is one of my favorite bloggers who sent this picture of his granddaughter. I've had it a little while, waiting for today. Notice how two-year-old Allison artfully chose the color of her hat to match her eye. To me, this delightful photo says, "Peek-a-boo and Happy New Year, too!"

This vision should warm our hearts all year long. Thank you, Cliff and Allison.

Elsa—Missouri

There’s a new employee where I work who has a new baby girl. Her name is Elsa.

“Elsa!?” I exclaimed. “I just finished writing a story about a girl named Elsa.”

“Really?” New Employee asked with a big, wide smile. “There aren’t too many Elsa’s around.”

I gave him a copy of the story (and it’s a good story) and he took it home to his wife—and little Elsa. Not long after that there was a pretty picture of Elsa on his desk. I asked him for it for my Hats! blog. He gave me three pictures of Elsa. Welcome her. She’s only been here a few months.

Elsa (with the Hat) and her mom, Rebecca.
It's her first time at a swimming pool.


Elsa snoozing


Elsa. Her hat is a skew and her door is a jar.