The red balloon

Watch the video...it doesn't need much explaining.

Hills to climb!

Yesterday Gabriel and I went to a birthday party at a train park. Unfortunately,the train was out of order so we didn't get to ride it. No matter for Gabriel...he had hills to climb and then run down...and climb again.

When we first got there Gabriel was on his way down the hill and a gust of wind took his hat off.


Aia helped him put it back on. One of the cutest moments of the day :)


Then Gabriel headed back up the hill. Did I mention he side steps up the hill? So cute. Only the steep parts.


Then we had a quick lunch before riding a few rides. Gabriel was more interested in the grapes than anything else.




The only ride that I could ride with Gabriel was the carousel, which he loved so long as I was holding him and not making him ride a horse. In due time...

I had a hard time holding the camera, holding him and trying to capture his smiles. These are my failed attempts. Notice the hand in the mouth. I have several pictures like this lately. When I look back at the pictures in years to come I will know these as the "teething times."







Checking out the ducks.




And now for a frosting facial...err cupcake.

My little explorer!

This weekend Gabriel, Keven and I headed to Lake Pleasant for a night of camping. The weather has been Arizona perfect lately, which means high's in the mid 80's and lows around 60. You would be crazy to stay indoors. You may remember that Gabriel's first camping trip, over 4th of July, was not necessarily a success. He did not want to sleep in his pack and play so he and I ended up sleeping in the car since Keven and I were on individual cots. Well this time we were prepared! We have a nice King sized mattress pad in the tent, as well as the pack and play, just in case. Like last time he slept in his pack and play until we came to bed. Then, the 3 of us snuggled up for the rest of the night which made Gabriel very happy....and me! I will take any chance I can get to snuggle with my little guy.

He had such a great time camping. He helped Keven get the campsite ready and then he was ready to explore, and explore, and explore. He loves the wind, and watching it in the trees. He was so excited to point out birds in the sky. He learned how to step up and down off the curb. Sounds simple but it was a majot feat. We went for a walk around the campsite so he could practice.

Straight to work as soon as we got there!


Scouting out other campsites that might need the rocks cleared.






"Mom, I am doing all the work. Are you gonna help me?"


"The tent is secured!"


"I need a quick break before we explore."




and he's off...








"Okay so, I put one foot up at a time."




"no, no I am not tired. Let's keep going!"










Post rock throw.


How I spent my afternoon.


Dinner with dad before bed.


A great trip!

Gabriel meets the boat!

Today was Gabriel's big brother Ryan's birthday. Ryan wanted to spend a family day at the lake so we headed to Lake Saguaro. As soon as the baot took off Gabriel had a grin from ear to ear. He loved every minute of it! He loved it so much that afternoon an afternoon of riding around in the water and a couple swim breaks he fell asleep in my arms on the way back to the dock. He normally wants to be so involved in everything so for him to fall asleep meant that he was spent...in a good way.

suited up and ready to go!


Driving with dad!


The funny thing about this picture is that Gabriel is the only one who appears to be paying attention to driving the boat.


First taste of some bumps...


parking the boat for lunch.


Quick swim break.






Gabriel's turn to drive again.


A great day at the lake.

Gabriel gets a job!

Gabriel has chosen a career at a very young age. This week we went to a birthday party and Gabriel spent a great deal of time in the toy ice cream truck. He drove it, he handed out ice cream and he picked up chicks. He also played some video games with dad, played a little wack-a-mole and was scared to death of a miniature carousel.





"look, if you are going to ride shotgun you are gonna have to sit down!"


Keven walked around next to him a couple times but when he got to me he practically jumped off. Maybe next time.


flight lessons.


"I got you!"


And back to the truck!


The driver is Evan. He is 3 months older and lives 4 doors down. We lovingly call them ebony and ivory.


Relaxing with a little pizza.