Thank You Santa, Thank You Santa

Snow Day- Take II

OK- So the first 12 inches of snow were fun, but the last 4, well that was just rediculous. Here are some photos of Gabe 'helping' Daddy sweep of the deck and susequently falling off the end into the piled snow.
Funny thing is, he was madder at me for bringing him back in the house than he was at falling in the snow!

Snow Day

My Little Snow Angel

Chimney Dinner

So the annual Pierce Family "Chimney Dinner" was last weekend, and a great time was had by all. The history of Chimney Dinner probably goes back 80 years, and the tradition is carried on every year a few weeks before Christmas in Eastern Oregon. Again, dinner was held at Aunt Martha's house in Pendleton. Here 's Gabe playing with second cousin Tugg.

O Christmas Tree

Who knew picking out a Christmas Tree could be such an event. Although Gabe had great fun, I think I spent the entire time chasing him up and down the hill. Thankfully, Chris has a great eye and picked out a beautiful tree.

"Helping"

"Just try and catch me, Mama"

"This one?"

A Lazy Saturday Afternoon

The Cutest Dinosaur

Gabriel had a very Happy Halloween this year. His Nana and Papa came out from Bend to spend the weekend with us, starting with a fun night of Trick-or-Treating. I expected Gabe to make a loop around the cul-de-sac and head home, but he was having so much fun we continued down one side of the block and back the other. He refused to be carried, or even let us carry his candy, so he was quite exhausted when we returned home.

Pumpkin Patch

This year we headed out to Lake View Farms Pumpkin Patch in North Plains, both because it is fairly close to home and because I figured that as far out of town as it was, there would be less of a crowd. Wrong! The pumpkin patch had lots of fun things to do including a train and boats to ride. Unfortunately, the long lines were prohibitive to do any of these, fortunately, Gabe didn't mind. Maybe, we'll try again during the week.

Found one!

And just for fun, here is a photo of our pumpkin patch trip last year.

(OMG- Look at that hair!)

To the Zoo

Because this weekend was so beautiful, I decided to take Gabe to the Zoo. Hopefully this will not be the last of the season, as these trips are always so much fun.

He is learning things so fast, it's like every time is the first time. Sadly, Chris had to work, but Lauren was in town (hanging out while Uncle Ryan was at drill).

Watching the penguins.

Showing us what a Gorilla says.

Comparing himself to a Sun Bear.

And visiting the new baby Elephant. A must see! It was amazing to watch the "ladies" all helping gout in the care of this little one. You couldn't even tell who the biological mom was, as they were all "mommies."

Haircut x 5

Welcome to the trauma of Gabe's first (and probably last) home haircut. Although this photo was taken weeks ago, I had to get over the trauma myself before I could share with all of you. Grampa Jerry has lots of experience cutting boys hair, but apparently I need more practice witnessing the process, which brought me to tears. In my defense, I had no idea how short a #5 blade on clippers really were. At least his hair grows back, and fast. Perhaps my problem is not that his hair is so short, but that he looks so much older!

Ka-Nee-Tah

Photos Found!

Don't you hate it when you go to download pictures that you just took and find fabulous ones that were taken weeks ago! Anyway here are a few snap shots of our Labor Day Weekend at Ka-Nee-Tah warm springs reservation. You'll see my water baby in action with his uncles. Time with them is precious, now that they live in Bend, so a good time was had by all.

Blowing bubbles with Uncle Travis

Chillin' in the boat with Uncle Ryan.

King of the Ring Toss.

Congratulations, It's a.....

......Baby!!!See the baby's profile (above) and the cute little feet (below)

So, after much back and forth conversations, we elected not to know the gender of our next baby. We loved the surprise of not knowing if Gabe was a boy or girl until the day he was born so much, we decided to do it again.

Here's what we do know:

1) Baby Flores is perfect.

2) Baby Flores measures larger than expected (big surprise). Head & legs = 1 week ahead, Belly = 2 weeks ahead.

Since Gabe's belly measures about 12 months older than he is, I figure 2 weeks is not that bad for the next baby!

Soaking up the last bits of summer

Gabe and Andrew, taking a break

A few weeks ago Hillsboro held a "Tour of Parks" bicycle event. This was about 2 hours of riding from park to park. I think the Gabe and Andrew had a great time, well, when they weren't sleeping or fighting. Gabe, of course, wouldn't wear his helmet- something about 'messing up his do.' Thank goodness Grandpa Jerry was there to haul them both, I don't think that I could have made it!

Beloved Father and Grandfather

On Friday, September 19, 2008 my father lost his battle with pancreatic cancer at the very young age of 60. I will always cherish my memories with him, especially these last few years as he became a proud grandpa to Gabriel, always showing him off to anyone who would pay attention. He will be missed tremendously. We love you, dad.

Biking...and sleeping

Smartest. Baby. Ever.

Because no would would believe me if I simply told you how smart Gabe is, here's proof. Of course, he loses interest after about 20 seconds. But... you get the idea.

So far he's mastered A, B, E, J, L, M, N, P, R & W.

Seaside

So, after his first day of getting to know the ocean, we couldn't keep Gabe out. Finally, we took off his wet clothes, and eventually his diaper so that he could have some "free play."

Cannon Beach

Gabe, meet the ocean.

Petting the "Goaks"

As no trip to the beach would be complete without a visit to Tillamook, we decided to visit both the Cheese Facotry and Blue Heron petting zoo. You would think that the Ice Cream would be the highlight of the day, but for Gabe, it was definitely the "Goaks." He thought that they were the greatest thing ever and actually tried to climb in to play with them.

Hot, Hot, Hot

Who doesn't love a Slurpee on a hot day?

No, we didn't let him drink the whole thing, although he totally would have!