Family Photo Time

Enjoy.

Swim Lessons, Take 3

Gabe first solo swim lessons. I can't tell you how wonderful, and hard it was not to be getting in the water with him. Trusting a teenager with your first born is crazy, right? But I am a pretty good swimmer, I figure if I kept my eye on him, I could get to him in time!
The truth is, although they make you start at 'Catfish 1,' Gabe was pretty much bored after the first lesson and kept wandering off looking for adventure (thank you Hawaii). And since he can float on his front and back, willingly dunks his head under water, we are ready for 'Catfish 2'!

Winter Wonderland

Just when we thought we weren't going to get any December snow...It came. Gabe and Chris had a fun time, bundled up in jackets, hats, gloves and boots. Alex and I stayed inside, keeping warm by the fire.

Winter Photos

Cooking with Mama

Mmmmmmm, pizza. My boy loves his vegetables!

"I'll do it all by myself"

If I had a nickel for every time I heard those words out of my sweet boy's mouth, I'd probably have enough for a pedicure. He *MUST* do everything by himself these days, from dressing to using the toilet, to getting in the car.
It wouldn't be so bad, if he could just be happy with a little help. But the slightest bit of assistance with a zipper will cause him to rip off his coat, and start the process all over, so that he can "Do it all by myself." He is driving me just a little bit insane!
However, the look on his face is priceless when he does "Do it myself." Apparently, I do a good job of congratulating him, because he said to me a few days ago:
"Mom, you put a new paper towel (toilet paper) on. Great. You did it all by yourself, I am so happy for you."
Thanks, honey.

Finally Ready!

Alex, on the other hand, still lets me do everything for him!

Gabe.. getting his groove on

Obviously

Gabe: Mom, what's that?
Me: Those are Pumpkin seeds. I just made them.
Gabe: I feed them?
Me: You mean, you want to eat them?
Gabe: No, I feed them!
Me: Feed them to who, honey?
Gabe: The pumpkins.

Obviously.

Too Much Target

The alternate title for this post is "The second best deal for $1.50 in town." Of course, everybody knows that the best deal for $1.50 in town is Costco's polish dog and a soda. But, Target comes in a close second for popcorn and punch. Going to Target is on of Gabe's favorite things to do. What kid wouldn't love playing toys, eating popcorn, and drinking punch? Passed out in the car seat is usually how these trips end.

Big Gabriel

Sometimes when I stop to think about how big Gabe is getting it makes me tear up a little. I mean I remember his baby days like they were yesterday. He is so kind to his brother, has a great sense of humor, and is especially smart too. When he doesn't know the word for something, he just makes it up. And in Gabe's world things make much more sense!
Examples: Sky Wall = Ceiling, Swing Bed = Hammock, Ball stick = Crosse (Lacrosse stick), Swim Glasses = Goggles, Monster Doggie = Master Yoda. Makes sense to me!.