Monday, June 28, 2010

Happy Father's Day

To My Daddy-

Thank you for always playing with me - whether we are wrestling (which is my favorite), to running from each other to sledding (video above) - you always make time for me and I always love being with you. I love you so very much and want you to know - I can't wait to see you soon! We missed you this weekend!

Love, Gavin (and Mommy too)

Sunday, June 27, 2010

My 1st Movie - the REAL DEAL

Yes - this was a very exciting weekend for many reasons. Gavin is really loving the pool these days - and boy have we been enjoying it with this hot weather. But - when we took a break from the pool - and had a free Saturday night (just the 2 of us) - what better thing to do than go to our first "movie date." I had talked to several friends about Gavin being old enough to sit through a movie at the theater - but he has become quite obsessed with Toy Story - and I knew he would probably like the newest one, Toy Story 3. And boy did he - I was excited all afternoon and couldn't stop talking to him about going to see Toy Story and watching it on a big screen - eating popcorn and M&M's - and to remember that we would need to whisper (inside voice) while watching the movie. So we left a little early, and here were some photos I took (you would have thought he was going to prom as I was sooo excited). And we of course had to wear our Woody t-shirt - Boy Next Door! Just darling!

We arrived at the movie theater, got our snacks and there were lots of people there too. Gavin was just checking everything out and he had to be sure to carry his own snack, M&M's. We got into the theater - and of course as a mom - I brought a small bowl to put his snacks in and also brought his own drink. We got all settled and the "commercials/trivia" was running. Gavin sat there in awe... we kept talking and I forgot to think that the theater chairs flip up when you are not sitting on them properly. And since Gavin doesn't weigh alot - snacks in hand - he sat back in the chair and it folded up. I immediately started laughing - and Gavin said to me, "Mommy, the chair broke!" Luckily the movie hadn't started yet. So then we sat him back and it was much better. But once the movie started - he wanted to sit on my lap (which he did throughout the whole movie). I think he could see better and he LOVED IT! He was so good - he only shouted out 3 times - "There's Woody Mommy" or "Buzz Light Year" - which I of course thought was just too darn cute. When the movie was over and we were getting ready to leave - he said to me, "Can we do this again?" It's moments like this that I wish could last forever...




Gavin, I can't wait to go on more "movie dates" with you - I will cherish this forever.
And - next time, we will be sure to take Daddy!
To Infinity and Beyond...

Gavin is officially DRIVING

Gavin received this John Deere Tractor and wagon for Christmas this past year from Uncle Ryan... however, he hasn't really been into it - rather it freaked him out. UNTIL... Ty comes to visit, drives/rides it - and then guess what - Gavin is officially driving his very own tractor! So now we drive the tractor down to get the mail too... it is pretty fun!

Gavin & his cousins






Ty and Gavin playing outside on our patio at the water station. That water really cooled them off!








Luc and Jack - check out those little curls!






Then after hot and sweaty day - throw them all in the tubby! We didn't have 1 picture with them all looking of course... so cute! I wonder how long this will last - and let's throw one more in next year!
(Ty, Jack, Luc & Gavin)
Thanks for coming to visit - we had such a great time!

My Cousin Ty

The Cuff's came for a visit over Father's Day weekend to Cincinnati.
Heather (Scott's sister & family), Tom, Ty, Jack & Luc - what a fun weekend we had.
Gavin LOVES spending time with Ty and here they were playing at the water table outside.
And that is not all water - but alot of sweat too.
It was VERY hot in Cinci... so this was one of our very few times outside together.

Gillard Summer Party



We hosted a very fun - and very hot - summer party in June with several of our friends & several of Gavin's friends too.

We lucked out that the rain passed and we were able to enjoy the backyard and to be outside.

We had a great time - and so appreciate all of our friends in Cinci!





Gavin's friends - Gabby & Miles.

Miles - did you take off your pants? I know it is sooo hot out!








We have a zip line in our backyard - and here was Cricket trying it out - all by herself. And - she had quite the stop when she hit the tree at the bottom (that is not her mother right there...).
Some of the "adults" tried out that zip line too - that was pretty entertaining!

Our Little Drummer Boy

Gavin loves music... and here he is playing his drum!
We can't wait to attend music class again this fall... he loves it!

What a gift for Mother's Day


Our newest investment - a John Deere riding lawn mower!
And, Gavin and I got to take our first ride up and down our private drive. And - we picked it up on Mother's Day (yes, I was at Home Depot on Mother's Day....). I am blessed to be Gavin's mommy each and every day - and I look forward to being a mommy to our new little one later this fall. Thanks for making my day so special!

Trip to Seattle


Scott and I headed to Seattle for Sam & Michele's wedding and our 1st trip ever to Seattle.

We had an amazing time - spent 6 days - just the 2 of us - enjoyed some time with Scott's parents & had a blast at the wedding. What an amazing ceremony and the celebration/reception took place at a winery. It was truly fabulous - now if only I could have had several glasses of wine - that would have been even better.




Here we are up in the Space Needle in Seattle - what a beautiful day and amazing view of the city!
Where was Gavin? He enjoyed a fun-filled week at G&G Cross' on the farm in Illinois. I will have to update with pics from Grandma from that week.
Congrats to Michele & Sam!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Love my Uncle Ryan

What a cool photo - love it!
Uncle Ryan & Gavin playing outside with the football... precious!

Family Day - Easter






















Flying a Kite

We were in IL at my parents over Easter this year - and on Saturday afternoon we enjoyed a beautiful day outside with family. Before everyone came for dinner that evening, we got out Gavin's Toy Story kite and started out with Daddy/Gavin flying the kite - to Grandpa - to Grandpa/Gavin - and then - yes, that is Gavin flying a kite by himself. Let's just say it was pretty windy that day.
The story "after" this photo was Gavin eventually got tired of holding the string to the kite and was done - so like any kid would do, he thought that if he put the string holder on the ground, it would come down and he would be done. He did that - and the kite of course flew away... so daddy to the rescue out in the fields to get the kite. Gavin running behind him and ending up in a big mud puddle - which freaked him out! (yes, this is my child!). Now where was Grandpa again? Not quite sure - but Daddy had the kite and Grandpa had Gavin as they came into the house to share this story. So now when you ask Gavin - do you want to fly a kite? "It will fly away Mommy...."

Coloring Eggs at Grandma's

Gavin got his first "true" egg coloring experience this past year at Grandma's house. He was really excited to drop in the eggs and get them out of each color. Then Amy shared that you could put 1 egg in each color - so then we had to be sure to do just that! This was lots of fun!





















Come on Grandma... can we color more eggs?

More Easter Egg Hunts - IL

My aunt & uncle, Judy & David hosted a Easter Luncheon at their house - which was so very nice. And to top it off - they had a special Easter Egg Hunt, just for Gavin. He is the only child on my side of the family - so needless to say, we all enjoy watching him get excited about the littlest things, like finding a variety of small gifts in the yard. From a variety of candy - to balls - to a precious Elmo hat and finally bubbles - this was a such a fun afternoon! Thank you for making this Easter so special!




















My new friend, Owen

Thanks to the Hansbauer's for hosting a great spring party at their house in April. Their good friends from Chicago - Holly & Jesse - moved here with their 2 kids Owen & Caroline recently. So - Gavin has a new buddy, Owen and they had fun playing in the dirt like little boys do. And - they just bought a new house very close to us in Anderson too - YEAH!
And for those that know me - I don't necessarily like "dirt" playing - but clearly Gavin did!

We are amongst WILDLIFE

One night we were sitting at the table in our kitchen getting ready to eat dinner - and I looked out to find 2 deer hanging out in a backyard - that came REALLY clost to our patio. At first they stayed down by the playset, but then moved up much closer. So of course, Scott had to grab a quick photo... and needless to say, we have encountered MANY additional animals in the short 6 months we have lived here. I will let Scott share our "snake" story that came out to play on our patio - from the envasion of bees - and lastly, racoons that enjoy our garbage in the evening hours. I'm not quite sure how I feel about living "with the wildlife" - but I guess it will be something I'm going to have to get used too.

My friend, Ella

My friend, Kathryn and her boyfriend, Joe came in for a visit to Cinci to meet Ella's (pictured here) new baby sister, Paige and to hang out with our family and the Nawroth's. Here are Gavin and Ella playing at his train table during that weekend. Too cute - sometimes I think they look like they could be related!

New Park

Fun times at the new park close to our house. It has lots to do - and we hear there is a splash pad to check out this summer. We will need to check this out. (These were taken in March 2010).








Easter Egg Hunt - Mariemont

We enjoyed heading over to our old stomping grounds in Mariemont for their annual Easter Egg Hunt. Gavin really got into actually getting eggs this year - and when there are so many kids - you have to be quick! In the end, he was just happy to get a red lollipop... which have now become one of our favorites.







Gavin's friends - Jack & Ryan
*They are moving closer to us in Anderson this summer - so the boys will be going to the same school. YEAH - what great friends they are!



Now this was a cute little pig... Gavin kept running around just to pet it... and he wanted to give him a hug. Too cute!


The Family - AND - and #2 on the way.
Needless to say, I was VERY sick here... oh the joys of being pregnant!







Super Bowl party - kid style




We enjoyed the Super Bowl game at the Metz's this year - had a great time (thanks for hosting - and I know, it was forever ago....). Several of our friends have kids - and all of Gavin's buds were there.


Can I say someone likes to be tickled?








Love our PJ's - and who is ready for bed?















Not sure if there was a commercial on or not... but cute pic of Greta & Gavin!