BlueGrass for Babies

Last night, we all headed to BlueGrass for Babies with our friends - the Hansbauers. It was in Eden Park, a beautiful amphitheater in the Mt. Adams area of Cincinnati.

The family that started this event hosts in because their son was a patient at Cincinnati Children's Hospital - so all the proceeds from the event go to help the hospital. And it is very fun for kids - and families too. We had a great time - and there was lots of stuff to do there too.


Gavin made a homeade shaker with stickers & rice.... new instrument at our house.

Kicked the soccer ball around for a little bit

And the most fun he had was playing with Greta - running up and down the aisles, hiding under the benches, playing with the trees & here they were playing with a ball.

Later that evening we saw a much older child that had climbed into a tree behind us....so guess what - Gavin wanted to then climb the tree too. Not quite tall enough to put him up there....

We had a great time at this event and it was our 2nd time going. Thanks Hansbauer's for a fun evening out with the kids....

Hot Tub = New Swimming Pool

At our new house, we have a hot tub which is pretty cool - although I feel like we don't use it all the time, we were definitely in it more when it was colder. So since it has been so hot this summer - we have turned it WAY down so it is like warm pool water.

Since Gavin has been wanting to "go back to the pool" (and the pool is closed for the fall/winter), we let him try out the hot tub - i.e. swimming pool to him over the weekend. He could even stand up all by himself in the middle and enjoyed turning on the jets, "turning on the bubbles" too.

And when you forget towels.... you just go naked before heading into the house!

Now that is a cute little bum....

I want to help....

with my tools too Daddy!

Over Labor Day weekend, Scott put together all of the new nursery furniture (which we are ready to go and the room looks super cute!) - and Gavin immediately ran downstairs to get both of his toolboxes because he wanted to help too. Just too cute... and so Daddy put him to work!

Thanks for helping make your little brother's room so special....

Singing 5 Little Monkeys

This was back in March too - singing 5 Little Monkeys with Daddy!

Do ever take Videos of Gavin - Oh yes... here we go!

So we are going back through our videos that we have taken for several months now.

Here is one from March (6 months ago) - Gavin/Daddy watching themselves while they are taping (which can be distracting for a 2 1/2 year old) and creating knock-knock jokes with some of Gavin's favorite people.

Best Toy Ever

We had a great time at Jackson's 3rd Birthday Party at Recreations.

Gavin's favorite thing to play with there was the Extreme Roller Coaster.
He wanted to get on it over and over again... it is pretty cool and went really fast too!

Let's Make some Cupcakes

We had a fun afternoon making chocolote cupcakes... and someone really enjoyed eating the mix right out of the bowl too.... lots of sprinkles too!
Look at that pretty cupcake - "Can I eat it Mommy?"

Fun Times at the Zoo

Yes - they found a turtle in the pond... Magz & Gavin

Sitting on the Zoo tram waiting to go!

WOAH - that is a silly face for sure!

Well Gavin got on the Merry-Go-Round... and this was a pic right before it started... then Gavin wanted to get off. He just doesn't like those rides - what are you gonna do?!?!?!

Thanks for a fun day at the zoo Maggie!!

Zoo - visit with Magz

Last weekend, we made a quick stop at our local Cincinnati zoo (which is fantastic by the way...).

Maggie went with Gavin and I and the weather was just perfect, mid-70's- couldn't get any better than that.

Love the Vacuum

Gavin really enjoys using our little vacuum and helping clean up around the kitchen.

We of course love it too.... and he points out where there is dirt all the time (have I created this little clean/neat freak?!?!?!?)

Enjoying the Summer - poolside

Let's see them muscles.... GRRRRR!

Swimming in the big pool

(no pics of mommy right now in a bathing suit - we will wait till next year for that)

Getting sleepy after lots of playing/swimming at the pool (love those snuggles....)

Happy Summer to everyone - we had a HOT one... but a very fun/busy one!

Pool Time

We spent LOTS of time at our pool this summer. One of the perks of where we live now is they have a community pool, clubhouse & tennis courts. Because it was SO hot this summer - Gavin/I especially made many trips up to the pool to cool off. AND - Gavin always wanted to get into the big pool and swim - which was great! It was fun hanging out up there, eating lunch and then heading home for naptime.

Playing the Piano

After one of the bridal showers for Amy, Scott/Gavin came over at the end and we got some 1-on-1 time with Aunt Mimi.... and playing the piano too.

I wonder if Gavin is going to be a musician?

Now That's Alot of Kids

We got a chance to visit with my high school friends & all their families while we were in IL.

This is the 2nd year we have all attended the Balloon Fest - and it is a tradition that we sit the kids down from youngest to oldest. All of my friends have at least 2 kids, 3 kids and a 4th one on the way. Gavin is the 3rd youngest as of now until Baby Gillard arrives - and then Baby Hugge in December.

I like these rides because....

I'm with my Grandma...
And my Daddy!!!

Carnival Rides - not quite sure?!?!

At the Balloon Fest there were a handful of rides for kids. So our first stop - the motorcycles.

Gavin was so excited - we got our tickets, got on and waited for the ride to start.

(He looks like such a big boy in the first picture... tear, tear, tear...)

After getting his seatbelt on (if that is what you call it... really?!?!?!) - and the ride started, he quickly realized that he needed to hold on tighter - and our little man takes after my family so doesn't have the longest arms & legs. We went around, maybe 2-3 times, and then had to stop the ride to get Gavin off. He wasn't feeling it at all....

Maybe next year Gavin - but then again, I have to point out that Gavin is definitely our "cautious" child and not super adventurous. I have a feeling this next little man is going to be our crazy one.

Balloon Fest - Lincoln, IL

The Gillard family was visiting in IL for Amy's bridal showers - but also took some time to stop by the annual Balloon Fest in Lincoln, IL. It is pretty cool to see all these hot air balloons go up and fly into the sky... here was Gavin & Grandma watching one about to fly off!

I LOVE my Uncle Ryan

Gavin LOVES playing with his Uncle Ryan.... as you can tell!

And - we are excited for the big wedding in November - and yes, Gavin is going to be the ring bearer (let's hope he fulfills his duties) and can't wait to officially call Amy - Aunt Amy!

Farm, Uncle Ryan & Combine - OH MY!

So Gavin has really taken to all the farm equipment when we visit my family.

Especially with Uncle Ryan....

We were recently visiting for a weekend, and U. Ryan took Gavin out in the combine (his favorite), to move the header up and down. And - is Gavin sitting in the drivers seat?

YIKES - I guess we start'em young on the farm in central Illinois!

Our New Park

After moving into our new home, we of course had to check out the best parks in the neighborhood - and there are actually a couple. Finally the humidity lessened (in late August...) - so Gavin/I headed to the park one afternoon and enjoyed the nice (and not too hot) summer day!

Hot Summer at the Zoo

Gavin & Scott headed to the zoo one weekend in August with Brent, Ella & Paige while I/mommy was out of town with my girlfriends in Indy. As you can tell - Gavin is a SWEATER - literally! His hair on multiple occassions this summer would be completely wet after playing outside for while. So I can hardly wait for the wet/stinky clothes when he gets older if he plays sports.... gotta love little boys!

New PJ's

Gavin is a little obsessed with PJ's - in fact, many times, he asks if he can wear them all day long. (which we politely say no....) - but I must admit, I too love PJ's. Here are some new ones with the monkey - so cute!