All Boy

My little boy demonstrates his crazy side....

Visitors!

Gabe's Grandma & Grandpa Flatau & Uncle Mike came to visit this weekend.

They had lots of fun playing with Gabe.

Feeding him treats....

Uncle Mike even made a huge batch of his famous monster cookies...

All evening Gabe kept coming over to the table where I was working on my bible study.... He would reach up and say "ca, ca, ca" -- meaning cookie. I finally had to put them away and say no more cookies tonight!

Easter Treat

This afternoon Gabriel had his first taste of Easter candy. He had a jellybean and then his very own Cadbury Egg!

I think it's pretty clear that he enjoyed the treat.

Don't worry, I fed him a banana before this to, you know, balance it out.

Latests Tricks --

Gabe's latest skills include climbing! He likes to climb in his chairs -- it's turning around to sit down that is difficult - not to mention boring!

Oh wait, he did sit with the "easter bunny" for a second.

I like to call this.... being dangerous

Gabe has also been contributing his own "coins" to the family collection.

YUMMY!!

Extreme Flashback

So it seems whenever someone I know has a new baby I have to take a look back.

Here is some footage of Gabe when he was 10 days old!

For all you Grandmas Out There!!!!

To protect this little one....

We bought some fireplace screens.

Aren't you glad you don't have to worry anymore??

And yes Mom, they are pretty sturdy and yes there is a slight chance that he can get in through that crack in the middle. But don't worry-- we take good care of him and watch him real close!!!!

Mom's Purse!

My beloved son loves to dig in my purse.

The other morning things were a little TOO quiet......

upon investigation I discovered why....

my little sweetie was busy seeing what sort of plastic was in my wallet!

If you click on this photo to enlarge it you should be able to read my lovely labeling of the various, somewhat important things pictured here.

My Furry Friends

JIMI

SADIE

Playful Pointers.....

ROWDY

MACI

The Natural Progression of Things

Smiling and Being Silly

Screaming and Getting Mad

Feeling Sleepy

Starting to Nod Off

And He's Asleep

Grandpa Flatau's Little Twin?

I don't think this post needs much explaining... Just read the title and look at the pictures.

My New Camera

On sound advice from my professional photographer/uncle Bill we got a new camera (for all you photogs out there it's a used Nikon D70 outfit). Actually it was my birthday present from Aaron.

But it does just what I wanted it to.... Clear, sharp, focused images of a higher quality than your typical point-n-shoot.

If you look close enough the piece of cat hair stuck to Gabe's chin is even in focus. Nice!

Love the duck!

Gabe has been enjoying all of his toys since he's been back home. Especially this duck!

Ahhh, Colorado

We arrived home today after a quick trip out to Colorado. We went to our favorite place: Snow Mountain Ranch, YMCA of the Rockies. This time we took the Amtrak. What a nice way to travel! Lots of leg room, no stopping to go pee, no driving all night long, and sleeping is possible and somewhat restful on the overnight trip!

In spite of a total lack of motivation and complete feeling of relaxation I managed to go skiing once and OF COURSE it was worth it!


Here are some of the kids we took with us. They were playing "Mafia" outside our rooms and having a good time. We couldn't have had a better group of kids. 24 of us in all - 9 adults and the rest kids ranging in age from 1st grade to 9th grade.


Our good friends from Illinois also joined us... Here Beth is getting Colin ready to ski with some help from a friendly dog named Copper.


Here Chelsea recovers from a crash while her mom looks on.


I fell through the snow crust while snow-shoeing. It's hard to describe but there is just something about breathing in that mountain air when the sun is shining! It is one of my most favorite things in the world to stand in the snow - looking at the mountains - breathing deeply of God's magnificent creation!
As much as I love Colorado and the mountains I did not have the strong longing to live in CO like I have every other time I've been there. I missed my baby, my house, my home.... I guess being settled makes a difference. And Iowa -- it's not too bad!