The Rest of Gabriel's Birthday

The rest of Gabriel's birthday was a simple nice evening with the family.

Gabriel chose Bob's Big Boy for dinner.
Kiera enjoyed some coloring with her Great-Grandpa.

Dinner was following by the first yummy dessert that we all shared.

But fisrt we all sang to him.

Then we came home and opened presents.....

sang again....

took some pictures.

We finished off the night with some bubble fun.

Griffith Park - Gabriel's Birthday

Please note: Yes, I realize that it has been forever. No there is no real excuse, but I have enjoyed having time away from the computer. The last couple months have been crazy busy and both Gabriel and Kiera have gotten sick twice! It has been exhausting for us, but we are feeling more rested after a nice vacation and I am looking forward to catching everyone up on our latest excursions!

For Gabriel's birthday we happen to be in CA for other reasons. We were able to spend the day at Griffith Park with us, Grandma and Grandpa.

Edward helping Gabriel down that thing (whatever it is called). :)

The tire swing is always a favorite.

Yes, Gabriel got up there all by himself and yelled "I'm the king of the world!" I have no idea where he learned it from, but it was hilarious!

Break time waiting for the train ride.

"Gabriel, how old are you?" "I'M 4!!!!"

Kiera saying cheese.

(You can tell in this picture how much of her tooth she broke off last fall.)

Gabriel riding the ponies. I thought a slow pony was the way to go. Gabriel went around the first time and liked it, but wanted to go faster. The second time they took him around he just got annoyed. He talked Grandma & Grandpa into taking him one more time on a "fast" pony.....

...and he loved it! Daddy was right.

Kiera was not going to ride the pony. So she got her ride from Daddy.

Enjoying the train ride.

Gabriel wanted to ride with me. With Grandma there I am usually 2nd or 3rd choice, so that made me happy. :)

Grandpa, Kiera, Grandma and Gabriel ~ I think they were pretty tired by the end of the day.....all of them!

Easter

Easter fun was had this year, like always. We colored Easter eggs at Jenn and Don's house with Tommy and Auntie's help.

Trying to touch...
Let the messiness begin.

Jenn and Thomas

Kiera trying out the bag coloring

Gabriel nice and messy

Nothing like ending the day with some ring around the rosie

Pictures and cookies followed.

Easter Day was spent at my parents' house with my sisters. Here is a picture with all the kids (minus Colby who had fun on Easter, too)

The kids (Edward was working, so he was able to eat with us, but he missed out on most of the fun)

Kiera found her first egg!

Gabriel is getting pretty good at this by now!

"Look, Mommy"

to which Kiera replied right after with "Look, Mommy"

The kids checking out their loot!

Kiera and her Grandpa

Spring Training Game

Edward's Mom, Grandpa, and Auntie Linda came out for a visit a couple of weeks ago and we went to a spring training game. It was nice to go do something all together!

Go Angels!

Kiera was watching the game and behind us Gabriel was asking every question under the sun about baseball to the guy sitting next to us. I think the guy and his wife loved it!

Me, Grandpa, Gabriel, GrandmaAuntie Katie, Auntie Linda, and Great-Grandpa (Edward was our photographer)

This is how Kiera spent the last hour of the game. Good thing Great Grandpa brought his sweater cause Kiera was cold in the shade and the jacket helped her go right to sleep.

Angels won!

Love for Lauren

Rest in peace sweet girl.

To read Lauren's journey please visit her blog.

A letter to our son

Gabriel,
From the moment we knew, our lives changed. But it wasn't until we saw you that we realized how much. You bring us so much joy, love, laughter, love, happiness, excitement, pride, love and so much more. We are so thankful to have you as our son. We promise to love you and cherish you for all the days of your life and ours. As we look back at how you have grown, we realize how much you have changed over the past 4 years and we can't wait to watch you continue to grow and make us proud each and every day. We love you, Gabriel.

Love,

Mommy and Daddy

Just minutes old, yoy already had a hold of our hearts.

One year old. Walking, talking, kisses, hugs and so much more.

Two was so fun! Growing more every day, talking more every day, becoming the best big brother Kiera could ask for.

Three was an equally amazing year for you. School, playing with Sister, becoming so independent, making us laugh every day.

We can hardly wait to see what being Four brings you and us!

Happy 4th Birthday, Gabriel!

The Zoo!

Spring break trip to the zoo never gets old.......