Going for a walk in the rain with Uncle Brian

In between squalls on Sunday, we took a walk down to the (name that) beach. 

Visiting the Cold Midwest

A road trip to St Joseph, MI lead us to the results of a recent ice sculpture contest. Gavin didn't miss an opportunity to pose with a smile for the camera!
Gavin with his Auntie Diane.

On a late night burst of energy, Gavin declared himself the #1 prince.

Gavin Shares

Breakfast....

... and lunch in the garden! 

Laura & Diego Celebrate with Gavin!

Diego, Laura's son, is Gavin's buddy (& Jacob's, too)!
He doesn't always listen to what she's saying...

You, Over There. Join My Party!

 

Do you recognize that little white tin in Gavin's hand?

Please don't consider this a morbid post, because it actually was a very beautiful little planting we had about a week ago. We planted a Japanese Maple into the ground, and with it, we planted some of Sean's Mom's ashes. It was planted the day after Gavin's 1st year birthday. Gavin never got to meet his grandmother - he missed her by about two months - but he will know all about her. 

Have you missed seeing recent postings of Gavin?

I have too. He went with his Mom to South Bend Indiana on Saturday to visit family and I haven't seen him since then either . I've been stuck at home painting the living room & ceiling by nite and weekend, and working during the day (...what President's Day holiday....?). But they come home tomorrow early enough in the day that'll I get to play with him hopefully - - although his sleeping schedule will now be all off.... I'll probably get to play with him at 3 am too...

"Hey, how'd these bars get here?!"

"I go to take a nap, and I come back..., and where I used to be able to crawl and pull stuff off the shelves..., I can't get there anymore!!!! Who put up this baby barrier?!"

Happy Birthday Gavin! (now with comentary!)

Here's the required 1st birthday photo duplicated millions of times around the world. He didn't actually eat any of the cake, but had a great time mushing it up!The latest in toddler puzzle boxesGavin actually focused on openning a couple of cards. Here is Gavin with Jacob, his just-a-few-weeks-younger partner in daily mischief.Jacob and Gavin show off how well they share toys ... now. But just wait a few months.The angelic, mystical glowing shot... (zoom in for full effect...)Hey, who's the guy with the camera behind the balloon?!Cool!, I got a frog!Here he is trying on his party hat before the crowd (and cake) arrive.We had a full house.He got a this hat from his "big sister", Cate.Moments before the picture at the top of the page: Note how his nice present hat was quickly replaced by the disposable party hat.Here he is with Cate!Late in the evening, he's munching on some chicken. Bedtime's not too far away.

The morning birthday party was for the other 1 year olds on the block!