GKC

Adios, amigos!

2008-11-03T20:39:00.010-07:00

Well folks, I'm a year old now, and as you can see I am swamped with things to do - number one on the list is to figure out the whole 'walking' thing. As much fun as I've had with my blog, its time for me to move on. I know, I know. You're going to miss me. Well, don't feel too terribly bad. Look at this as an opportunity to regain a small portion of your life back! Alternatively you can keep an eye out for me at the Chard Yard.

I'm ONE YEAR old!

2008-11-02T19:42:00.005-07:00

That's 12 months for those of you keeping track of it that way. Today was a happy and eventful day, complete with singing, presents, visitors, my very own homemade cake, and my first taste if ice cream. It took me awhile to come down off all that sugar but I'm finally asleep and dreaming of all the fun new toys I get to play with tomorrow. Thank you to my family and friends for all you did to make my birthday so special!

ROAARRR!

2008-11-01T14:46:00.004-06:00

For Halloween I dressed up as a lion. I was hoping to look scary, but how can I with cheeks like this?

Babe's Eye View

2008-10-31T08:37:00.004-06:00

Yesterday Daddy and I explored some new territory - the roof of the shed that we call the "chicken coop" (which is kind of a weird name since we don't have any chickens). It looks pretty scary, but after all it IS Halloween!!

HAY! Um... er... I guess, technically, it's straw.

2008-10-25T21:02:00.005-06:00

Today we went to the USU homecoming football game and then afterward to the American West Heritage Center. I haven't had this much fun in one day since Sarah Palin was on SNL! To see more pictures, click here.

On my own two feet

2008-10-24T08:02:00.005-06:00

Sit tight - this is a long one. Turns out Mamma was waiting for me to do a cartwheel. I told her maybe next year.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY!!

2008-10-18T12:05:00.021-06:00

My Mommy, my buddy, my hero. Yesterday was my mommy's birthday. Daddy made her a tasty breakfast and we got to spend a wonderful, BEAUTIFUL day hanging out in the yard and at the apple orchard with some friends. Daddy also made dinner AND a birthday cake. Our nice neighbors Phil and Barb joined us for the evening festivities.

Hooray for October!

2008-10-18T09:47:00.005-06:00

How to eat green beans.

2008-10-16T13:48:00.003-06:00

Well? How would YOU do it?!?

Friday fun at home with Mom

2008-10-12T08:23:00.004-06:00

Daddy had to work all day on Friday so Mommy and I hung out and enjoyed the last bit of nice weather. On Saturday it rained and snowed all day and it's snowing again today. Thanks for the fun Halloween sweatshirt, Nana!

I am blessed

2008-10-08T08:39:00.004-06:00

I already knew that I was blessed - with a loving family, good health, and a cozy place to live - but I guess there's something to be said for ceremony. While Nana and Papa were still here, Grandma Debby, Grandpa Dale and Aunt Brooke and her family all gathered around me to bestow their blessings and to officially welcome me to the family and the world. Some of our family couldn't be there, but they sent me blessings in the mail (thank you! - you know who you are). It was a beautiful fall day and the Blacksmith Fork River water was invigorating, to say the least.

Hiy-yiy-yi-yiah

2008-10-04T14:14:00.003-06:00

Papa taught me how to play a drum!

My first river trip

2008-10-03T16:57:00.009-06:00

Last weekend I spent 3 days and two nights experiencing my very first river trip. I was the youngest of 15 passengers, but the next-youngest floater is only 6 weeks older than me! Nana and Papa were with us, too.

In the group photo (from left to right) - BACK ROW: Mama, Daddy, Me, Mike Shaw, Nicki Alexander, Jen Ziercher, Toby & Jacob Ison, Paula Stockman. FRONT ROW: Papa, Jason Alexander, Nana, Brett and Bennett Ziercher, Tom Bradley.

I'm 11 months old!

2008-10-02T20:21:00.003-06:00

And BOY OH BOY have I been busy! There's lots I need to fill you in on, so stay tuned for some new posts about my visit with Nana and Papa, my first rafting trip and my Blessing....

Saddle Up

2008-09-21T20:18:00.002-06:00

They say that this horse "sucks" but I think it's a pretty good ride.

Who needs sticks and rocks?

2008-09-17T20:50:00.006-06:00

I was crawling around outside, exploring the rocks in the path and the little twigs in the grass when I saw it -- That tripod sprinkler called my name louder than any toy, fan, mammary or cell phone ever did. In seconds I sprint-crawled my way to it, pulled myself up on the tripod, and blissfully grabbed the powerful water stream with my bare hands. Yes, that water was cold, but that didn't faze me. I just HAD to feel the spray on my hands... and my face and my belly and my legs and my....

More good times in BF Canyon

2008-09-17T10:14:00.008-06:00

We went for a hike in Blacksmith Fork Canyon over the weekend, then stopped at the Shenoah Picnic Area to let the dogs and me play in the river.

Mud pie, anyone?

2008-09-14T13:19:00.002-06:00

Choppin broccoli

2008-09-10T22:01:00.002-06:00

This is some good stuff, I tell you what...

Where the green grass grows

2008-09-10T21:14:00.000-06:00

I sure like hanging out in my yard.

Meet George and Steven

2008-09-03T20:21:00.001-06:00

We stopped at our friend Tamera's house today to get some fresh green beans and corn. I got to meet her goats and I LOVED them! I squealed and giggled when they nibbled my hands and feet. I can't wait to go back and see them again.

Hi there! I'm 10 months old.

2008-09-02T20:36:00.004-06:00

I've recently figured out how to wave hello and goodbye. So hello to you and goodbye to being 9 months old!

Peter Plumber poked some PEX...

2008-09-01T19:53:00.003-06:00

...around and under and through. Before he was done, we all had some fun, and we owe him a big ol' THANK YOU! Infinite thanks to our dear friend Pete Smith for spending his Labor Day weekend crawling around in the dirt and spiders under our house. We now have all new PEX pipes and a fancy new jetted tub! Mamma is thrilled to be rid of that old, chipped, and grungy tub and the impossible-to-clean tile. I myself am thrilled to have all those little jet holes to stick my fingers in while I splash around in the bath.

Zooming to the top

2008-08-30T14:36:00.003-06:00

I'll be sub-2-minutes in no time!

Water baby!

2008-08-27T19:57:00.004-06:00

SO MUCH FUN!!

aabababedebubbedebuuh

2008-08-26T21:17:00.004-06:00

Exploring my World

2008-08-26T09:38:00.006-06:00

There's a lot of neat stuff to see and do around my house....
There's fun and tasty dirt right outside the front door.

The washing machine is AMAZING...

Hey who put this climbing wall here?

The wood stove is pretty much the most dangerous play area I could find.

Yeah.

That's how I roll.

The dog/cat water dish is a great place to wash my hands....

And while I'm here I might as well have a drink!

I crawl!

2008-08-21T09:38:00.003-06:00

'The worm' is officially obsolete.

More good times in Wayne County

2008-08-20T21:13:00.004-06:00

We spent last weekend in Loa with lots of good friends. The big people played cribbage and horseshoes but I had more fun than anybody. Daddy drove me around in the "Mule", Jake gave me some of his toys to play with, I got to take my baths in a big people tub, and I got held and cuddled by a whole bunch of nice folks.

Nature Boy

2008-08-19T20:26:00.004-06:00

On Friday morning we took a quick trip into Blacksmith Fork Canyon, just a few miles from home. The dogs had a great time fetching sticks in the river and running through the grass and the trees. I saw the biggest tree in the whole wide world (at least in my whole wide world) and really enjoyed being in the wilds of the woods.

My First Wheels

2008-08-19T20:19:00.003-06:00

FINALLY! Daddy figured out that I'm big enough to drive a shopping cart. I'm not sure why there are two steering wheels, but luckily I'm ambidextrous.

Grandpa Dale came to see me

2008-08-13T09:15:00.004-06:00

Last night we had a visit from Grandpa Dale. I stayed up as late as I could so we could spend as much time together as possible. I sure like the way he talks to me and the tickley stuff on his face and especially that shiny thing on his wrist. If I could only get it in my mouth.....

Uintah Mountains Weekend

2008-08-11T09:09:00.003-06:00

We had a really nice weekend with the Greens at their family cabin in the Uintah Mountains. Daddy got to go fishing, mommy got to go hiking, and I got to play (and play and play) with my good buddy Braden. Braden turned 7 on Wednesday. He's SO OLD!

The Worm

2008-08-07T14:58:00.002-06:00

Playing ball with daddy

2008-08-07T14:45:00.002-06:00

Sam's Birthday Party

2008-08-04T20:36:00.004-06:00

On Sunday we went to Ryan's Place Park in River Heights to celebrate my friend Sam Thompson's 2nd birthday. Daddy and I had great fun touring the playground - what an amazing place! The park was created in memorial to two-year-old Ryan Adams who drowned in a Lake Powell in 2006 and is truly a wonderland of things to see and do. I donned a party hat and enjoyed my first little bits of cupcake (don't tell Mommy) while Sam blew out the candle on his cake.

I'm 9 months old!

2008-08-03T09:01:00.003-06:00

Sitting is for babies. I'm a big boy and I've got more important things to do than hang around and have my picture taken.

Quick Trip to Bear Lake and then... dunt dunt dunnnn

2008-08-02T16:41:00.007-06:00

On Friday we loaded up the truck and headed over to Bear Lake. We got kind of a late start and then got held up in Logan Canyon by construction, but when we finally got there, WHEEEE! What a wonderful place to play! The water near the shore is shallow and is just the right temperature for cooling off. Brody likes to run through the water and roll in the sand. Joie likes to go out a little further and swim in circles. After we had our fill of playing in the water we drove back into the canyon to find a camp spot. Mommy and Daddy's favorite spot along the Beaver Creek road was taken (DARNIT!) and it took us awhile to find another good one. We eventually found one in Franklin Basin and boy, was it pretty! Lots of flowers were blooming and we had great views of the rocky slopes in the distance. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.... ...until it was time for me to go to sleep. Suffice it to say that no amount of cuddling, nursing, 'crying it out', or even driving around in the truck could settle me down for the night. At midnight the folks finally got my message and packed everything up and took me home to my crib where I promptly fell asleep.

Applause

2008-07-31T08:28:00.002-06:00

The Great Backyard Games of 2008

2008-07-27T14:01:00.013-06:00

We had a ton of fun this weekend with many friends who traveled from near and far to play ping-pong (and Cornhole and Horseshoes and Bocce) in the first annual "Beers and Balls" Ping Pong Championship. I got to see many old friends of mine and meet a few new ones, both 2- and 4-legged, which of course made me smile a lot. Chris Koerth (Murray, UT) was the Singles Tournament Champion, so he got the coveted red satin jacket. Laik's mom and dad (Brad & Raecale Stull, Smithfield, UT) dominated in the doubles category, but all they got was bragging rights.
Raecale and Laik play with me on the swing

Paula and Tom love me lots

Bailey (5-month-old Mastiff puppy) and I get acquainted

Super-Dad Brad and me

Chillin' with Chris (the Champion!)

Hey - check me out with the hot babe! Jackie and I hit it off big time.

Laik brought his sprinkler toy for us to play in. I gotta get me one of them!

Laik and me playing together on the exersaucer.

The 2008 Champion sports a well-deserved and hard-earned jacket. If he looks a little tired it's because the competition was so fierce and because it didn't end until almost 4 in the morning. Pongers are hard-core!

New Toys

2008-07-23T13:58:00.005-06:00

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Ethan for loaning me his... er... I'm not sure what it's called but it's WAY COOL because 1) it's made of brightly colored plastic, 2) it lights up, and 3) it makes noise! It's supposed to encourage me to pull myself up to standing but Mom says she's not so sure she's ready for that yet. The ota toy (get it?) that I just got is a really big truck. I don't get to drive it but I do get to hang out in the back seat and feel the wind on my face while I play with some of my littler toys.

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

2008-07-22T22:16:00.002-06:00

Today was my daddy's birthday. He and Mommy went out to dinner and when they came home I was wide awake and ready to party! Our nice neighbors came over and they all sang to him and ate carrot cake. Phil wanted to give me a taste but apparently there's a rule that says if you don't sing, you don't get any cake. It's not like I didn't want to sing. I was just too busy thinking about the CRAWLING I did today!

More cousin fun

2008-07-21T09:52:00.004-06:00

I am SO lucky! My Grandma Deb and cousin Rhiannon came to visit me on Sunday evening on their way home to Montana. Rhiannon and I hung out on the swing and she helped me take a bath. In the morning we played on the trampoline together. She's such a sweetie. She says she can't wait until I'm 2 years old so I can chase her around.

Cuzzins

2008-07-19T20:53:00.006-06:00

Yesterday we visited my cousins McKenzy and Max in Ogden. I'm so lucky to have cousins who love me like they do! Max and I were bath buddies again and Kenzy fed me carrots and even burped me. My fun Aunt Brooke fixed my hair into a real mohawk and I must say I look pretty cool that way. Grandma Debby took great care of the three of us kids while our parents went out on the town. We all had a great time and I can't wait to get together with them again.

Swingin'

2008-07-16T21:32:00.004-06:00

That last video was such a big hit, I thought I'd share another one with you. My nice friend Alec gave me this swing a long time ago and I'm finally big enough to use it (under proper adult supervision, of course). Grandmas, you might want to close your eyes for this one. I do all my own stunts. And a note to everyone else - don't bother rubbing your eyes or spit-shining your glasses. That smudge is from the camera. WHEEEEE!!!

I get around

2008-07-15T20:03:00.004-06:00

Let me first apologize to the Beach Boys for using one of their song titles in my subject line, and to the rest of you for injecting said Beach Boys song into your subconscious. I hope you can fall asleep tonight without visions of Annette Funicello and surfboards dancing around in your head... ANYWAY, check me out! I'm finally putting my roundness to work for me - I can roll and roll and roll and you get the idea. Crawling is next on the agenda. Anybody got any kneepads I can borrow?

Road trip! (my first one)

2008-07-08T20:22:00.006-06:00

It's official - I'm King of the Road. We just got back from 7 days of good ol' American gas-guzzling and burger-eating fun. Well, I didn't get to eat any burgers but I did get to try some new foods like smashed up baked potato and bits of provolone cheese. On the second day of our trip I got to see my second cousin Henry for the second time. He's 5 days older than me so its fun to compare notes with him. On the third through the fifth day I got to spend time with my cool, purple-haired cousin Rhiannon and her family. We enjoyed some neat thunderstorms and some fireworks and some great relaxation time. I enjoyed playing with rocks and sticks at the lake near Grandma Deb's while the dogs fetched logs and Daddy helped Rhiannon fine-tune her swimming and rock-skipping skills. On the way home from Grandma Deb's I bagged my second and third National Parks: Yellowstone and Grand Teton. I liked the scenery but could have done without the mosquitoes. Daddy and I got home this afternoon after dropping Mommy off at work. We got everything unloaded, I said hello to my toys, and Daddy pushed me in the stroller to the post office to get the mail. After 6 days on the road I'm glad to be back home and sleeping in my cozy crib. As you might expect I have lots of photos to share with you.

I'm 8 months old!

2008-07-02T08:51:00.003-06:00

Holy cow, I'm a big boy. I can sit up all by myself and I can roll over (back to front and front to back) and I just started scooting backwards on my belly and getting up on all fours. Mommy and Daddy better hurry up with the childproofing! Today we're leaving for a week-long vacation. Woo hoo! I'm going to Idaho, Montana and Wyoming and I'll get to see family from Mommy's side AND Daddy's side. I can't wait. Is it time to go yet?

More fun: a visit from the Ashworths

2008-06-29T14:47:00.007-06:00

My Aunt Brooke and Uncle Kenny and cousins McKenzy and Max came for a visit on Saturday. We spent some time playing in the water at Hyrum State Park and then came home and had a BBQ and a bath. Kenzy and Max are so sweet to me. I hope I get to see them again soon. They all went home after breakfast on Sunday but the fun didn't stop there - we had some more visitors! It was great to see Tom and Paula again. They had a happy (Tom's birthday) weekend of camping and playing at Bear Lake and they stopped by on their way back home to SLC.

Canoeing Fun

2008-06-28T09:46:00.003-06:00

Yesterday Daddy took us canoeing at Porcupine Reservoir. I was in a great mood and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Daddy paddled us around and did a little fishing. Joie swam and swam and swam and swam. Brody swam a little, ran around the shore a little, and cowered in the canoe a little. Some boys were jumping off the cliffs on the other side of the lake and their loud splashes made her very nervous. I did my best to comfort her with petting and snuggling. I ended up with fur between my fingers and all over my face but that's ok as long as I made her feel better. I love my doggies - and I love canoeing! After we got out of the canoe I got to float in the water for a few minutes. The water was really cold (too cold for wimpy Mommy) but I didn't even notice. Daddy jumped in all at once to cool off and when he came up from under the water you should have heard the crazy noises he made! He makes me giggle. To see more pictures, click here.

CHEERI-IRI-Os

2008-06-27T14:46:00.003-06:00

I LOVE CHEERIOS!!

Camping

2008-06-27T14:31:00.004-06:00

Well, the folks finally got me out camping. Too bad it was right in the middle of when I was sick with a virus, and ear infection and I'm teething like crazy. Needless to say, I wasn't too impressed the first time around and my mommy had to take me home. I'm not worried though, I know the next time will be WAY better!!

A visit with the Stull Family

2008-06-22T14:45:00.003-06:00

On Saturday we drove all the way up to Smithfield to visit our friends, the Stulls. Brad cooked some burgers and Raecale made a delicious salad from their garden fresh greens. Hope and Maizy pretended to clean their rooms, but also entertained us by making funny faces at me and my buddy (their brother) Laik. Raecale was kind enough to take some photos while we were there. Thanks for your hospitality, Stulls!

Tub time is fun time (redeux)

2008-06-22T11:15:00.004-06:00

I love my tub and all my fun bath toys! Now if they would just quit swimming away...

Sometimes I don't feel so good...

2008-06-20T17:28:00.002-06:00

Last week I had a flu-type virus that gave me diarrhea for several days. Mommy and Daddy took me to the doctor and found out that I also had an ear infection. No wonder I feel so yucky! Even though I'm sick I impress everyone with how happy I am.... most of the time. Here's what I look like when I let being sick get the best of me:

My Daddy, My Hero

2008-06-15T19:36:00.021-06:00

Happy Father's Day to my Daddy and all the great dads of the world! We had an exciting Father's Day weekend. It started on Saturday morning when Daddy participated in the Cache Valley Biathlon. He ran 5 miles and then right after that he biked 16.5 miles. He is amazing! Mommy and I cheered him on as he ran through the pretty little town of Wellsville, and we greeted him at the finish line when he came speeding through on his bike. Later in the day we hung out by the river and played with the doggies for awhile.

Today is Father's Day so we made a big breakfast of waffles and eggs and bacon for Daddy and I gave him the present that Mommy and I made for him: a stepping stone with my hand-print in it. It was a beautiful day and it got even better when
Grandpa came over for a visit along with Aunt Brooke's family and Aunt Jody's family.

#1 Fan

2008-06-10T19:10:00.003-06:00

Dear Papa, As you leave on your "Geezer's Baseball Road Trip" I thought I would give you a few pointers: 1) Make sure to get a window seat in the car. Old guys are smelly. 2) Stay away from truck stop diners. Any one of your traveling companions could be one "triple bypass special" away from a premature return trip home. 3) Don't forget to cheer for the home team wherever you go, and don't be shy about summoning the Beer Man when you feel a mighty thirst coming on. Here's one way to get his attention:

Have a great trip, a fun birthday, and a wonderful Father's Day.
Love,
Gavin

Paparazzi

2008-06-07T10:51:00.003-06:00

I am SO SICK of having my picture taken! I know I'm cute and all, but give a kid a break!

The Wonderful World of Wayne County

2008-06-02T20:38:00.006-06:00

Over the weekend we visited my new friends Pat and Michelle Brown in Loa. What a fun place! The Hunter family dropped in from SLC for a visit while we were there and I even got to see my old friend Pete. I had my first bath in a kitchen sink and my first swim in an irrigation ditch (with my new pal Brecken Hunter). To see more pictures, click here.

I'm 7 months old!

2008-06-02T20:16:00.011-06:00

As you can see, I've made some great strides this past month. I can sit up all by myself (for a few seconds, anyway) and I'm really good at grabbing and manipulating toys. I'm curious about everything around me, so it's really hard for me to sit still and smile while Mommy takes my picture! I've been adding new and exciting things to my diet. I love fruits and vegetables and I can't wait to get started on some finger foods. I don't have any teeth yet, but the buckets of drool that pour out of my mouth are a pretty good indication that I've got one on the way.

Don't say it.... SPRAY IT!

2008-05-27T21:04:00.005-06:00

Tonight mommy fed me a new combination: oatmeal made with prune juice. The oatmeal makes me grow big and strong and the prune juice keeps me regular. I like oatmeal and I like prunes, but this particular combination wasn't exactly my favorite. I pride myself in eating everything that comes near my mouth, so I chowed it down... but not without protest. My new motto for when I don't like something is "don't say it... spray it!". I think I got as much of it on me and on mommy as I got in my tummy.

Neighborhood Gatherings

2008-05-25T09:46:00.007-06:00

Last night we went over to Phil and Barb's for some poker and lasagna. It's fun to be able to just walk across the street to see our friends. The other day we were next door at the Evans' for a few games of horseshoes and it was practically a block party! Phil and Barb were there as well as our other neighbors across the street, Andy & Lindsay. Andy's got pretty colors all over his arms, but what I really like is the fuzzy stuff on his face.

Me and my good pal Joie

2008-05-25T09:30:00.008-06:00

Daddy and I had lots of fun together on Friday while Mommy was at work. He makes me giggle! Joie and I are becoming great friends. She enjoys nuzzling and licking me - especially if I have yummy food residue on my face! I love to sink my fingers into her soft fur and grab her ears. She follows me wherever I go and she lays on the floor in my room when I'm in my crib. When I'm upset, she's upset too.

Splashing Good Times at the Green's

2008-05-18T09:26:00.004-06:00

After the 5K we traveled to Layton to visit with my big brother Braden (and his mom and dad). My girlfriend Reagan came over too and we had a pool party. I even had a taste of my first (100% juice) popsicle! Braden gave me some more of his old toys to take home. He's such a thoughtful big bro.

A visit with the Wolfes

2008-05-18T09:13:00.013-06:00

We stayed at G&G Wolfe's house on Friday night before the 5K. As always we felt right at home and had a great time. I like playing with Grandpa's whiskers and pulling Grandma's hair.

My First 5K

2008-05-18T08:58:00.008-06:00

On Saturday Mommy and Daddy and I participated in the Ogden Marathon 5K and we were the first stroller to cross the finish line! Daddy says he's ready to start training for a half marathon. Mommy says she's ready to watch.

They're Grrreat!

2008-05-15T08:22:00.004-06:00

Meet my paternal great-grandparents. GGma and GGpa Elison live in Layton. We spent the Saturday before Mother's Day helping them paint their new wheelchair ramp and planting their flower bed. After that we went to see GGma Chard at Apple Village (also in Layton). I hadn't met her before and she seemed pretty excited and happy to meet me. I'm so lucky to have THREE sweet great grandparents here in Utah!

Happy Mother's Day Mommy!

2008-05-12T19:39:00.011-06:00

For Mother's Day I helped Daddy make mommy a nice breakfast. We wanted to serve it to her in bed, but she was already up and at 'em so we all ate together in the sun room. I also got my mommy a gift card so she can buy new clothes from the mall and I had daddy take mommy's ring to the jewelers to have my initials and birth date engraved (wouldn't want anybody to forget my birthday!).

I got to meet new relatives on Saturday and I got a surprise for being such a good boy: a new swing (along with a new bath tub, new toy for my high chair, and holder for my bath toys)! I hung out in the yard with my mommy while she "putzed" around. Daddy was sick all weekend because of a bug I brought home from daycare, so we didn't get to do anything real fun. They both promise that next weekend will be much funner! I can't wait!

I'm Sicks Months Old!

2008-05-02T17:04:00.007-06:00

That's not a typo in the subject line. It's a homophone. And no, homophone is not a bad word. Mommy said so. I'm trying to be punny but I haven't had any real sleep in 48 hours so it's hard to say if it's working or not. What do you think? Am I witty or just plain delusional?

I really am six months old today and I also have my first cold - if you look closely you can see slimy, green little monsters crawling out of my nose - and I'm also teething. Despite all that I've still been pretty cheerful during the day. I save the drama for night time. Daddy is out of town so Mommy and I have been spending lots of quality time cuddled close together in the wee hours. This is the stuff memories are made of!

Little Monsters

2008-04-30T12:24:00.004-06:00

On Monday I started going to a fun place in Hyrum called Little Monsters Day Care. Ms. Natalie looks forward to having me there on Mondays and Wednesdays. We play all day (with breaks for eating and napping, of course) and I'm fascinated by the other kids. They love making funny faces at me and showing me the finer points of the various toys and books. I know that Mommy misses having me with her at work so I'm still joining her there on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Daddy misses me too, so he gets me to himself when he's home on Fridays. Some babies think it's pretty tough to be so popular, but I must say I'm pretty good at spreading the wealth of my affection.

Chicago - Day 8: Departure

2008-04-27T09:27:00.009-06:00

Our wonderful visit came to a close on Friday. We stopped to visit Great Gram one more time, then went to lunch with Nana and Papa, then headed to the airport. I saw lots more new faces and enjoyed our long wait in the check-in line and our long wait at the gate. We finally boarded the plane (which was 35 minutes late) and left the gate, and drove around on the tarmac for about an hour before returning to the gate due to thunderstorms. We sat at the gate and awhile and then they kicked us all off the plane for about 45 minutes. We got back on the plane only to find out we couldn't leave yet because the storms were still hanging around. We finally got into the air a little after 10 pm - SIX HOURS later than our original departure time. I was incredibly good and didn't cry for more than 30 seconds total. I was awake for the entire 6-hour delay but slept for most of the flight. I was wide awake again to enjoy the action at the SLC airport (see picture of me waiting for the parking lot shuttle) but went to back sleep in the car. We got home to Hyrum at 2 am. I was as happy to see my crib as Mommy and Daddy were to see their bed!

Chicago - Day 7

2008-04-27T09:22:00.003-06:00

And on the seventh day, we rested. Visits from a couple different relatives were canceled due to illness and work schedules, so we had a "free day" to just relax and eat carrots.

Chicago - Day 6: Botanic Garden

2008-04-24T19:31:00.006-06:00

On Wednesday we continued to take advantage of the gorgeous weather and met up with Aunt Michele, Chris and Sami at the Chicago Botanic Garden. What a glorious selection of plants! My favorite part was the tropical greenhouse. I liked it so much I forgot to take pictures of it. There were orchids, a cacao tree, and banana trees with real bananas on them. Sami thoroughly enjoyed all the water features throughout the Garden and Chris stayed close by the stroller and reassured me that he would protect me from vampires and any other bad guys. It was already beautiful this early in the season - lots of daffodils and hyacinths - and I can't wait to get back there during the summer when the plants are in their full glory. The statue in the picture is of Carl Linneaus who I learned is the father of modern taxonomy (the Genus species naming system of biological stuff).

Chicago - Day 5: Cubs Game

2008-04-23T17:17:00.004-06:00

Mommy and Daddy went to a Cubs game with Papa, Uncle Dave, Uncle DJ and Chris. I got to stay home and play with Nana all day. We listened to the game on the radio and heard all about the grand slam that helped the Cubs to beat the Mets 8 to 1. Nana and I greeted the Cubs fans as they walked home from the bus stop. I don't know who was happier to see who, but it sure was nice to be back with my parents again. That was the longest we'd ever been apart!

Chicago - Day 4: Morton Arboretum

2008-04-23T17:13:00.005-06:00

On Monday we went to the Morton Arboretum with Nana, Papa, Great Gram, Linda, Aunt Michele, Chris and Sami. It was a gorgeous day for a ride in the stroller.

Chicago - Day 3: Living the City life...Guitar Hero style

2008-04-21T22:20:00.003-06:00

So, mommy says that daddy has no rhythm and daddy knows it, but my Uncle Dave INSISTED that mommy and daddy come and play Guitar Hero with them at their house near Chicago. Upon further investigation, my crazy parents not only LIKED it they decided to have a play off to figure out who was better. From what I hear, I only hope I got my mommy's genes for musical inclination!

Chicago - Day 2

2008-04-21T20:26:00.005-06:00

On Saturday I got to meet my Uncle Dave and Aunt Missy (and their baby-to-be), my Uncle DJ, Aunt Michele, and cousins Chris and Sami, AND my great uncle and a bunch of my cousins who were visiting from Minnesota. My cousin Henry is only a few days older than me, so it was fun comparing notes with him. It was another exciting and exhausting day.... whew!

Chicago - Day 1

2008-04-21T20:02:00.007-06:00

After Nana and Papa picked us up from the airport we went to visit Great Gram at her apartment. We had a nice visit with her and I was a huge hit in the dining room at dinner time. Great Gram's lady friends couldn't get enough of me and said that I was "beYOU-tee-ful". Therese (the fiery redhead in the picture) couldn't keep her hands off me and Lillian did her darndest to get my attention by banging her silverware together and clanking her water glass. By the time we left there I was even more worn out than Gram was!

First Flight

2008-04-21T19:43:00.006-06:00

On Friday I flew with Mommy and Daddy to Chicago. The airport was a treasure-trove of friendly faces and colorful stuff to look at. The plane ride was kinda long but I hardly fussed at all! Then again, what's there to fuss about when you have nonstop toys and cuddles and food? This picture shows me during my one 30-minute nap in the whole 3-hour flight.

Bring on summer

2008-04-14T20:47:00.003-06:00

Mommy and daddy bought me a new tent for camping this summer. They set it up in the yard this past weekend to make sure we all could fit inside it. There is plenty of room for me, them, the dogs, and probably half my toys! They keep telling me about camping in the desert and the mountains and going to Bear Lake...If any of those places are near as fun as they make them sound, then I can't wait to check those awesome places out!

Hy-dee-ho, neighbors!

2008-04-13T20:24:00.004-06:00

Andy and Lindsay live across the street from me. They're good friends and they seem to love me, so they obviously have great taste in babies. Today was a beautiful, warm and sunny day - and it's a good thing that it was! Mommy and Daddy took me into town to get some stuff from the hardware store and when we got back the house was full of delicious but overpowering ham smoke. Mommy forgot to turn the stove off before we left, so the ham bone that was simmering it's way to being split-pea soup turned into charred ham jerky instead. A few hours with the windows open and fans going has mellowed it out a bit, but we're all going to smell like a Eddie's BBQ for days to come. At least the house didn't burn down!

Sweater

2008-04-12T09:07:00.002-06:00

Papa & Nana's friend Linda Brooke made this sweater especially for me! It's soft and snuggly and came all the way from Truckee, California. Thank you, Linda!

You can call me 'Crazylegs'

2008-04-11T08:39:00.003-06:00

Tagged

2008-04-10T21:35:00.005-06:00

This is a guest-post. Gavin's asleep so I hope he doesn't mind! I've been tagged by Melanie, so here goes...

TEN YEARS AGO.....
I was a newlywed attending graduate school at USU in the very same lab in which I work today. I had very short hair and enjoyed nothing more than mountain biking and hanging out with my hubby and our cat in the tiny little house we rented in North Logan.

THE PLACES I HAVE LIVED.....
Naperville, IL – Bowling Green, OH – Escalante, UT – Jonas Ridge, NC – Cedar City, UT – Billings, MT – Cache Valley, UT

FIVE THINGS ON MY TO DO LIST.....
Find the best dang day care provider in the greater Hyrum area, pack to go to Chicago, spring cleanup in the yard, exercise, SLEEP!

FIVE THINGS I ENJOY.....
Weekends at home with my family, hikes with our dogs in Blacksmith Fork Canyon, a good bargain, feeling like I’ve accomplished something, watching Gavin grow.

THREE BAD HABITS.....
Biting my fingernails, talking on the phone while driving, my internet addiction

FIVE THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT ME.....
I can’t function unless my bed is made, I’ve been to all 48 continental United States, I have horrible vision and wear contact lenses 24/7, I prefer the desert to the ocean, I can say the alphabet backwards.

FIVE+ JOBS THAT I HAVE HAD.....
Shampoo girl, florist, lift operator at Brian Head, biological technician for the Forest Circus, seasonal ecologist for the Nature Conservancy, bartendress, MOM!

Ok, I tag Raecale and Lindsay!

I now return you to your regularly scheduled Gavin program.

Sean and Emily

2008-04-07T18:11:00.002-06:00

My old friends Sean and Emily came up from SLC for a visit over the weekend. Sean was nice enough to feed me some oatmeal (that picture is for you, Grandma Janie - note the bib!) on Saturday evening. On Sunday we drove up to Maple Grove Hot Springs for a soak. We stopped at the Stull's on the way and visited with Brad, Raecale, Maizy, Hope and Laik for a little while. It was colder than we thought it would be at the hot springs and it even snowed a little while we were there. I hung out in my stroller while everyone else soaked for awhile, and then I tried it out for myself. I liked it, but I would have liked it even more if it was a little warmer outside and if Mommy and Daddy had remembered to put my hat on me sooner.

I'm 5 months old!

2008-04-02T09:28:00.001-06:00

Man, am I growing fast or what? In the past month I've started playing with toys, sitting in my backpack & high chair & jumper & exersaucer (yes, I have more equipment than my parents do), and eating rice cereal. I'm getting better and better at getting my hands to do what I want them to do and I'm getting more expressive with my emotions. My squeals and giggles are enough to melt the heart of the coldest Cache Valleyan.

5-month photo shoot

2008-04-02T09:21:00.004-06:00

I started out today's photo shoot in my awesome striped wienerdog overalls with my matching wienerdog button-up shirt. I typically go around in pajamas, so wearing these fancy duds is a big deal. It took mommy 10 minutes to dress me and halfway through the photo shoot she decided that my overalls were in fact too small. By the time she changed me I was hungry again so I had a snack and got my jeans on and sat back down in the chair. By this time I'd had quite enough of the whole picture-taking thing so I figured out a great way to cut it short. I'm so clever.

Big boy food

2008-04-01T08:47:00.005-06:00

On Saturday night I chowed down on my first bites of rice cereal. As you can see, I'm awesome at eating off a spoon. I even add my own little fluorishes like stirring my food in my mouth with my fingers. I'm such a big boy! My tummy is getting stronger all the time and this new food didn't hurt me one bit.

Chris, Kim and Wylie

2008-03-30T16:52:00.006-06:00

Meet my newest friends Chris and Kim! They came up from SLC to visit for the weekend. We had big plans to go to Beaver Mountain for Last Day, but nasty weather on Saturday morning kept us home. We still had a super time. The adults played cards and I got lots of kisses from Wylie and snuggles from my new pals.

Jumping Jehosaphat

2008-03-30T16:30:00.004-06:00

My good buddy Ethan loaned me his old jumper. I LOVE IT! I don't know who Jehosaphat is, but he's got nothin' on me.

The things my parents make me do

2008-03-28T12:56:00.005-06:00

March 25 was my Grandma Debby's birthday and we took her out to a Mongolian Barbecue in Ogden to celebrate. Turns out everyone there loved me and my silly parents took full advantage of that to pimp me out for free egg rolls! Geez, what are they going to try use me to get next?! Those egg rolls better have been darn good!

HAPPY EASTER!

2008-03-24T09:17:00.005-06:00

Ok, so I'm a day late. Give me a break - I'm just a baby!

Southern Utah

2008-03-18T20:32:00.003-06:00

I achieved a bunch of new "firsts" last weekend. I traveled south of SLC for the first time and I stayed in my first hotel room in St. George. Daddy had to go to a conference so Mommy and I spent our day strolling on a bike trail with the dogs. I wore my first pair of sunglasses and for the first time I got to be outside without being bundled up. I really like the feel of the breeze on my face. On Friday afternoon we went from St. George to Pete's house in Apple Valley. Pete is a great guy and I really like to hear him talk. He held me a lot, which I thoroughly enjoyed. He also pushed me in my stroller through Springdale and Zion (my first National Park). We had a great time. Thanks, Pete!

Stranded (aw, shucks)

2008-03-16T14:24:00.003-06:00

A heavy snow warning from St. George to Salt Lake City has left us stranded at Pete's house in the red rocks of Apple Valley for another day... Stay tuned for a post bout my first weekend in southern Utah!

Scary Bear!

2008-03-09T22:03:00.003-06:00

Uintahs Weekend

2008-03-09T20:23:00.006-06:00

This past weekend started out pretty rough with a trip to the doctor for my four-month checkup and immunizations. The good news is that I weigh exactly 10 pounds more than I did at birth (15 lbs 15 oz), and I'm right around the 50th percentile in weight and length for my age. Mommy says it's sometimes good to be average. The bad news is I had to get four separate shots. OUCH! Thank goodness for Baby Tylenol.

Despite the traumatic start to my day I enjoyed the car ride to Bear Lake and Evanston and on to the Greens' cozy new Cabin in the Uintah Mountains. Joel and Kathy and Braden Green were great hosts and I did lots of really exciting stuff! Mommy and I got to ride to the cabin with Alan (and Braden and Reagan) in a noisy and bumpy but toasty-warm 1960s-era snowcat. Joel and Kathy and Brandon brought all of our food and gear up to the cabin with snowmobiles. I even got to ride a snowmobile to and from Alan and Angela's cabin on Saturday night. The adults enjoyed a gourmet dinner and when I wasn't crying I played with Braden and my cute new 3-year-old girlfriend Reagan. I had my ups and downs all weekend but for the most part we all had a really nice time. It snowed gently on and off, and the view of the trees and mountains framed by the big cabin windows was beautiful. Thanks again, Greenies!

A visit from G&G Wolfe

2008-03-04T07:49:00.006-07:00

Grandpa Dale and Grandma Cheryl came to see me on Sunday. It's a good thing they did because mommy thought the motorcycle jammies that Grandpa gave me for Christmas were still way too big, but she decided to dress me in them anyway and they turned out to fit just right. I look like a super hero!

I'm 4 months old!

2008-03-02T18:44:00.005-07:00

I've grown so much! At four months old I weigh a hefty 15 pounds and I can do so many wonderful things. My hands are amazing tools. I've sort of got control of them and can grab things if I concentrate hard enough. Sometimes I suck on them and sometimes I just hold them in front of my face and stare at them in wonder. I'm a pro at tummy time and I'm getting better at rolling over. I have a strong neck but I prefer to lean to the right (to the horror of my parents who are really hoping I'll lean more to the left as time goes on). My new favorite thing is to make a gurgley humming noise like a mortorcycle. I also like to scream and squeal just to hear myself. Then again, doesn't everyone?

On the verge

2008-02-25T17:45:00.008-07:00

I am SO ready to take on the world from a different vantage point. Flat on my back worked for me for awhile, but a guy's got to progress in life. So I've started sitting (with help) and I've even rolled over a couple of times (ok, so I had a little help with that too). Stay tuned...

Another big week

2008-02-20T19:01:00.011-07:00

Before I tell you about this week's adventures I need to tell you some more about last week. I totally forgot to mention that we stopped and visited with Melanie and Ethan on Tuesday on our way home from Mommy's work. You can see pictures of me with Ethan (and lots of great pictures of Ethan doing marvelous things) on their blog site. Yesterday was a big day because Mommy had an important meeting at work and left me with a babysitter for the first time (I've gotten babysat before but always at my house). Thanks, Catherine, for taking such good care of me and for playing your harp for me! Mommy forgot that cream cheese has dairy in it (what a dope!) so the bagel she ate at her meeting made me very uncomfortable all night last night. I was feeling a bit better by late this morning, so we went to Margee's to learn more baby massage from Vonda. Then later this afternoon we joined Tamera and her doggy Max for some snowshoeing in Blacksmith's Fork Canyon. Joie and Brody were ecstatic to be able to run around in the snow and fresh air. Mommy was pretty happy about it too.