Gabe's BIG Day(s)















We asked him what he wanted to have written on his cake and this is what he said.....















Big Blue Balloon, Big Pink Pappa and Getting Bigger Boy....















Slip & Slide Time.....















Check out time















Gabe says it's too hot to leave his new pet in the car before heading into Red Robin









Kara picks up a Pink book










Gabe picks up seven new books to read to keep him occupied during the summer....


It was an eventful weekend at our house. We celebrated Gabe's 7th Birthday by having a "kid" party. They were allowed to bring their parents and were required to eat pizza and ice cream cake. The slip&slide was a nice treat since it was about 90 degrees outside. Thank you to our friends and family for all of the wonderful gifts. Gabe screamed everytime he opened a gift (even if he didn't know what it was...) It has kept him quite busy this past week. He even got to use the gift card to Barnes & Noble (as seen above) to buy some new books. Thank you also to our family and friends who called Gabe on his birthday and those who sent gifts after the party.

On Tuesday, we headed up to Gabe's choice, Red Robin for his birthday dinner. The wait staff was made known (by Gabe of course) that it was his birthday. They came out with a giant sundae and sang a special happy birthday song. He loved every second of it and thanked them many times.

It is hard to believe that it has been seven years since he came into our lives. It is even harder to imagine life before we were blessed with him.

Cuz-ins
(as opposed to out)














Gabe is elated to have Ani and Donnie in town















Donnie says "see look at my lower teeth"

After a long day of play and party, Ani and Donnie dropped in. Even though they all went to bed really late, they were up at the crack of dawn ready to play. I can't believe how much I miss seeing my niece and nephew from Ohio. I don't realize just how much until I see them and think - boy I wish they lived closer.

If you have been paying attention, you probably noticed that I'm on an incredible blog streak (5 in two days and I'm not done yet). Gabe's mini-party is today and it should be a blast. Stay tuned for more pictures from later today.

BBQ















Isn't she sweet?















Left to Right: Alex, Noelle, Kara, Christa and Ethan - or maybe it's Ethan, Noelle, Kara, Krista and Alex (can't tell and from what mom and dad say - they can't always either)

Thanks to our friends Rob and Jen for throwing a "meet the puppy" party at their home. D'Amato (the German Shorthaired Pointer) almost got Gabe's entire plate before Rob put him down for a nap. It was great to see some old friends and meet some new ones too....

Sorry for my lack of attention to detail - Krista's name has been changed.....

PRE- BIRTHDAY PARTY

Main Dudes Only Version















Matching Tiger Jerseys to start the day















Off to CJ Barrymore's for some mini golf action
















Motion shot: You should see the movie I took!















He wanted to try it - so we did. The socks with the sandals idea was NOT mine















Gabe takes a swing in the batting cages















Ah Ha! The socks were a ploy to get to go to the Burger King Play Place - Gabe truly has it "His Way"

Gabe and I started off Father and Son-Day by going to Home Depot for a part needed to fix a broken drawer. Then hit Dick's Sporting Goods, Dunham's, DC Sports and finally Champs Sports in the mall. We bought Tiger jerseys and then headed off to CJ Barrymore's (Gabe's favorite place)

We played 36 holes of mini-golf - he beat me on the first 18 and I recovered for the split on the second half. We then went on the go-karts. Usually you get 5 minutes, but because there were only a few people on the course and no lines we got 15! Gabe wanted to hit a bucket of balls and practice our putting in the dome. Afterwards we both took turns in the batting cages. I figured out the demand to wear socks under the sandals when he suggested we grab lunch at any fast food restaurant with a "play place".....Gabe made some friends at the play area and got a "squeeze" (as he called it) from a girl who didn't want him to leave.

The day is still young and we still have a party to go to......I need a nap.

SEASON FINALE















Mixed emotions for the DiamondJaxx as the season comes to an end (Gabe is happy)















Gabe points out that they are still number 1

Well - what a great season of baseball. I enjoyed most of the games, but was unable to make them all based on my teaching schedule. I was fortunate enough to make the end of the DiamondJaxx's playoff game. Down 18-2 after three innings, the Jaxx stormed back only to fall short by a 19-16 score. Lil Pappi was 0-2 before dad showed up and then went to work by getting two hits and knocking in two runs. While they fell a little short on their way to the glorious little league championship - the kids gave it their all and had a blast doing it. Some kids cried and pouted about the loss - Gabriel on the other hand was totally excited by getting a new trophy and getting ice cream afterwards. I'm so proud of my main dude for how much he grew through this experience. He can't wait for next season.......neither can I.

Flyin' High!




















Gabe is so excited that school is out that he jumps for joy




















Kara enjoys getting her thumb wet......well - at least she is staying hyderated in this heat















All smiles on this day - school is out and it is time to get this summer started
















Family walks are fun especially when you get a shot like this. (Thanks cousin Drewby for Kara's outfit - she loves it!)

THE FUN CONTINUES.....















Gabe says - "no Kara, I got this one...."















DD is one "hot tomale" as she enjoys big brother's treat















Yep - holding hands. Gabe bought a "princess ball" for his lil sis (with his own money)















Mommy missed out on our trip to "Boston's" for MORE Pizza (I swear they live on it)

We had a blast on our last day before mommy came home from Seattle. Noelle was soooo happy to see her sweet little ones still getting along so well. She was also happy to see that I finally got off of my behind and hung up the picture in the living room. I sure do miss Noelle when she is gone, but the well behaved kids make it a easier to deal with.

Catchy















With a short bench - Gabe plays catcher for a few innings















Getting ready to swing for the fences.......















Gabe ends up on first with a single up the middle















Sister Kara is so proud of her big brother

Gabe's make-up game was today. The team played great and gave it their all. They fell just a little short losing 18-17. The playoffs are just around the corner and the Diamond Jaxx are getting better every week. Gabe had a couple of hits and runs batted in and also fielded two grounders where he was able to throw the batter out. He was the victim of a bad call by the umpire, but handled it well. I, on the other hand, got up and started kicking dirt on the umpire and using curse words........actually that would have been me at Gabe's age - I'm MUCH more mature now.......

Something's Up......















Before they knew they were being photographed...















Okay - now hamming it up because they know how cute they are....




















No this is NOT a Michael Jackson pose (nice glove Kara). She is actually showing off the clean and neatly organized armour




















With mom out of town, I took the kids to see Shrek the Third (more laughs for me...I think)

The kids kept up their "love" phase and were rewarded for good behavior by going to the movies. The movie was very funny. Gabe was laughing so loud that he became more funny than the jokes themselves. When we left, Kara continued to say "Daddy - those babies were throwing up all over.....Gabe did you see the throw up?...." I think I know what she will remember most from the movie.

Other News: Gabe lost another tooth and has a makeup baseball game in the morning (stay tuned for more pics)...

Can You Feel The Love???















DD gets her "toe toes" painted by the pedicure specialist




















Sunday after church the kids relax in front of the tube. Gabe is taking notes as Kara looks on















Okay - no more relaxing - it is tickle time!!!















It may be in the blood?? Uncle Jack and Mark would be proud! (Collective here we come!!)















Gabe and Kara cheesing away....

What a few days it has been in our house! Gabe and Kara have been getting along a little too good. They seem to be bonding more and more and fighting less about what is theirs and what they can do to just drive the other absolutely crazy. It is a nice change! Gabe even showed her how to make (and eat) a banana sandwich...

Tonight Gabe said to me "Dad - i love my baby sister - she is so sweet and beautiful." he then said to Noelle "Mom - Kara is the best - I'm so glad you had her - I love her so much!" This is just music to our ears and hearts.

They even helped me clean the basement together - without complaining (??) What is going on here? I'm not sure - but I like it!