School Concert




















Yeah - I've got my new hat, my little sister, and I stole my dad's blackberry (mom would be proud)




















I know she is my daughter - but! the word cute doesn't even begin to describe her...















"We are sharp dressed, good looking, and darn it - people like us!"















I don't typically use last names on this site so for our purposes we will call Gabe's teacher - Ms. Smith. We LOVE this woman. I know she will probably read this, so I won't get too sappy. She should know that we appreciate her so much and count her a blessing (and prayer answered) in our son's life. I (personally) have great admiration for her patience and am thankful for her ability to embrace some of the (LOUD) unique features that our little buddy boy brings to the table. She really is a light in a world that is so dark....

OK so it is a little sappy, but "it's my bloggy and I'll post if I want to......"

About the concert - it was a beautiful celebration of light! The coordinators did a great job. I'm not sure how they got all of those 6,7 and 8 year olds to stand still for that long??? My camera, unfortunately takes very poor pictures in dark rooms; therefore, there are no stage shots. Hopefully we will get some from other parents with more sophisticated equipment.

Baby Alex?




















"I like smiling - it's my favorite"















Alex says "Dude - there is NO way I'm playing with that Alice in Wonderland doll"
Kara thinks "Dude - uh I wouldn't let you anyway....." (Noelle laughs)

Our dear friends Matt, Jenny and (not so much a baby anymore) Alex came to our home for a pre-Christmas visit. We had lunch and the kids opened gifts. I stayed away so that I wouldn't infect anyone with my germs...ugh...

Future Crime Fighters?















Jamie and Gabe are plotting their strategy to open a fraud consulting practice and have found cheap labor as they hire Kara who will work for princess dolls...

Gabe's new best buddy from the great state of Illinois came in for a visit with his brother RP and sister Meri (not pictured) for a "sleep over". Of course it was not a long enough visit (as far as Gabriel was concerned) but there are sure to be more opportunities to do it again.

A few nights later we were discussing over dinner our vacation plans for 2008; Gabe suggested that we go to Illinois.....hmmm I wonder why?

Birthday Girl















Say Cheese!
















DD and her big cuz strike a pre-tea pose....

Mom P invited us over to her place in honor of Mom K's birthday. We did NOT have a surprise party this year but who could forget the priceless moment where mom opened the door and BAM!!! Surprise!!!! Oh what a great memory....Here's to many more. (picture me raising a toast)

Happy Birthday Giovanni















It is thumbs up for this new 7 year old















The trick candles are out - but the boys are waiting for what may be next....




















It is all smiles as Gabe and his best buddy take a rest before pinata time















Party Krasher Kara D and Donovan take on one of the big boys in a little air hockey

Gabe's best buddy (a.k.a. "BFF") from school, Giovanni, invited him to his house for birthday party. Transformer's was the theme and Paul and Jen had some very cool ideas that kept the kids entertained the entire time. The main party room definitely gave me some ideas of some things I can do when I get to build my "man" room. There were lots of sports memorabilia and Michigan was the main theme. (I knew I liked these people)

There was serious build up to this party. Gabe was so excited to give Giovanni his new online pet - a dog that he appropriately named "Spot". Great party.