Ready, set, go!

Gavin all ready to go, complete with everything he needs: toys, books, and even a diaper and wipes!

Sweeping

I still love how he tries to copy us! This stage is so much fun!

Box Boy II

Gavin was trying to play with this box the way he did the Costco sized box but it didn't work quite the same. I helped him put it on his head. Since then I have seen him trying to do it on his own with a grape nuts box, which is even smaller. Yeah, good luck with that one, kid.

Tenderizing Fun

He got the meat tenderizer from the kitchen and starting stringing his wooden counting blocks on it.

Painting

Gavin's contributions to helping paint the brick work and trim outside our "front" door.







I thought that you might be interested to see the "after" photos. I searched my old photos for a "before" but couldn't find one.

Jessica did the main paint job. I taped and painted after she finished.



She got us a new doorbell and porch light as well. Now the bell dings no matter what way you push it. Before you had to push it just right. She picked out this light specifically so that the screen door won't bang it when opened.



Here's where Gavin was "helping."



Other upcoming changes for our porch: Jessica plans to put in a ramp to make it wheelchair accessible.

Box Boy

Gavin thinks that the boxes next to the recycling (and the recycling itself) are fair game for playing. He had a grand time with this cereal box!

Mom's Weekend Away with Friends

I had the opportunity to go away for two days with friends in Palm Springs. It was so much fun! We went clearance shopping at Target, ate dinner out at PF Chang's, played poker, and watched movies until 3:30 a.m. The next day we played tennis, hit Target another time, finished up another movie, and made the place spic n span for when the Ludloffs come to use their place again! Thanks again for letting us use your place! It was a great couple of days! I hope we can all get together again next year!

Making Pancakes!

Gavin loves to eat pancakes and he loves his cooking stuff. One of his pans happened to be sitting on the table at breakfast and he decided to combine the two. I thought this was so cute!





Oh, and as a side note, I just got an e-mail from a friend about the dangers of eating pancakes from mix that has expired. You can get sick, or even die if you do it. Check it out the full story on Snopes!

Cracker Boy

Gavin knows where his favorite snacks come from including these goldfish crackers. I had just bought these form the store, they weren't even opened yet and he snagged them and tried tried to figure out how to get them open himself.

Sleeping on the Job

While I take a shower, I put Gavin in the jumper (I can't do it much longer, he's getting too heavy for it!) On this particular day, I was taking my shower later than normal, so when I got out, this is how I found him.

Play Date!

Gavin and I got together with his friend, Sam, and his mom, Janet at the park.



Sam loves to climb!



Gavin likes to swing for short periods of time, but Sam only wants to watch.



Playing ball together.



When I wasn't looking, Gavin somehow got himself up this all by himself. I was impressed.

Cooking!

While I was there supervising and making dinner, I actually let Gavin put his little pot on the stove for a bit with his egg... I drew the line at Gavin actually trying to turn the knobs on the stove. I don't want him to think it's something he's allowed to play with.

For some reason, he thought that the tangerines should go underneath the grate around the burner.

Olive Oil, Yum

Philip got this free sample of olive oil at Albertsons that is just the right size for Gavin to pretend with. He was pretending that he put some oil on his crackers! Wouldn't that be oh so tasty!

Helping Again

Ever so helpful, as always.

Kitty Time

It's been a while since I've said anything about the cat, so here goes. The water level on his fountain (that recycles water in a little waterfall) was low and Daddy unplugged it, so he was thirsty. He practically attacked my cup when I left it unattended, so I thought I'd get some pictures. He loves fresh water, we can't leave a bowl lying around, so when I was drinking what he knew was fresh water, he wanted it!

I love how he smashes down his ears even though they aren't in the cup.

Skittering

Gavin so wants to be a big boy! He tries to do the skitter out in the front, but all he can do for the most part is push himself along with his legs on either side. He got pretty far down the street on one (with his parents, of course!) I rode one, too, and so did Daddy, they are hard work! Oh to be young again...(and yes, I know it's all in the perspective, because people older than me might want to be my age again, but you have to admit that even I can't do all the things that I could when I was a kid.)

On their way back to the house. We actually got out of our little cul de sac and probably half way down to the dead end near the cross street.





Look ma, no feet! He actually went a little ways the way they are intended!

Goof Balls

I think this picture speaks for itself.

Laundry Helper

Gavin has been loving "helping" me with the laundry. He loves to pull it out, put it back, even sometimes pick up the stuff I've already folded (which I love oh so much). He has also gotten to where he wants to be in the basket with the clothes! I guess it's nice and comfy!

Little Charmer!

Gavin and I were in Albertson's and I was getting yogurt from the display and not paying attention to what was going on next to me when suddenly I heard, "And what's your name?" That caught my attention. I looked over and a lady who worked there was stocking the shelves and Gavin was flirting with her! I said a little something, then she disappeared and went on my way to continue my shopping, not giving it another thought. Then I was in the frozen isle and here comes the same lady carrying not one, but TWO balloons. She knows a way to a 20 month old's heart!

These are at home, after the fact. I told Aunt Staci about this story right after it happened and she asked if I carried the camera around with me. Not usually, but maybe I should. I bet I could get some great candid shots if I did.





I took all these shots after we came home and had lunch. Can you tell he had a little yogurt to eat?

Making a Sandwich...

...with his new play food! Since Gavin got a kitchen for Christmas (and dishes and a little bit of play food) I thought that I would make it a little bit more complete by buying him some more play food. I finally got to use a couple of gift certificates I had to CM School Supply, I have had them since I graduated and finished student teaching, but never used them since I wasn't working. I kind of went a tad crazy, but it was SO easy. Got Gavin's birthday presents there, too!



Gavin made himself a cheese sandwich all on his own!





Along with the American food set with fruit, veggies, hamburger fixings, pizza, etc. I bought Gavin a Japanese food set. I thought that Philip would get a kick out of it, and he did. Here is everything in the set, except for the wasabi leaf that I accidentally left in the package while I took the picture.