Springtime play days

Sunny, warm days around here are rare lately, so we take advantage of them when they come and head outside for bike rides and walks with Gabe. He loves the outdoors and is getting to the age where he really lets us know he's unhappy when he has to come inside!

All tuckered out after a long day of play.

I'm a climber!

One week ago today Gabe turned one, and I guess he decided it was time to conquer the stairs. He crawled over to them and looked at me as if he were saying, "I'm ready!" Down he went - several times. He's already a speedy crawler up the stairs, but now he can actually go somewhere with both motions in place.

Gabe turns 1! Happy Birthday!

Gabe's first birthday was a huge milestone for us. We can hardly believe that just one year ago he entered our lives. He is the most wonderful thing that has happened to us. Looking at his healthy, chubby cheeks and his active, strong body, one would never know that his first several days of life were such a struggle. We know he has been blessed and feel ever grateful for the many miracles we have witnessed in this past year. He is our sweet little boy and bring us so much happiness!!!

We shared Gabe's birthday with both sets of grandparents. It was especially nice for me to have my parents there since they were in China last year at the time of Gabe's birth.

Time for cake! Hey, what's up with the tiny cupcake??

Gabe blew out his candle (just kidding) then instantly turned his cupcake upside down and dove into the cake. When he finally discovered the frosting he really dug in.


All cleaned up after cake.

I can ALMOST touch my toes to the ground!

This one is just my size! ZOOM ZOOM! Watch out Nascar!

Bath time

I had to add these cute pictures of Gabe in the tub. He screams (as you can see below) every time he gets a bath. He loves them! I love the deep jacuzzi tub because his playful splashes are turning into tidal waves.

I love the picture below because it shows Gabe's playful and curious nature, but it also shows HAIR!!! Check out those curlies in the back. SO cute!

Gabe's first Easter

We were excited to share Gabe's first Easter with him. He loved his Easter basket. We had a great weekend with both of our families and all of Gabe's cousins.Pot of Gold! Gabe and his cousin found the cooler of ice and ate until their fingers were chilly. I love this picture of their little heads - baldy and hairy. Would you ever guess his cousin is just 3 months older and has had a couple of haircuts? I love my baldy though!

Caught red handed!

Future pilot?

What a cutie!

Sunny St. George with the Nelson Clan

Roadtrip! Who can resist a visit to Utah's Dixie in springtime?!? We headed down with some of Mark's family and enjoyed the great weather and admired the beautiful blossoms on the trees. Did I mention we've had a really L O N G winter??

Mark The Explorer! He was right in his element with his three nephews at this park. Can you guess who came home with the ripped shirt and pants from playing so hard???

Gabe has discovered he has a voice - and he puts it into full use. He makes a great soprano. The Vienna Boys Choir is calling. Just kidding!

Our little papoose

Our good friends invited us up to explore their neck of the woods - snowshoe style. Gabe snuggled right in with Mark and took everything in with his big, brown eyes.

Snow Day (which is every day here lately!)

This winter has been an incredible snow season, so we took advantage of our neighborhood hill and took Gabe sledding. He really had fun discovering the cold white stuff, but enjoyed eating it more!

Did I miss a spot?

Bubbles and more bubbles

Gabe LOVES bubble baths .... and Mark equally enjoys creating bubble beards for him.

Sunny St. George - aaaahhh!

We took a much needed break from the cold weather and headed down to St. George with Grandma Carol. Gabe had a great time exploring the red rock and getting back into his bike carrier for a beautiful ride up Snow Canyon. Thanks for the fun weekend, Grandma!!

Gabe's newest tricks and toys

Gabe just learned how to pull himself up in December. Getting down has been the hard part.

Gabe's first bike! Mark couldn't resist. Maybe he'll be able to reach the pedals by next Christmas!