Birthday Boy!

Gavin had a wonderful birthday thanks to all the people who love him. Thank you everyone! :)

It is hard to believe he was such a tiny little fellow not so long ago. He's so big and active now, and his conversations are fantastic. He loves to talk to anyone and everyone. He even talks to himself while he's playing. He also loves a party. He was super excited to see the birthday decorations go up and could barely contain himself when he saw all the guests arrive. His new favorite food is birthday cake, which he requests at least once a day.

Here are a few pics of the festivities:

Gavin surprised us all in singing Happy Birthday to himself and knowing he was supposed to blow out the candle. Smart boy!

Gavin's new favorite character is Wubbzy.

Gavin was a little overwhelmed with all the presents so big brother Gwydion helped out.

And here's a very rare and rather unflattering pic of me, just so you can see that we were all wearing the same shirt. It was entirely coincidental but funny nonetheless.

Eventful October!

What a month! We had our family vacation at the beginning of the month (see previous post), something the kids look forward to every year. It is always a fantastic time. This year though, the rest of the month was an adventure too!

Grandma and Uncle Chris came to visit, so we spent a few days touring around Oklahoma, particularly along Route 66. One of the things Grandma hadn't yet seen was the Blue Whale in Catoosa. It used to be a very popular water park and is still a tourist attraction.

Grandma and Gwydion in the whale's mouth. Eek!

Uncle Chris helps Gwydion climb to the portholes.

We also stopped at an antique tractor show in Catoosa, just for fun. It was chilly and breezy though, so we didn't stay long.

Then we made our way to the Will Rogers Memorial, which Uncle Chris had never seen. The kids weren't interested in much but the playroom in the basement and of course, the gift shop!

After what seems like weeks of rain, we've had some warmer sunny days. Perfect for bike riding and playing in the fallen leaves.

Gwydion gives Gavin a ride. He enjoys being a helpful big brother.

Tired of riding, Gavin runs through the field at the end of our street.

We also took Grandma Diane to the zoo. It was a short visit but we had a great time. Who wouldn't when there are trains to ride?

Grandma and the boys on the train. I got a whole seat to myself for once!

On the playground. The wooden train is their favorite spot! Sometimes I think the animals are just background for them- the playground is the real attraction.

Gwydion is SO STRONG!

And Gavin is so sweet! He gave the meerkat statue several hugs.

We also went to the zoo for trick-or-treating. Michael and I dressed as a knife thrower and his unfortunate target. Gwydion invented his own costume as a fireman rock star and Gavin was a snuggly little tiger.

More adventures to come!

Family vacation!

Every year we go to Day Out with Thomas because the boys love it so much. This year we decided to make a weekend out of it and enjoy a few other attractions in Oklahoma City. Our first stop was the Oklahoma City Zoo.

Gwydion and Papa had to check out the map. This place is HUGE! We spent all day here and never left the central area of the zoo. We did ride the tram around at closing time though, and we got a little better idea of just how great it is.

Gwydion and Papa pretending to be stuck in an exhibit.

What, this isn't the playground?

Ah, the playground at last!
Gwydion shows just how much he's grown by deftly climbing the pole.

Of course, Gavin had to check out the playground too.

Does anyone remember the Mold-A-Rama machines? They were a big hit when I was little and apparently they still are.

Gavin loves the Mold-A-Rama animals!

Little dino fans pose for a pic.

Wow Mom, we're riding an elephant.

The baby rhino was too hot to ride.

But the lions weren't!

Gorgeous lady lion observes us from her shady hilltop.

Finally, the Oklahoma Railway Museum!

Gavin spies one of his favorite trains.

Gavin is in little boy heaven- train tables everywhere!

Time for the train ride! Gwydion and Papa pick a good seat in the caboose.

Gavin and Mama are excited!

Gavin and Dad wait in line to see Thomas up close.

I love my little guy!

Gwydion gets really close!


We walk along the track while waiting for Gwydion.

After lunch we went to the Oklahoma Science Museum.

Gwydion found his favorite part- the drum machine!

While Gavin enjoyed painting on the interactive monitor.

Unfortunately, this is where my camera ran out of batteries. We spent the rest of the afternoon at the Science Museum but it is sadly undocumented. The boys had a great time though, and slept all the way home!
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The End of September

and fall is finally here. We've had a mix of warm and cool weather and the kids have really been enjoying it. Gwydion has been riding his bike around the neighborhood with Papa, while Gavin plays in the garden with me. Here are a few random pictures from our adventures this month.

Gavin and his dog Kipper take a 'nap', which involves lots of fake snoring.

Gavin takes his baby for a walk.

A turtle in the garden!

Gavin helped me plant our new apple tree.

And of course he helped water the flowers...

...and our new magnolia.

More pictures coming soon, as this weekend we're going to Day Out with Thomas!