Apple Picking

Last Saturday while Andy watched the Huskers at Memorial Stadium, Gabe and I ventured to a local apple orchard with some friends. We packed a picnic lunch, bag for our selected goodies, and headed to the orchard.

Gabe wasn't strong enough to pull apples from the branch, but was happy to collect them off the ground, or from Sam's basket.

He even tried using two hands. Good thing he brought mom.

Gracie liked to sample her pickings, but Gabe wasn't as interested. They did however, both like attempting to climb the trees. The trees were not afraid.

Clearly Sam was the most skilled!

Feeling Outnumbered

Today has been much awaited. Andy has in fact been counting down to this day, probably since last year, but only out loud since last week.

Today is the first HUSKER FOOTBALL GAME of the season!

Though Andy has not confirmed this, I think I can safely assume that he has been praying for God to place a love of Husker football in Gabe's heart. Until last night, I hadn't thought much about the impact this answered prayer could have on my life.

Truth is, I've lived in Nebraska 28 years, five of which I was a UNL student during. However, I have yet to attend a NU football game (There is a rumor that I attended one with my Dad in my youth, but I have no memory of this). In college, I loved game day. Everyone left the sorority house and I had the place to myself! Glorious quiet.

But game day for Andy is totally different. It's red clothes, big TVs, lots of food, friends and...well...yelling. You can clearly see we have different game day histories.

So far we've married these two concepts by meeting somewhere in the middle, and that's worked out well, as we only have two voices determining our plans. But last night, things started leaning in Andy's favor. To kick off the season, Andy wanted to take Gabe to a Millard South vs. Millard West football game.

I wasn't there, 'cause like I said football just isn't my thing, but I've been told Gabe thought it was GREAT! He was thoroughly entertained from 6:30 - 9pm, and this kid is usually in bed by 7:30. He spent his time giggling, snuggling, switching laps from Grandma and Daddy, pointing at the sights and being a Rock Star.

Looks like this could be a recurring event, especially since my vote may now be a losing one every time it comes up against football.

Clearly enthralled

He wanted to stand and get a better view.

WOW!

The Toddler Days of Summer

The last days of Summer are winding down, and for the first time in my life I'm not willing them to last longer. It's been ridiculously hot, and with a 16 month old who dislikes cold water, these temps have forced us inside too often for my liking. Though, in truth, my new found eagerness for fall may have something to do with the fact that for the first time ever I'm not a student or teacher...Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring it's all the same to me! Glorious!

The few days we haven't had a heat index of 109* Gabe and I try to take advantage.

We meet friends at the park for some time in the sand.

(Speaking of willing: I'm willing these two to fall in love one day, get married, and make grand babies that Erin and I can share... just kidding; sort of).

Can you see the chemistry?!? Oh the curly haired delights these two could create!

Anywho.

We play outside for a few minutes, then run inside just before heat stroke sets in. Cool baths help but clearly Gabe was melting.

We also try to stretch out bath time, testing new toys, water games and hairstyles.

And, we head to the indoor mall, play area.

Gabe favors the tunnels where he can yell really loud and hear his voice echo.

Clearly the heat hasn't been the end of us, and today it was the rain that kept us inside. But, with a new season so near I begin to think of the new experiences Gabe will have. Not to mention, that Bath and Bodyworks' has a new 'Creamy Pumpkin' candle that I need a seasonably appropriate time to burn.

But it's mostly about Gabe I swear.