2008

Pictures from 2008.

Easter 2008

Mom, Papa, Grandma Helen, Gabe and Michaela:)

Fall

Hard to believe, where'd the summer go?!?

First Day of School

Wow, Gabe's first day of kindergarten! I still can't believe Gabe is a school boy!

Getting Ready

All set to head out the door, Gabe wanted to make sure that his little school bus name tag on his backpack was in the picture! Doesn't he look handsome!

Getting on the Bus

Gabe was sooo excited to ride the bus and I was close to tears watching my first-born heading off into the big world by himself (ok, so kindergarten isn't exactly the big world).

On His Way

Gabe waving goodbye...

He's Home!

Gabe getting off the bus after his first day. He's not in tears, that's a good sign:)

Michaela Welcoming Gabe

Michaela giving her big brother a hug (or the other way around really:) after a "hard" day at school:)

Family Vacation: Wisconsin Dells

Last year we took a vacation to Wisconsin Dells. The kids had soooo much fun, we went again this year and stayed at the Great Wolf Lodge. We highly suggest this place if you want to take your kids somewhere that has lots to keep them happy:) They have an indoor water park, arts and crafts for the kids, indoor play place, game arcade, bedtime with Wiley Wolf, etc.

Here Comes Michaela

Michaela coming down one of the small slides all by herself. What a big girl:)

In Gabe's Sights

Gabe taking aim!

In Michaela's Sights

Michala taking aim...

Kids In the Arcade

Kids going for a ride in a little bus in the arcade.

Peek-A-Boo!

Gabe is such a clown:)

The Target

What Gabe and Michaela were aiming at, lucky Daddy!

Four Generation (Stefani's Paternal Grandmother)

Finally got a four generation with both kids:) Included: Michaela, Papa Calvin, Grandma Helen, Stefani, and Gabriel.

Fun With Static Electricity

Looks like she stuck her finger in a light socket, but all she really did was rub her head against the tent (a few times:).

Michaela Turns 2!

Can you believe it, Michaela is two years old...where does the time go!

One More Easter Picture

This turned out to be a great shot of Grandma Linda, Papa Calvin, Gabe, and Michaela:)

Sleeping Angels

Our two little angels:)

Summer

Just some pics from a few of our summer excursions:)

Fairs and Festivals

What would a summer be without the state fair, county fair, Valley Fair, and the Ren festival:)

Here Comes Gabe

The first thing Gabe wanted to ride was this huge slide...a few times:)

Micheala's Favorite

Because of height restrictions, Michaela has a limited choice of rides. The carousel never disappoints her, though:)

Sharing A Ride

The state fair was a bit wet and gray, but that didn't stop the kids from enjoying themselves:)

Here We Go Again

The kids on the carousel at Valley Fair.

Going Roundy Round

Look-a ride they can both enjoy, and it's not a carousel!

Cool Face Painting

We went to the Renaissance Festival with the Whelans (aka the bestest neighbors in the world) again this year. Gabe and Torrie had their faces painted last year and wanted to have them painted again this year. Michaela decided she didn't want to be left out:)

Tiger Kitty Michaela

Close-up of Michaela's cool tiger face. Doesn't she look purrrrrrrrrr-fect?? I know, I know, bad bad pun Taffy!

Butterfly Gabe

Gabe wanted to have one that looked like Torrie's, so he got the boy version.

The Family That Rides Together...

Our family riding an elephant (weeeeee!). The kids also enjoyed having a ride on a llama. Maybe next year they can ride the camel, also:)

Spider-Gabe!

Do I have a crazy son or what?!?!

Look Ma, No Training Wheels!

Last fall, Gabe wanted us to remove his training wheels from his bike. He was going short distances and would purposely fall (he thought it was fun!). This summer he started where he left off, but is now riding great!

Wisconsin Dells Take 2

The bestest neighbors in the world (Eran, Cindy, Torrie, and Carson Whelan) invited us to join their family vacation to the Dells in July, so how could we say no:) We stayed at the Kalahari Resort which had everything-indoor and outdoor water parks, arcade, shopping, horse-drawn carriage rides, etc. It was a lot of fun!

Gabe and His Floaty Friend

Within minutes of getting to the hotel, we had our suits on and were heading to one of the many pools. As you can see, Gabe was having a blast:)

USS Michaela!

Finally, a boat that's just the right size for Michaela!

The Kids

Carson (a little shy), Torrie (always poses great for the camera), Michaela (she's like, "Can you see me?"), and Gabe (showing off his coloring).

Michaela and Elephant

There were a few guys running around in costumes, and Michaela had to hug each and every one of them (bless her little heart:).

Pretty Girls

Michaela and Torrie sitting on the gorilla.

Most of the Whelans

Cindy, Eran and Carson Whelan. Did you know, Cindy and I go out once or twice a month and sing karaoke?

Gabe's Turn

Gabe posing on the gorilla.

Little Buddies

Gabe and Torrie are pretty good buds. Cindy and I are hoping they get married so we can be in-laws:)

The Dads

Josh with Michaela and Eran with Carson. Aren't they great fathers:)