New Clothes from Grandmama and Grandma

Some pixs of Gabriel trying out his new clothes...

I'm a peace-loving, tree-huggin' baby, for sure (tye-dye t from Grandmama, straight from the Columbus, Ohio "Comfest").

I also love animals, long walks in the park, and trips to the zoo (elephant onesie from Grandma).

But I DON'T LIKE being told I can't play the guitar right now!

John T's visit and 1000 Journals

Noelani's cousin, John, came to visit for a weekend while doing an internship in Reno. Gabriel was, of course, charmed by him. :-)

"Now, this is the door of the car."

"Huh, the door can open AND close!"

John relaxes on the famed "purple horsehair couch".

Noelani and John went out to SF for Sushi and a GREAT documentary called 1000 Journals. If you don't know about this amazing project you should check it out at: 1000journals.com

Here is an excerpt from "Someguy", the creator of the project:

"I've always been fascinated by what people scrawl on bathroom walls and in public spaces. I had been taking photographs of this writing for years, and wanted to put together a book. It seemed appropriate to encourage readers to become contributors, and join the conversation by writing in the actual book. From there, I decided that a blank book might be more fun... especially one that traveled around, to gather a variety of thoughts and opinions. And then, why not 1000 of them? It's such an absurd number.
The project officially launched in August of 2000, with the release of the first 100 journals in San Francisco. I gave them to friends, and left them at bars, cafes, and on park benches. Shortly thereafter, people began emailing me, asking if they could participate. So I started sending journals to folks, allowing them to share with friends, or strangers. It's been a roller coaster ever since."

Bye Bye Adriana :-(

Adriana, our really GREAT Nanny from Brazil, just left us to move on to Big Adventures in Outdoor event planning. Gabriel and Olivia loved her, and G had just started calling her "Ah-na". These photos are on her last day with us.

Catching you all up...

We took a trip to Minnesota at the end of July, and we are just now getting these pictures posted. Our apologies for the delay!

We landed in Minneapolis and stayed the night at Fiona & Chuck's house (Mary and Fiona have been friends since 8th grade!). They weren't home, however, because they were at their family lake house...which is only 30 minutes from the Cribb family lake house! So we made a clever plan to meet up with them on Sunday as we were heading up and they were heading back. Then we enjoyed a few days with the Cribbs at Michelle & David's new lake house. What a great time! See pixs below...

Noelani and G on the flight.
G was more interested in the camera case than in looking out the window...but it was cool to fly on small planes with him because we walked out onto the tarmac and he could touch the side of the plane.

William shows G how to get the playground merry-go-round going fast. We think this is the last playground in America with this exhilarating (but dangerous?) ride.

Speaking of exhilarating, there was a very cool slide. At least you can't fall off!

Gabriel, Mary & Fiona. Mary & Fiona look exactly the same as they did in 8th grade, oddly enough. Must be something in that toxic Jersey water...

Gabriel attempts to impress Lilian with his 6 pack abs. She is charmed.

William (on the right) is a glimpse of what Gabriel will look like in a year or two. He was intrigued by Gabriel because he knew that Gabriel had slept in his room, while he wasn't there.

I have a hard time believing that I posed for this picture. Gabriel is the famed Paul Bunyan, and I am his wife, Lucette, who was also, it seems, rather tall.

Speaking of charming, David had Gabriel's trust within seconds of our arrival. David helped G into his swimmies and helped him apply some sunscreen.

John, enjoying the peaceful sunset and a little casting.

Sunny, contemplating how cool it will be to be a college freshman!

David & John with a little somethin' we had for dinner later.

After Noelani, David and John filleted the fish (Mary opted out).

Gabriel did not fish this time, but he did handle the stereo with much "skillage".

Gabriel and Mary getting ready to go for a walk.

Gabriel and Mary enjoying the wind in their hair (or, I guess, their hats).

Gabriel taking a ride on Sunny.

He had a lot of fun in the lake (see the video below). We were pleased that it was only a few inches deep!

Gabriel contemplating the vastness of the lake and the freedom of cruising in the boat.

Gabriel and Mary actually feeling the wind in their hair.

Boom Boom reading (and snuggling) with Gabriel.

John and Mary, talking with their hands (at apparently the same time).

David, Barb, Mitch, Sunny, Anne, and Jamie enjoying the sunset cruise.

Boom Boom enjoying the wind in her hair.

"Well, ya see..."

Mary & Noelani keeping warm in their Leech Lake sweatshirts.

David gets caught making the goofiest face I've ever seen on film. ;-)

Which cracks Boom Boom and Noelani up.

John and Barb enjoy the sunset.

A stunning sunset, just for us.

Noelani, Gabriel, and Mary back home sporting their Leech Lake sweatshirts, wishing they were still there. :-)

Gabriel "swimming" in the lake.

Boom Boom reading to Gabriel.