First day of Preschool!!!

Here Gabriel is prepping for the day with his bottle of "Ook" in the way to school.

Gabriel takes the walk up to the school...still with his bottle of "Ook". Still doing good.

We were the first in the classroom and he decided to take a look and check things out.

He loves this little area where they store all the buses and cars. We had some minor problems with the front office saying he wasn't registered...in the end... all is well and he had his first day at preschool.

Here is his bus rounding the corner to bring our Big Boy home from his first day of school. He didn't look like he had cried or anything. He did seem a bit lost when they got him off the bus, but his Momma and Papa were there waiting for him! So happy!

Thomas the "AHHHHH" Train

This was pretty much the reaction from Gabriel the entire time we were at the meet Thomas the Train tour. He was alright seeing it from the car, but as we walked up to the railroad station he just freaked out. He held onto his Thomas toy, but seeing it live and full sized was a bit much. He did have a few happy moments playing with the train tables and being in the gift shop. Still, it will be along long time before we see Thomas again.

Chimney Rock NC

Chimney Rock State Park was a nice little park. A few movies were filmed here including Last of the Mohicans. We wanted to hike to the waterfall that they showed in the movie, but didn't think that Gabriel and I would make it. It got warm and sunny and it was close to nappy time for us. Gabriel had no real fear of being up so high. He walked up the stairs to get to the top of the rock. It was only 45 steps since they had an elevator to the near top.

Gabriel loves his Trains

Gabriel loves Thomas the Train right now. Here he is playing with them outside and as you can see he gets really into them. He doesn't know it but the next day is his trip to see Thomas live and in person. Wait til you see those photos!

The Biltmore Visit

On the 23rd we went to visit the Biltmore in Asheville, NC. It was grand and expansive. We trekked along for as long as we could with Gabriel. As you can see he has his face covered since the sun was right in our faces. The conservatory had lots of beautiful flowers and plants. Gabriel seemed to like the fountains the most and tried to splash as many as he could get his little hands into the water before we could stop him. Later, we went to the little farm they had where the baby animals roamed freely for you to pet and touch. He really was into the chickens, but would freak out when one got to close or started running. It was pretty funny hearing him scream over a 3 pound chicken. There were chicks and baby goats. He did like to pet the 9 month old donkey with his Papa. He didn't want to leave and had a fit when it was time to move on. By the late afternoon our little boy was very tired and out cold in the yurt.

Gabriel's puts his Crocs on.

Gabriel loves to go out and do something. He knows he has to put his shoes on to go out. He was a bit excited and wanted to help put his shoes on. He is usually pretty good, but this time he was just a little off. He still walked around the garage like nothing was wrong. So funny.

The Great Escape

Yesterday I spent most of the day cleaning house in anticipation of Matthew coming home on break. Gabriel was lounging around the house bare bottomed. As I was checking email, I heard the bathroom door close. I got up (since Gabriel goes in there to make poop) and by the time I got there he was holding the door closed with one small hand. When he came out there it was, a small turd laying on my freshly mopped floor! He smiles and says, "Chu-chu" which means "stinky" in Chinese. He ended up finishing up his business (with diaper) later, but that time he cloistered himself in the small closet by the front door. Ah! the little things that bring joy to parenthood.

Bedtime Baby

A sleepy Gabriel with his bottle of "ilk" and "Kiki". That is all he needs to be happy and go to bed.

Target Runway

Here is Gabriel at Target today. He likes to run down the main aisle with is head down and his arms back like is he flying or something. I am not sure, but he only does this at the megamarts. He pays no mind to anyone around him. Luckily, it was the first day of school so it wasn't too busy. Crazy kid.

School Visit

We visited Gabriel's preschool and it was very nice. Not at all what I remembered my elementary school to look like and have. Look at his proud grandparents. He looked so spiffy in his nice school clothes. He tolerated being in the room fairly well for a 2.5 year old that has always been home with family. The other kids seemed much more well behaved since Gabriel was acting like he owned the place and all the toys within the walls. I think I will start him earlier then planned since he has been doing so well with other kids and mimicking their actions. Let's hope I survive Gabriel's preschool days! He will be a lil' Gator.

Swinging Single!

Gabriel got on the park swing for the first time and held on for about 2-3 mins. There was another little boy on the swing and it interested Gabriel to get on it too. I really thought he was going to let go, but he held on and seemed to enjoy it and not put up a fuss until he wanted to get off of it. I was so excited!!! Thats him in action so he isn't centerd in the shot. He climbed and slid and had a fun time at the neighborhood park. He even played a little frisbee with one of the other little boys there. Mochi got to take a nice walk, but didn't seem to keen on the chickens next door. Then it was time to walk back home and freshen up.

The Great Trike and Run-A-Thon

Gabriel loves being outside, especially when the fall-like weather beckons him. As you can see he loves it when she rides the little trike that HE should be pedaling...not her.