Gabe is 2!

Today our sweet boy is 2 years old. Here is a picture of our big boy today, on his first birthday, and on his Birth Day. Its gone by too quickly! July 28, 2008

July 28, 2007

July 28, 2006

Sesame Place

Today we took Gabe to Sesame Place for this 2nd birthday. If you've ever wondered what a 2:2:4 adult to stroller to child ratio looks like, this is the place to go. We had a great time riding the kiddie rides (like "Elmo's boat" in Gabe-speak) and cooling off in the water park ("Elmo's pool"). The life-size characters, poor souls who are obviously serving a some community service sentence by standing around in 90 degree heat in furry costumes, weren't such a big hit. Gabe was pretty intrigued by seeing his favorite characters from afar, but up close I have to admit they were even scary for me. Ernie's nose was as big as my face! Gabe shows off gymnastics in the pool

City of Brotherly Love

This weekend Ryan's sister Megan gave us her magical history tour of Old Philadelphia. We weren't past the Liberty Bell entrance before it dawned on me how horribly my 19 years of formal education have failed me, as easily 90% of my knowledge came from the John Adams mini-series on HBO (and the other 10% likely came from National Treasure...house of Pass and Stow, anyone?). Lucky for me, Megan teaches US History for a living, so her knowledge base was a little more well-rounded.

Gabe and Aunt Megan meet Ben Franklin!

Megan and Ryan relax in the park

Gabe on the carousel in Franklin Park

More cupcakes!

Today we had some of Gabe's friends over to help celebrate his birthday -- this is what all those cupcakes from the previous post were for. Here are some pics of all the kids!

Strong mommy has left the buiding

Yesterday Ryan was laughing at me because when he walked upstairs I was telling Gabe he couldn't have a cupcake. When he came back down, Gabe was in his highchair happily munching on...you guessed it, a cupcake. His observation? "You're weak, Welsh". Six months ago I would have been disappointed in myself for giving in, but yesterday after asking/cajoling/ threatening to get out of the JCC, asking/cajoling/ threatening to leave the park, and asking/cajoling/threatening to finish dinner -- all within 2 hours --, I just didn't have any Strong Mommy left. So we took the easy road, the give-in-to-the-2-year-old-demand road, avoiding tears but also avoiding lessons. Its not a road I hope to go down often, but I'll admit I liked the view!

Billy Joel - Last Play at the Shea

Friday Ryan and I went to NYC to see Billy Joel at Shea Stadium. Despite the 95 degree temperatures, we had a great time, especially with all the special guests Billy brought on stage -- Garth Brooks, Steven Tyler, Tony Bennett, Roger Daltrey, and Paul McCartney! (Thanks to Citi for the free tickets, and thanks to Gabe's Aunt Megan and Uncle Dustin for the free babysitting!)

Chicago!

Last weekend Ryan had a training meeting in Chicago so Gabe and I decided to tag along and see our friends in the Windy City. We had a great time playing on the beach, riding the choo-choo (commuter train), boats, and the "high-low" (ferris wheel). And the weather was absolutely perfect ! I wish I could say the same about flying with a 2 year old...

Gabe and I on a boat tour on Lake Michigan

Gabe with the Chicago skyline in the background

Gabe on the "high low" (aka ferris wheel on Navy Pier)

My good friend Pauline and her son (and Gabe's good buddy) Kyle. Happy Birthday Kyle!

Trip to NC for July 4th

For July 4th we made the drive down to NC to see our family. Gabe had a great time seeing the fire trucks in the parade, riding the Tweetsie choo-choo train, and playing with his cousins! Gabe and his cousin Leah play with bubbles. Happy 2nd birthday Leah! Gabe and his cousin Rachel Gabe rides the Tweetsie railroad with Poppa and Ca-Ca