Balloon Fest

Mommy and Gavin went to Illinois this past weekend for Balloon Fest, an annual hot air balloon festival in Lincoln, Illinois complete with, well, balloons and festival rides.

Gavin got to hang out with family and lots and lots of friends, so there may be more pictures to follow, but here are the first ones.

Gavin on his first carnival ride (and by ride we mean a little train for kids that goes around in circles). Mommy said he did great and enjoyed it, even went without her. He looks pretty focused. Cade is looking out for him, thanks Cade.

They said every time the train went around, he would wave. How cute! Here's the wave...

And of course, a hot air balloon. Mommy and Gavin and a colorful balloon at balloon fest!

Hanging with Grandma and Grandpa Gillard

Well, Gavin got to spend some nice quality time with G&G Gillard a little over a week ago when Mom and Dad took a nice trip out to Idaho (sounds random, but a trip I won through work and was a very nice town, Coeur D'Alene, a cool resort and a beautiful area of the country we had not ever been to). Gavin loved spending time with them as this was the longest stretch he has gotten with them (without Mom and Dad to get in the way). I told Grandma to send me some pictures from the week so I could post on the blog and here are the results. Sadly, none with G&G (guess they were taking the shots), but some very nice pictures.

#1 Gavin shirtless with marker on his face, arm and chest. Looks like a party at Grandma's to me!

#2 A more reflective and pensive Gavin...

Police Night Out

The Gillard family headed to the "Mariemont Police Night Out" - our local police host a fun evening for community members with free food, band and fun times for the kids to play on their equipment too. It was a little warm - but then cooled off... we had a fun time.

Gavin & Charlie (our next door neighbor) - pretending to drive the Police Boat.

Gavin and I eating some Graeter's ice cream... yummy! And- he had to eat it by himself too.

Of course we had to make a pit stop at the park - and Gavin loves going down slides all by himself now... even the big ones. WEEEEEEEEE......

Do you wear rainboots in the house?

So Gavin has officially become "obsessed" with his rainboots. They are practically on at some point every day (right before bed tonight with his PJ's on).... he wants to play in them, kick the soccer ball in them - run around in them... it is pretty funny. And - he really likes putting them on by himself too (sometimes on the right feet - most of the time not!?!?!?!).

Not only does he love his rainboots - BUT - he loves shoes!!! Yes - Gavin has won my heart - he loves shoes! It is official... he loves saying flip flops, green shoes, boots, blue shoes - it is awesome!

"These boots work great when I play with my soccer ball...."

"I love my shoes.... let's get them all out and put them in the middle of my room...."

Playing in the tubby

Gavin likes playing in the tubby. This day he was playing while listening to his favorite Barenaked Ladies song.

Visiting with friends

While we are at it, here are a few more of me visiting with friends.

Michael, Ella and Gavin in Chicago

Nicholas, Logan, Ella and Gavin

Gavin in the tub with Logan and Ella

Visiting with Coach in Cincinnati

I miss you blog...

Gavin misses his blog, I am sure the blog misses him too. Here are some pictures from the last month or so:

Brushing my teeth

Taking a tubby

Playing in the backyard

Boating in Michigan with Grandpa Gillard