bottom teeth! 

Top teeth! 

We had a great weekend relaxing at home this weekend. We are gearing up for trip(s) out East for Don's brother's wedding so we'll be on the go a lot very soon! 

Mommy and Gavin 

Photographic evidence that teething is hard work! 

A moment of serenity in a day full of teething! 

The Smith boys. Too cute for words. 

Labor Day Weekend

We had a great holiday weekend -- a good combination of seeing family and friends and enjoying some family time at home, too. The weekend started off with pampering -- manicures and pedicures for the bridal party (of which I was a member) for my cousin Melanie's wedding.

That was followed by the rehearsal dinner, served family-style at an Italian restaurant. The Iverson and Pavolonis clans gorged themselves on spaghetti and meatballs, filet mignon and chicken marsala. Then the dessert came, yikes! We brought Gavin along and he enjoyed seeing family and staying up way past his bedtime.

Saturday brought the wedding day and we had a great time celebrating with Mel and Mike and seeing cousins who live out of state: Nick from Virginia, Emily from Kansas City, Jodi from Vegas and Ryan and Angie from Indianapolis. It's not too often we're all in the same place any more, so it was a lot of fun to catch up and dance the polka together.

We spent the rest of the weekend hanging out with Heather, Rick and the girls, including some back to school shopping with Anna that made me nostalgic for the days when we used to shop at Prange's and get our cords and sweaters even thought it was still 80 degrees outside!

First time on the swings! 

6 months old!

Can it be? Where has the time gone? I was never more aware of how quickly Gavin is growing and changing then when I walked in the door today from a couple days away for a camping trip with some girlfriends. There he was with that same big grin and dimple, but I swear he grew in that 48 hours and became even more of who he is.

Futbol!

Gavin enjoyed a night out at the soccer field to watch his Daddy play --- he decided he better suit up, too, but his skills were not needed this time. His "kit" is from Mimi and Grandad, purchased during their May trip to Scotland so Gavin could match Don's Celtics uniform.

Blissful first taste of carrots... or what Gavin would look like with a goatee. 

All smiles on Wednesday afternoon...

Gavin and I drove out to visit with his Great Grandpa and Great Grandma this afternoon. He had a great time seeing them and hearing about all of their latest adventures. Here's hoping he takes after them in wanting to see the world, dance as much as possible and make lots of new friends!

Gavin checking out the new carousel at the Henry Vilas Zoo 

Just another manic Monday! 

Gavin's first tooth

Look closely. There it is, on the bottom... our baby is growing up way too fast!!!

Who cares about the kitchen ... I'm way cute!

Gavin is about 5 1/2 months now and is having a rough week (though I realize you can't tell from this photo). Teething to be exact. One little tooth has emerged from his bottom gums and if the experts are to be believed then the one next to it is not far beyond. That may explain the 20-minute session of writhing in pain yesterday evening... We have several teeth to go -- hopefully they won't all be so difficult for him!

Final kitchen picture 

Before and After

Since today was the first day in what feels like weeks that we could shut the AC off and open the windows, I decided ... why not paint the kitchen? Our kitchen has been dark blue since we moved, but we decided it was time to lighten things up and match up the walls with the rest of the dining and living areas. I got started on the priming while Gavin napped and then roped Don into the rest of the project when he got home from work. We are leaving the tape up until we're sure there's no blue showing through (will need daylight to check that), but not bad for a day's work! Now we just need to do the dishes...

"I love to swim!"