Fun times in Chicago

We spent this weekend in the lovely city of Chicago. Samantha attended a conference Friday morning for work and then we spent the remainder of the weekend in the suburbs visiting family. It was a great weekend! Gabriella met many family members for the first time.

While Samantha was at the conference, David and Gabby spent some time walking around downtown and visiting Navy Pier. Here is Gabby having a snack and taking a picture in front of the Chicago skyline.

It was an exhausting morning. Gabby crashed while they waited for Samantha to return to the hotel.

Later Friday afternoon, we visited with Great Grandma and Grandpa Mueller. The last time they saw Gabby she was nearly 3 months old. 

Gabby enjoyed walking in the backyard and looking at all of the flowers and plants. She found a owl stature in the landscape and sang "Who Who" to it. It was pretty funny!

Gabriella found the wooden duck toy that David and his cousins enjoyed when they were little. She pushed it around and laughed.

On Saturday, we went to the swimming pool with Uncle Kurt and cousins Carolyn and Rebecca. Here Gabby and Becca are having a snack and taking a bath together when we got back to the house. Gabby loved playing with her cousins.

Saturday evening we went over to the Plowmans' for a cook-out with the Hardys. Gabby had a wonderful time playing with all of her second cousins. Here she is with Sarah, Elizabeth and Laura Plowman. 

Cousins Elizabeth, CJ and Andrew helped Gabby on the slide.

Photo of the Hardy grandchildren (and Megan's boyfriend Brandon) and the great grandchild (Gabriella).

Aubrey's baptism

Today was a special day. David and Samantha became Aubrey Lee Tadtman's godparents. Aubrey's parents, Justin and Katie, and David and Samantha attended high school together and have remained very close friends. It was a wonderful day full of celebrating.

David, Samantha, Aubrey and Father Don after Aubrey's baptism.

The proud godparents with their goddaughter.

Samantha, Katie, Justin, David and Aubrey.

To celebrate Aubrey's baptism, the Tadtmans hosted a reception. Gabriella and Colten (Aubrey's older brother) had a great time playing together. 

By the end of the afternoon, Gabby and Colten were hugging each other. It's puppy love!

Wedding weekend!

Uncle Tommy and Aunt Danielle were married on Saturday! It was a fantastic celebration! Gabriella served as the honorary flower girl. She walked half-way down the aisle holding hands with Mommy and then Daddy escorted both of them to the front of the church. We do not have any photos of the ceremony posted - we were too busy with our roles in the wedding to take any so you'll have to use your imagination. Gabby acted like a a pro - no crying - only smiles and laughs.

The new husband and wife in the limo after the ceremony.

Gabby with Nana and Aunt Megan at the reception. They took care of Gabby most of the day while Samantha and David were busy with their wedding party duties. Thanks Nana and Aunt Megan!

Aunt Megan holding Gabby for the bouquet toss. Cousins Kylee and Melina are in the photo, too.

Aunt Danielle and Gabriella.

Four generations of Fiorante women. Gabriella is with Nonna, Great Grandma Fiorante and Mommy.

Nonna and Gabby.

Gabby showing off her dance moves. Click on the video below to watch Gabby tear up the dance floor!

Samantha with her cousins Kylee, Sammy and Andy. 

David with Sammy and Andy.

Mommy and Daddy.

Uncle Tommy and Aunt Danielle's last dance before leaving the reception.

Swim lessons!

This week Gabriella started her private swim lessons. She is learning water survival techniques, which include under water swimming and rolling to a back-float. Gabby did awesome her first week and we look forward to more lessons in the upcoming weeks. It's amazing what she has already learned in just three sessions.

Gabby swimming under the water between Samantha and her instructor.

Taking a break from swimming to watch others in the pool.

Gabriella is under the water!

Yay! She did it! :-)