Fan Appreciation Day and G-Pa's Birthday

Yesterday evening we attended KU's Fan Appreciation Day at Memorial Stadium. We watched the football team practice and then waited afterward to talk with G-Pa and Uncle Tommy and get some players' autographs. Gabby had a fabulous time. She can name all four of this year's team captains and was able to get all of their autographs (with Nonna's help!) After the event, we celebrated G-Pa's birthday.

Playing on the bleachers during the scrimmage.

G-Pa addressing the crowd of KU fans.

Gabby clapping for G-Pa.

#10 - Kerry Meier

#5 - Todd Reesing

Gabby wore her Todd Reesing jersey to the event.

#1 - Jake Sharp

#25 - Darrell Stuckey

This moment made local news. Gabby and Darrell were on the front page of The Lawrence Journal World's sports section the next day. Check out the image and article here.

After Fan Appreciation Day, we went over to Nonna and G-Pa's to celebrate G-Pa's birthday. Gabriella loves blowing out candles so here she is blowing out G-Pa's candles.

Happy Birthday, G-Pa!

This week's happenings!

We had a really fun and busy week. On Friday we went to the KU Kick-off Rally in Prairie Village. G-Pa spoke to a very large group of KU fans and it was a lot of fun. Here are some photos from the evening. Gabriella is sporting her new KU hat and t-shirt. She had a blast! She LOVES Big Jay and Baby Jay! She is ready for football season!

Heading to the rally in her stroller. She didn't stay in this long but it was nice to have with such a large group of people around us. She is such a big girl now! What do you think of her new hat and shirt?

Daddy and Gabby with Big Jay. Unfortunately, Gabby's eyes are closed but you can see the huge smile on her face. She was so excited to be close to the him.

Go Jayhawks!

Earlier this week Nonna came over and surprised Gabby with a treasure chest full of dress-up items - jewelry, shoes and clothes. She loved it! Here she is sporting earrings and a tiara. Gabby is quite the girly girl.

We got a lot of rain earlier this week. Wednesday morning before we left for school and work, it was raining very hard so we thought it would be a great time to break out Gabby's raincoat and hat. Nonna bought these for Gabby a while ago but they finally fit her. Gabriella loves it and was so excited to pose for the camera. The set also has a matching umbrella but we didn't take that with us to school. We will save that for another day.

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Happy Birthday, Daddy! Yesterday (Aug. 14) was Daddy's 28th birthday! We woke up early to give him his birthday cards and gift.

Opening cards from Gabby and Mommy.

Notice Gabby's shirt in honor of Daddy's birthday. It's St. Patrick's Day theme but it says "I love Dad!"

Helping Daddy open his gift - a new golf shirt! He even wore it that afternoon when he played golf.

Gabby being silly. She's such a fun little girl!

Daddy and Gabby with the birthday cake that Mommy and Gabby made for him. His favorite - angel food cake with chocolate/mint frosting. An interesting choice but his traditional birthday cake each year.

Happy Birthday, Daddy! We love you so much!

Happy 30th Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary, Nonna and G-Pa! August 4th is their official anniversary, but we celebrated a little early on Saturday. We, along with Uncle Tommy and Aunt Danielle, hosted an intimate cook out at Nonna and G-Pa's home while we enjoyed the beautiful day poolside. They wanted something casual so we honored their wishes while still recognizing this huge milestone. Great-Grandma Connie was in town visiting so she was able to join us as well.

Gabriella and Uncle Tommy playing in the pool.

The shish kabobs we prepared - yum!

After dinner, we surprised Nonna and G-Pa with a special gift. Back in June, one of Samantha's close friends, Fay, who is a photographer came to Lawrence to take professional photographs for a custom-made family collage we would present to them for their 30th anniversary.

All of the poses were on KU's campus. The collage included images of all of the children with Gabby, Uncle Tommy and Mommy, one of Gabby by herself and then one of each family. It turned out awesome! Fay thanks for your great work! They LOVE it!