Fan Appreciation Day

This evening was KU Football's Fan Appreciation Day. As G-Pa signed autographs, Gabby and Nonna spent some time together visiting with fans and Jayhawk Football faithfuls.

Gabby loved running on the field with the other children. Before heading to Memorial Stadium, we purchased Gabby her newest KU Football jersey - #5 in honor of Todd Reesing!

Gabby with Uncle Tommy and Aunt Danielle. Gabby didn't want to pose for a picture with Daddy - she was more interested in running on the field (below).

Fun with friends

Last weekend the Tadtmans visited us in Lawrence. Gabriella and Colten enjoyed the afternoon playing in Nonna and G-Pa's pool. Here they are fascinated with the water streams that flow into the pool. This kept them entertained for a little while.

After playing in the water for a while, they needed a snack. Don't worry - they didn't have any beer. Those are their Daddys' beverages. Gabby and Colten settled for Cheetos and milk!

David, Gabriella, Colten and Justin.

Baby Aubrey and her mommy, Katie.

Swing time

Last night we had friends over to our house for a cook-out. Gabriella enjoyed having lots of new playmates. Here she is with her godfather Pat (on the left) and Ryan hanging out on the play equipment in our backyard. 

Animals!

On Friday, Gabriella, David, Samantha & Nonna went to the Douglas County Fair to visit the petting zoo. Despite the heat, Gabby had a great time seeing the animals up-close and feeding them. It was so fun to watch Gabby's facial expressions and reactions to the animals. In the last few weeks, she has definitely become much more animated and talkative. This past week she turned 17 months - where does the time go?

Gabby loved her first pony ride! 

Gabby and Nonna feeding the baby zebra. This was Gabby's favorite animal as she visited with it several times. 

Gabriella enjoyed saying "hi" to each animal.

Gabriella with a baby goat. 

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.