Spring Break...kinda

I say kind of, because technically Josh didn't even get a Spring Break this year. He had to work during Spring Break, so we decided to take advantage of the weekend and head to Palmyra, NY. It was a seven hour drive and the kids actually did pretty well, despite the fact that I crawled in and out of the backseat at least 15 times each way (yet another advantage of being a smaller woman:) Anyhow, it was an awesome trip and I am so glad we were able to go! We visited the church sites including, Joseph Smith's home, the Sacred Grove, Hill Cumorah, and the Grandin Printing Co. Unfortunately the temple was closed for cleaning, but we went to the Palmyra ward on Sunday and also visited an LDS bookstore which brought back great Beehive Book memories...good times. Anyhow, we were lucky since it was colder we were pretty much the only ones on the tours. It was just an uplifting experience and I can definitely say that I felt the spirit and my testimony was strengthened. I especially loved walking through the sacred grove. To many at this time of year, it's probably just looks like a bunch of bare trees and dead leaves, but I sincerely saw a beautiful grove of trees that I felt were indeed sacred.
On our way home from Palmyra, we stopped at Niagara Falls. Everyone had told us that the view was the best from the Canadian side. So, we took an international trip across the border to Canada. :) It was definitely a site, however, I think that it is a one time visit for me. It rained that day and the mist from the falls was a double whammy on the wetness. I asked Bailee what her favorite part of the trip was and she said turning on the heater at the hotel and swimming. (The air control was right at Bailee's level and I guess she got a kick out of pushing the buttons...ah the blessing of being so easily entertained.) I guess for the short time we had together for "Spring Break" we had about as much fun as we could've possibly had!

"Oh how lovely was the morning..."

I couldn't help but to think of this hymn as we walked through the Sacred Grove on a beautiful, sunny, spring morning.

Atop Hill Cumorah

She may not have found any gold plates at the top of the hill, but she thought this nasty black cat was something pretty special (It makes me wanna sneeze just looking at it:)

Going Foreign

Gabe (yes, he's in a pink stroller, and no we weren't prepared to get that wet), Me, Josh, and Bailee (just "hanging out") in front of Horseshoe Falls.

Hallelujah!

I just wanted to let everyone know the good news...I just slept through the night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The first time in over 5 months and I feel like a new woman!! I just have two things to say..."THANK YOU GABE!" and "HALLELUJAH"!

His face says it all...

For all of you who see Gabe and I on a daily basis (or weekly, bi-weekly, etc.), then this post is not going to be the most exciting for you. However, to my long lost, far away, beloved, family and friends, I realize I haven't posted hardly any pictures of Gabe. Babies change so much every month for the first 12+ months, so here is a little tribute/update on Gabe and his many expressions...
Hungry Baby...who wouldn't love their first taste of rice cereal after drinking nothing but milk for 5 months?! Gabe couldn't get enough of the rice cereal and Josh had a hard time keeping up with his demand for this most delicious, fancy feast.

Surprised Baby...Did someone say ShArK?!!

Gomer Baby..."Duuude these googles are groovy."

Stud Muffin Baby...and all you little ladies out there remember, "BALD is BEAUTIFUL!"

Happy Baby...It's real hard to not love such a happy baby!

And my personal favorite...Sleeping Baby! One who takes good naps and sleeps through the night! Clearly this little guy isn't doing either. He decided to test out the comfort of the excersaucer (or neglect-a-saucer in Traci's words) and fell asleep playing. Now really, you gotta love a content, beautiful, happy, peaceful, sleeping baby!