Guitar!

The other day Matt got his guitar out to practice for worship on Sunday.  He was reading chords off of the computer when Caleb realized that the music was coming from DADDY!!! He quickly went over and made it clear that HE wanted to try out the guitar!

I'm not sure if you can tell, but he's up on his tip-toes and pushing down on the guitar as hard as he could. 

 YAY!!! Daddy was nice enough to move and play around with him!  The video is the best!  You can see it at mattandcherylovideos.blogspot.com

 After quite a long time of trying it out himself, he found his giraffe and decided that at least he'd stand next to Daddy while he played.  Caleb LOVES music, there's no question about it!

11 Months!

Here he is....with spatula and whisk in hand, a couple of his favorite items to play with...

 i WISH this was more clear, cuz i love his expression.  Cutie Pie!

 One more month til a year!  

The Music Man

 

 Matt's dad isn't able to drive or get out of the house much, so Matt and his sister try to take him out when they can.  Beth recently bought some tickets to several different shows for them to go see, so last week Matt and his dad went to The Music Man.

The stage didn't look too promising at first, but Matt said it was an amazing show.  Much of the stage props came down from the ceiling.  

 The main actress from the original movie even played a part, which was fun for Matt since he grew up watching it.  I, on the other hand, almost never watched musicals since mom and dad didn't really enjoy them.  This one sounded not half bad, so we rented it a few days later.  Well, I still don't really enjoy musicals. :)  I liked the story-line and I think maybe 3 songs seemed worthy of not fast forwarding, but the rest seemed long and boring to me. :)  Oh well, I tried.  I DO think I'd enjoy it more in person though, and the 3 good songs I thought were REALLY good.  

Pearly Whites

We recently realized that we want to make sure to take pictures of the every day things that take place, since they change so fast with a baby.  One thing that I've personally enjoyed is brushing our teeth together.  I never would have thought that this would stand out as a favorite memory, but Caleb just gets such a kick out of it every time that I'M starting to look forward to it as much as him. :)

Disneyland!

While Matt's family was together, they had the chance to enjoy a day in Disneyland!  

 Abby, ready to go!  What a big girl! 

 I love this of Zoe!  Matt said that the adults had a blast, but most likely Zoe enjoyed it the most!  It was her first time there and she planned every second in order to get the most out of her time!  And I might add that it was much easier for Matt to get pictures of her smiling...she couldn't help herself!

 Matt's mom, Judy, worked at a smoke shop years ago in Disneyland.  This is everyone in front of the store!

 Judy...a.k.a. Mom, MomO, Oma Judy!  She has been taking care of her mom for several years now.  The next year will feel much different for her as she transitions from caretaker into wherever God leads her. 

 SO glad that Alison was able to come as well, but sad that I missed getting to spend time with her. :(  At least Matt got to.

 On one of the rides...not sure which since I'm not an expert on Disneyland.

 Another fun fact....Walt Disney bought some property from Matt's family before Disneyland was built.  This is the palm tree that was in the front of their house before it was torn down to make room for a ride.  I think it's the tallest one.

 More smiles!

 Of course Abby had to go on the Dumbo ride! 

I'd love to take Caleb to Toon Town someday!

 Cutie Pie!

 A picture of one of the pictures taken on a ride!  

A good, full day!  Matt came back feeling thankful for the time he was able to spend with his family.  God turned something hard into something good as well.

Remembering Nana with Family

Matt's Grandma (Nana) passed away a few weeks ago, so Matt went down to L.A. to be with family.  He was asked to do the graveside service, which was an honor for him.

 Nana had a beautiful backyard, much of which isn't doing so well as she wasn't able to care for it anymore, but the roses are still brilliant!

 Some of Matt's extended family.  He enjoyed getting to spend time with everyone, remember Nana with them and even learn more about her through their memories. 

 Alison and Abigail were able to come too, all the way from England.   Abby is just over one year old!

 Zoe and Beth were there as well.  It's hard to get pictures of Zoe with a smile since she hates the camera, but Uncle Matt always tries!

 We sure wish Caleb and Abby could have more time together!

 Matt came home for the next week and then returned the following weekend for the memorial service.

 His dad joined him for the trip as well.

Saying goodbye was hard, since Nana has always been a part of life, but we're glad that she is at Home with Jesus now.  Death always brings the truly important things of life into perspective.

Lovin' Outside Time

Caleb LOVES being outside! We're thankful for our apartment that has a quiet, big, grassy area right outside of our door.  Whenever it's open, Caleb charges out and down the path to see what he can find!

Even a rock is a new discovery!  

 Once again, I can't choose which picture so you get them all of this moment. :)

 He'll often stop and look up at the leaves blowing in the trees or birds flying by.

Truly just happy because he's out!

Some daddy/son time! :)  I thought it was cute that they matched in their relaxing clothes!

 His new favorite place is my little bird bath!  So much fun to splash in it.  Now I just have to keep him from trying to drink it as well!

 My new favorite flowers!