Happy 1st Birthday Michael

Nolan had a lot of fun at Michael's first birthday party. He loved the moon bounce and running around with all the kids.
It was a pretty big party and Nolan mistook another woman for his Grandmom. He spotted a woman (from behind) wearing white pants and a pink shirt like Grandmom was wearing that day and walked right up to her to talk. When she turned around he was very shocked!

all wet

Nolan never sits in his swimming pool. But when he was fully clothed, the puddle on the sandbox cover was irresistible.

a little man

People are always telling me that Nolan looks like a little man. I am not sure if it is because I part his hair to the side or because he has a leaner face. But here he definitely looks like a little man in this cute outfit from Suzi and Jimmy.
We were waiting to meet Chase and Christina for lunch at Red Robin. Nolan was crawling all over the bench and signing to the host. He would start at one end of the bench and run toward me and take a diving leap into my lap. Then he would give me tons of kisses and snuggles. What a little love bug he is!

Chincoteague

What a fun vacation we had! I am not even sure I can sum it all up here, but the highlights were:
digging in the sand
the island creamery
going shelling
feeding the seagulls
climbing on the bunk bed (Nolan can climb the ladder by himself)
swimming in the ocean
wading in the bay
watching the crabs on the beach
spending a lot of time with my family

chincoteague here we come

Nolan and I went on a fantastic fun filled week with my family to Chincoteague. It is my favorite beach, totally natural and beautiful. The ride down is a bit long especially with three kids. Also I am a horrible road tripper. I hate long drives and I hit my limit pretty quickly. After a few WaWa trips, we were revived and we spent the best 20 cents ever on lollipops. These lollipops lasted a long time and Nolan ate the whole thing himself!

you and me kid

Nolan has really been enjoying his time at gymnastics. He runs like a lightning bolt around and tests the different surfaces. He climbs up and down ramps, goes through tunnels and especially loves the balance beam. He is still a little unsure of the parachute, and doesn't even want the teachers to look at him (His stranger anxiety seems to be at an all time high)

obstacle course

We have gotten into the habit of making mini obstacle courses here at the Gerstberger house. It was Kristen's suggestion, and really a brilliant idea to help Nolan get out some of his energy.
Of course I also participate. Even when I try to skip a step, Nolan will push or pull me to the correct spot so I can have all the fun too! Some of the obstacles are quite a challenge for me to fit through. Matt took the pictures. Many were of my rear so I tried to pick the most flattering.
Notice how Nolan gives Matt some kisses for encouragement when it is his turn to squeeze under the ottoman. Amazingly, Nolan now says the words OV (over) and UN (under).