Brayden's been taking steps for months now, but for the last 3-4 weeks, he's begun to really walk. Now he's standing up on his own and following us around the house, albeit not at lightening speed. However, he's getting better all the time. Here is a recent video of his walking prowess. (NOTE: He's a nerd just like his parents. When Nicole tries to get his attention, the only thing that works is promising a little book reading... what a geek.)
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
The real congrats
As mentioned in the last post, Nancy is engaged!! Her (now) fiancee, Matt Detar (pronounced like "debtor") proposed on her birthday, June 20th. Here they are that night... so happy! Congrats to the newly fianced!
Friday, June 22, 2007
Last day in Florida
Firstly, congratulations to Aunt Nancy and her NEW fiancee, Matt Detar! Matt popped the question on her birthday, Wednesday. We'll have pictures soon!
After Montana, we returned to Florida and celebrated Ethan's baptism and Uncle Eric's birthday... but you've already seen those pics. However, here's a cute one of Ethan, just because I can:
Mia had been helping care for Ethan while Jen and Eric worked, but she was able to take a day off to spend with us before we returned to VA (thanks, Aunt Debbie!). So, what did Mia want to do? Well, she thought there was only one place a one-year-old should got -- Lowry Park Zoo!! For those of you who don't know what has happened to LPZ in the last few years let me tell you -- it's become GREAT! I won't lie, I had been to LPZ years ago (I mean 15+ years ago) and it was nothing special. However, they have really turned it around and it's such a good time. I highly recommend it!
Anyway, off we went... B was ready
First things, first. That meant we had to ride the merry-do-round. And, of course, Brayden picked out the best animal ever (and by Brayden, I mean me).
After that, it was off to the petting zoo. As smelly as it was, Brayden loved the goats. He went back a few times to his favorite (who I affectionately named "Belly").
From Belly, we moved to the manatee exhibit, which was not terribly little-kid friendly. BUT, after that we went to the stingray pool and Brayden got to play with the stingrays! He absolutely loved them!! It was all Nicole could do to keep him from jumping in.
After such a long day in the zoo, the best thing for one's achy legs is a Pappas Greek salad! Yum! Mia and Poppy were kind enough to treat us to such a wonderful meal. Hopa!
After Montana, we returned to Florida and celebrated Ethan's baptism and Uncle Eric's birthday... but you've already seen those pics. However, here's a cute one of Ethan, just because I can:
Mia had been helping care for Ethan while Jen and Eric worked, but she was able to take a day off to spend with us before we returned to VA (thanks, Aunt Debbie!). So, what did Mia want to do? Well, she thought there was only one place a one-year-old should got -- Lowry Park Zoo!! For those of you who don't know what has happened to LPZ in the last few years let me tell you -- it's become GREAT! I won't lie, I had been to LPZ years ago (I mean 15+ years ago) and it was nothing special. However, they have really turned it around and it's such a good time. I highly recommend it!
Anyway, off we went... B was ready
First things, first. That meant we had to ride the merry-do-round. And, of course, Brayden picked out the best animal ever (and by Brayden, I mean me).
After that, it was off to the petting zoo. As smelly as it was, Brayden loved the goats. He went back a few times to his favorite (who I affectionately named "Belly").
From Belly, we moved to the manatee exhibit, which was not terribly little-kid friendly. BUT, after that we went to the stingray pool and Brayden got to play with the stingrays! He absolutely loved them!! It was all Nicole could do to keep him from jumping in.
After such a long day in the zoo, the best thing for one's achy legs is a Pappas Greek salad! Yum! Mia and Poppy were kind enough to treat us to such a wonderful meal. Hopa!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Avalanche Panoramic
Even though this was mostly included in the video (below) I thought it was such an amazing vista that I wanted to throw up the panoramic view:
Glacier National
We've finally reached the end of our storytelling about Montana. We spent a couple days in Glacier National Park while we were there (about 45 min. from the house). Although it was a little early for the regular summer season, we were able to do a little hiking ("hiking") in the park.
The hike we took was up to Avalanche Lake, a beautiful lake high into the mountains. Even though the hike was only 3 miles each way, it was very (VERY) steep.
The unfortunate thing about this hike is that we were told it was "no big deal." Yes, that is probably true if you are an actual hiker, and live in high altitude... however, we are neither of those things. AND, since we were told it wasn't a difficult hike, we decided to simply carry Brayden in our arms/on our shoulders, not the best idea ever. Between Gido and myself, it was a long couple hours. However, we finally saw the end in sight (and in true Girata fashion, stopped to take a picture...)
And, wah-lah. The lake. It was possibly the most spectacular natural view I have ever seen. Definitely worth the trip:
We took some time to enjoy the weather (beautiful!) and a rest at the lake. Nic and B loved the warm sunshine.
Unfortunately, it was time to return to the base, so we turned around and headed back. Going downhill was much better than up (oh yes).
After we returned to the car, we found that one of the tires was completely flat. No worry, B took advantage of the extra time to play down at the Glacier river (and even took a rock as a souvenir... but don't tell the ranger).
The hike we took was up to Avalanche Lake, a beautiful lake high into the mountains. Even though the hike was only 3 miles each way, it was very (VERY) steep.
The unfortunate thing about this hike is that we were told it was "no big deal." Yes, that is probably true if you are an actual hiker, and live in high altitude... however, we are neither of those things. AND, since we were told it wasn't a difficult hike, we decided to simply carry Brayden in our arms/on our shoulders, not the best idea ever. Between Gido and myself, it was a long couple hours. However, we finally saw the end in sight (and in true Girata fashion, stopped to take a picture...)
And, wah-lah. The lake. It was possibly the most spectacular natural view I have ever seen. Definitely worth the trip:
We took some time to enjoy the weather (beautiful!) and a rest at the lake. Nic and B loved the warm sunshine.
Unfortunately, it was time to return to the base, so we turned around and headed back. Going downhill was much better than up (oh yes).
After we returned to the car, we found that one of the tires was completely flat. No worry, B took advantage of the extra time to play down at the Glacier river (and even took a rock as a souvenir... but don't tell the ranger).
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Finally --- Mucho Montana!
Well, well. We're back again to show you a little more Montana. First, a few other photos from the house: a group shot, and then a couple candids around the house (Brayden had a bunch of room to play -- actually, he really learned to walk while we were here, at least a decent distance).
We spent a good bit of time tooling around the closest "large" city, Kalispell. We were only a few minutes south of it, so downtown was a good option for window shopping and some good Montana food.
There were a few local attractions we wanted to hit while we were there, and one was the National Bison Range. The NBR is a national park, a huge piece of land with free-roaming animals, including (coincidentally) bison. Although most of us were excited about seeing them, it took quite some time to finally see them roaming... and we waited patiently...
BUT, we finally found them! Here is a great video of how Brayden "interacted" with the bison. He was hilarious!! He expressed his excitement for the bison very audibly... take a look.
I promise we were not having a Britney Spears-parenting moment, although B was out of his car seat. I promise that he was completely safe all the time. Plus, traffic laws are nil in national parks... right?? In all seriousness, he really loved the ride, hanging out the window (a little dog-like, but super cute!).
We spent a good bit of time tooling around the closest "large" city, Kalispell. We were only a few minutes south of it, so downtown was a good option for window shopping and some good Montana food.
There were a few local attractions we wanted to hit while we were there, and one was the National Bison Range. The NBR is a national park, a huge piece of land with free-roaming animals, including (coincidentally) bison. Although most of us were excited about seeing them, it took quite some time to finally see them roaming... and we waited patiently...
BUT, we finally found them! Here is a great video of how Brayden "interacted" with the bison. He was hilarious!! He expressed his excitement for the bison very audibly... take a look.
I promise we were not having a Britney Spears-parenting moment, although B was out of his car seat. I promise that he was completely safe all the time. Plus, traffic laws are nil in national parks... right?? In all seriousness, he really loved the ride, hanging out the window (a little dog-like, but super cute!).
Friday, June 15, 2007
Our portraits
And the vaca-procrastination continues. MT is coming... and worth it. Until then, we wanted to share our recent family portraits with you. We had these taken just over a month ago. Brayden was only a week away from turning 1-year and we thought it was about time to have a studio portrait of the family. Happy Friday to everyone!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Summer Update
In lieu of another Montana post (I think there are two more pending in my mind... I just haven't had time to edit the videos), I thought I might give you a little update on our summer. Things are going very well -- MUCH more relaxed than the normal school year. Nicole has been continuing to work at distance for her Birmingham office and has been strolling Brayden and Zoey to the park almost daily (the weather has been beautiful!). I'm interning at the National Cathedral in the Center for Global Justice and Reconciliation (working on programs in interfaith relations, specifically between Christianity and Islam) and working for the Seminary part-time updating their database. More on all of that when exciting things happen (crossing my fingers).
Brayden is enjoying a wonderful summer -- everything is VERY exciting! He's at the perfect age where his motor skills have begun to catch up with his mind. Although he's not walking freely, he can definitely navigate his way through a room without any assistance. I'm sure I can get a video of that ASAP. He had his 1-year check-up today (yes, a couple weeks late) and everything looks great. The doctor said he's "textbook" and doing everything that he should be, if not a little ahead (especially for a boy). He remained almost exactly where he's been in the growth percentiles: length 32 in. (95%), head 19 in. (95%), and weight 21 lb., 12 oz. (25-30%). His weight is actually a bit lower for his age than it was at his 9-month, but we feed him all the time! The boy is just busy!
That's about it for now. I leave you with the photo du jour: Zoey after Brayden's party. Talk about tired.
Brayden is enjoying a wonderful summer -- everything is VERY exciting! He's at the perfect age where his motor skills have begun to catch up with his mind. Although he's not walking freely, he can definitely navigate his way through a room without any assistance. I'm sure I can get a video of that ASAP. He had his 1-year check-up today (yes, a couple weeks late) and everything looks great. The doctor said he's "textbook" and doing everything that he should be, if not a little ahead (especially for a boy). He remained almost exactly where he's been in the growth percentiles: length 32 in. (95%), head 19 in. (95%), and weight 21 lb., 12 oz. (25-30%). His weight is actually a bit lower for his age than it was at his 9-month, but we feed him all the time! The boy is just busy!
That's about it for now. I leave you with the photo du jour: Zoey after Brayden's party. Talk about tired.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Big Sky
Every few years, the Giratas take a family vacation somewhere. It's always something "Americana," either historical (Philadelphia or Williamsburg) or geographically unique (Glacier National, MT). This trip, funny enough, was the latter. We flew from Tampa through Atlanta and Salt Lake City to get to Kalispell, Montana in the northwest mountains of the Big Sky state. This region was suggested because it paired the things MT was so famous for -- plains and mountains. We rented a house on Flathead Lake (btw, the largest body of freshwater west of the Mississippi... who knew?!). It is a gorgeous, clear-water lake with spectacular mountain views. Luckily, we stayed on the west side of the lake and could look out from the deck to see those mountains (in the picture) across the water. Stunning. Here's a picture from the deck of the house at sunrise.
After a day's delay, Nancy and Matt joined us and we went sightseeing (and by sightseeing, I mean we tried to find the best view). We took a very short hike up to the Flathead lookout point. Behind us is the Flathead Valley (coincidentally where the lake is located) and where we were staying.
This one is a combination (obviously) of three pictures taken from the lookout to give you a better idea, albeit warped, how large the valley is. Unfortunately the day was overcast else you would be able to see the magnificent mountains on the other side. Hopefully I can hook you up with a few mountain shots later. (Click on the picture to actually see it, I couldn't make it larger here or it would have messed up the margins.)
As you might expect, Brayden was loving every minute. He thrilled to be outside and would want to touch every tree and talk with every animal. He began making a "wow" sound a couple months ago, so I began encouraging him to do it when he was excited. Well, that paid off! Every time he'd see something (an animal, a great view, a tree) he'd say, "Woooooow!" (in that cure baby voice... too much!). Here he is coming down from the lookout with Gido:
Okay, morning #1 is finished. I promise I won't drag you through a play-by-play of the whole trip, just the major stops. Coming up next... bison!
Saturday, June 09, 2007
More on the birthday
Before we get to the Montana trip, I think we should revisit the birthday party. Here are two videos from the party for those of you who couldn't make it. The first video is of the party in the pool. Brayden got in the pool with his baby cousin, Ethan, and friend, Alex (and their Moms!):
And, the best part of any first birthday, the cake!
(YouTube has been acting up, so if the videos aren't working right now, check back later.)
And, the best part of any first birthday, the cake!
(YouTube has been acting up, so if the videos aren't working right now, check back later.)
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Ethan's Baptism
Hi all! Today was a great day! Our Godson, Ethan Matthew was baptized at Holy Innocent's Episcopal Church in Valrico, FL. It was a very nice service and many family and friends came out to support Ethan, Jen, and Eric. Here are the proud Godparents with Ethan:
It wasn't ONLY Ethan's baptism, it was also Eric's birthday! So, we headed back to Jen and Eric's house after the church service to celebrate both Weitz men. Here is Brayden playing with his good buddy, Alex. They had a great time and B was definitely tired when we got back home. I know I promised Montana pictures, and they're coming (I just really want to have my Photoshop and video editing software before I make the posts... they're coming!)...
It wasn't ONLY Ethan's baptism, it was also Eric's birthday! So, we headed back to Jen and Eric's house after the church service to celebrate both Weitz men. Here is Brayden playing with his good buddy, Alex. They had a great time and B was definitely tired when we got back home. I know I promised Montana pictures, and they're coming (I just really want to have my Photoshop and video editing software before I make the posts... they're coming!)...
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