New Obsession...

Okay, okay, so I know I am always the skeptical one when people make a HUGE deal out of things like books, but I am finally going to admit it. I am one of them. ::shudder::

I, after much persuading, started the book Twlight (the first of the series of 3 soon to be 4 books) and finished the first 3 books in a week! They had me hooked from page 1. Stephenie Meyer is an amazing author who packs in the action, suspense and romance! I guess it is good to force me to have a break to actually clean my house, run errands, and stop neglecting my child... but I cannot wait for the 4th book, Breaking Dawn, to come out in 5 days!! :) I never thought I would catch the bug like this. But, now I have persuaded a couple people to read them and they are just as addicted as I am, so I don't feel so bad. I highly recommend it! Jon's even thinking about reading them because I loved them so much... and maybe that would be good! ;) Edward could teach every guy a few things! ;)

-Brynne

18 months...into 18 years!

Our little Cade turned exactly 1 1/2 this week. He has been changing, learning and growing like wild fire lately. I just thought I would post a few things that he loves right now.

Helping: With putting clothes in the dryer, getting his own diaper, unloading the dishwasher, or whatever it may be! He's digging in.

Singing/Dancing: If any type of tune passes his ears, he is moving! He loves to sing (and do motions if there are any) when others are singing as well.

Reading: He many times in a day will ask for us to get him a book and he is very intent. He will also sit and "read" them on his own (or flip thru the pages and babble).

Playing outside: He must be Jon and Brynne's kid because he will play with the dog or in the dirt in the back yard up to 45 min. by himself.

Pointing out body parts: He can do most all of them!

Copying words: If we ever say one word, he tries to copy it. We have learned to watch what we say!

Swimming: He has always been a fish. We put on his wing floaties and he will kick, kick, kick! He's good and holding his breath and spitting out water that gets into his mouth in a perfect stream.

Throwing, Catching and Hitting a ball (or rocks, or othermisc. items) : His right arm is a rocket! He catches sometimes, tries very hard, and hit the ball with his bat off of Dad's hand.

Last but not least, DAD: Major Daddy's boy.

This little guy has brightened or lives. We love you, Taters!

4th of July...always quite the ride!

Over the 4th of July most every year, the Gatten side of our family goes rafting on the Clark Fork river! The water was really high this year. We hit it a few days too early so it was a little washed out, (and you know us Gattens, if we haven't flipped, aren't missing people, or aren't in a state of panic, it was just "okay") but this was the best, big, wave this time..."fang". We got buried! Brynne is on the left (Right side of the raft).
We made it through with only a few bumps and bruises. (Back LtoR: Brett, Dusty middle:Hayliann, David, Michael front: Brynne, Lizzy We had some good campfire games...(LtoR:Brynne, Lizzy and Brady, Jean, Hayliann)

Here is the cliff we always jump off of. It was about 35 ft. this time. Jonny jumped with the rest of the daredevils, but Brynne decided to be a spectator this year being pregnant, and after knocking herself out overrotating on a flip on the same cliff last year (it was low water=higher cliff) and severely bruising some ribs. Next time...!

We also have the chance to enjoy the firework display in St. Regis, MT. Let's just say there are no regulations there and they shoot of the big shells in the city park along with EVERYONE else and their dogs individual fireworks. It is CRAZY. Seriously. One of our cousins, Corbin Gatten, got hit it the head with one that went off sideways, singed his hair, and got a goosegg! We decided next time we need to wear safety glasses and hard hats!! Never a dull moment, and always on your toes!

Angie D, Cade and Brynne

Jonny and Caders

A few more of the group!

All in all, we always enjoy this time to do crazy things with family and friends, soak up the serenity of the river, see the bald eagles, go fishing, and catch up. We love it!!