He is the most amazing 8 year old I know! He loves to read and reads words that I would think he should have trouble with. Gabe also has an incredible sense of humor and often sets me giggling and laughing at his antics. I remember a time this summer when the sprinklers came on during dinner. He jumped up and instantly started stripping down so he could run out and play in them. Even though we were all still eating I couldn't hold back his spirit! He went out and ran in them for as long as they were going! 
Gabe is all about pirates now, legos and skateboarding. He still loves his Hot Wheels, but ask him to talk about his favorite things and legos are pretty high up there! He plays an online game called Pirates of the Caribbean and talking about cannons and war frigates are just apart of his nature now! I love how enthusiastic he is about that game, and how since his aunt Mar made a character once, he's all about talking to her about it, even though she doesn't play it ever! Gabe just loves to share his favorite things with people, and is always look for the things they have in common! He also took some skateboarding lessons this summer and had so much fun. It was great watching his confidence grow every day!
Gabe has a wonderful love of nature and appreciates beauty. When we were at Sunriver a while
ago we went on a lot of walks. One hike with Grandpa, lead us through some lava fields and we saw some amazing sights. I loved hearing the awe in his voice and the cries of "awesome!" as he looked at views and thought nature was amazing! We went to the high desert museum and saw so may different types of animals, and he loved that. It was fun watching his face light up as we watched the porcupine climb or a tree, or his voice say "Oh they are soooo cute." as we looked at the baby owls. I am always grateful that we can share our love of nature together. 
Over this Summer, I was blessed to be apart of Gabe's baptism. It was so special to see him all dressed in white, with his Grandpa, and see him become a part of this church that is so very important to me. I loved watching him grow up, in preparation to get baptized, and see how church lessons meant to him. He was able to take the missionary discussions and decide on his own to get baptized. Another thing I loved about his baptism was how he wanted his uncle Richard to give a talk. I know he sees Richard as a great example, and I am so thankful he has Richard in his life. By him choosing his uncle, really shows me that he recognizes a man who is a faithful priesthood holder and is so strong in the church. I find it comforting that Gabe can see that and strive to be more like that.
I love Gabe's sweet spirit. More than anything else about him, I love how loving he is. He is always quick to give hugs and kisses, and doesn't let me walk out the door to work without them. I also love recently how him and I have our special time before bed where we can read the scriptures together. I am constantly amazed at how much he understands, and am happy to discuss what we read about together.
Although Gabe has been through so much in his short little life, I see so much in him that is good.
We have our struggles, as I think all people do, but through all of that I find our bond. It's a bond that him and I will always share, and I am so grateful to have that with him. I love my Angel Gabriel, and I am a proud mom! He is a very special boy, and I will be forever grateful to my Heavenly Father, for placing him in my care. I can only hope and pray that I will be able to live up to His expectations, and raise Gabe to always love the church and the gospel. I am the luckiest Mom ever!!
