Happy Birthday Song (+Fire)

During the singing of "Happy Birthday" at Hannah's 4th birthday party, the blowing of the candles turned out to be TOO exciting!!


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Hannah's House (4th Birthday)

This video shows the first 10 minutes of Hannah's fourth birthday. At 7am, Hannah follows clues to find her present.


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Camping/Cousins Weekend *VIDEO*

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This holiday weekend Katie and I had a full three day weekend and made the most of it. E91 closed all children's programming because of the Indy 500! We only had 50-60% attendance. We borrowed the Coster's pop-up camper and used my new Isuzu Rodeo to pull it to a private campground in Southeastern Ohio. Hannah walked the almost 3 miles of our hike to a waterfall deep in the woods. As you can see and hear, Hannah had a great time. On Sunday we drove to Columbus to spend time with the Ohio Gerbers, including some of Hannah's cousins! -I'll post some more photos tomorrow.

First Day of Swim Class

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Thanks to Joe and Helen Bouterse, Hannah started a new swim class at the Y last week. This year she goes in the pool with a teacher, a couple other kids, AND NOT US! Katie and I were a little nervous about that fact and wondered if she would do it without us and whether a teacher could handle having kids this small that can't swim. Well, the teacher's name is Allison and she does a wonderful job with the kids!

Watch the video and see her kicking her legs to keep up!

Day at Disney *VIDEO*

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If you didn't know, Katie was speaking this week at a convention at a Disney Resort. Hannah and I tagged along and we all had one day to "Do Disney"! Katie did tons of research on how to plan your trip and had an ambitious itinerary for our one day. We started at Magic Kingdom, went to Epcot, then to Animal Kingdom, and then back to Magic Kingdom before collapsing in our hotel room. The day turned out perfect, from short lines to just the right bus showing up when we needed it. Thank you to those of you that made it possible!

Mathare Slum in Nairobi *VIDEO*

Here's a quick little video I did after a day visiting the slums in Africa. It is a little heavy, but it was actually a great day of hope and joy as the Christians interacted with the great Kenyans in the slums.

Due to limitations with our internet connection, this is the best quality I could send. Click here to download the video.

Hannah Singing "Big Bird Show" *VIDEO*

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This is priceless. If you don't already know, Hannah is a big fan of Sesame Street! Thanks to Uncle Joe for recording, spinning, and sending me this video.

Summer Sabbatical is Over *VIDEO*

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OK our little summer sabbatical from the Gerber Family Blog is over. We promise to get back into the practice of updating regularly. I've compiled a slideshow video to show off the highlights of our summer. It's big (2 minutes and 3.3MB) so it may take a little to load. It takes you through Katie's "Crossing" event for graduating 6th graders, to zoo trips, to baseball games, to family vacations with both the Shuttleworths and the Gerbers, to Sesame Place theme park and ending up at the Indiana State Fair.

Hannah's 2nd Birthday *VIDEO*

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Sorry for the delay, but last week Hannah turned 2! In the morning we woke Hannah up with a candle topped cupcake. As you can seeshe went to town on the icing! Katie and I got her a Sesame Street MagnaDoodle. She loved it!

Driving 141mph at the Brickyard!! *VIDEO*

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Thanks to everyone that pitched in to make this a memorable 30th birthday! Saturday I drove a race car 141 MPH at the Brickyard!!!

It's all a blur really! You're so tunnel visioned and focused that it didn't feel like what you'd think 141mph would feel like in your car on the highway. I did 8 lapse around the track following my instructor in a car in front of me. You're supposed to stay between 3-5 car lengths behind him. That is NOT natural going that fast! I think I did pretty good for a rookie!

Hannah's First Swim Lesson *VIDEO*

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For Hannah's birthday Uncle Joe and Aunt Helen got Hannah 7 weeks of swimming lessons at the YMCA. Yesterday was her first swimming lesson. Many people have asked, how exactly do they teach a 2 year old (close to it) how to swim. Well, for her first lesson she learned how to blow bubbles, kick (by mommy saying kick and moving her feet back and forth), jump in the water (by singing humpty dumpty sat on the wall), we threw little ducks and had to kick to go get them, we sang if your happy and you know it splash your hands, kick your feet, make it rain, and a few other swimming songs that we need to learn how to sing. In only a 1/2 hour we actually did a whole lot. Next week daddy gets to go in the water with her, mommy and daddy are going to alternate who gets to participate in the swimming lesson. Just wait until this summer and Hannah can show off her swimming skills.

Hannah's Flower Girl Dress *VIDEO*

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I was looking through the video tapes of the wedding and found this quick clip of Hannah in her dress and holding her flowers. I thought some of you might like to see her. Sorry, it's really quick!

Wedding in Under 30 seconds *VIDEO*

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I had four video cameras taping Dave and Kari's wedding. I'll be getting around to editing them all together into one video soon. But for those of you that can't wait, here's one camera's tape sped up 100x and lasting only 29 seconds. Now that's my kind of wedding! :)

VloggingWeek #5 *VIDEO*

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Pat had Good Friday off work and after pulling all sort of muscles helping a friend move into his first house, we decided to take Hannah to the Children's Museum. Well, so did everyone else. It was pretty crowded, but we still had a good time. Here Hannah is dancing in front of the big TV in the Clifford (The Big Red Dog) exhibit. I think she gets her rythm from her mom! :)

VloggingWeek #4 *VIDEO*

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I've been running behind on posting these videos. I've already heard from several of you that you've enjoyed these videos this week. This video is Hannah deciding to get on Libby like she was riding her. Again, she just did this on her own.

VloggingWeek #3 *VIDEO*

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Today's video comes from when Katie asked Hannah if she wanted a tubby. She may still have few words, but she very cleary communicates!

VloggingWeek #2 *VIDEO*

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Hannah started putting on a song and dance tonight. Here's video number 2 for international video blogging week. If you listen closely, we think it was "Ring around the Rosie".

VloggingWeek #1 *VIDEO*

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OK, here it is, the first video of vlogging week! Tonight Hannah started trying a head stand and looking back through her legs. We have no idea why, but it was cute!

Over a Foot of Snow! *VIDEO*

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Last week we had over a foot of snow at our house and were snowed in for a day or two. Hannah got to play in the snow and make snow angels with her mom. P.S. Hannah's getting really close to saying mommy to Katie!

First Lock *VIDEO*

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Friday after work we took Hannah to get her first haircut! They asked her what DVD she wanted to watch and then took her to sit in a race car and watch the DVD while the lady cut her hair. She only got her bangs trimmed and an inch and a half around the back and sides. She was really good until the lady had the gall to get in the way of Elmo's World just to trim her bangs! Imagine!

Vacation Days 2 and 3 *VIDEO*

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We had a great time at the Covered Bridge Festival in Parke County, Indiana. I'll let Katie update this post with details, but here's a video slideshow of some vacation highlights. BTW our camper stayed closer to 70 degrees last night!

SPECIAL THANKS goes to the Coster family from church for letting us borrow their pop-up camper!

Hannah on Stage *VIDEO*

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Our little ham is now (if in the right mood) singing a few mumbled syllables of "Jesus Loves Me" into anything she can hold like a microphone. She is SO close to talking! She understands tons of words and will even repeat the first letter of words you say to her. We keep thinking, "Any day now!"

Ring Around the Rosie *VIDEO*

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Hannah's learning to play games and sing songs. It's so fun! I thought I'd start the week off right with two Hannah videos today. In this one Hannah's playing Ring Around the Rosie with Mommy.

Helen's Birthday Zoo Trip *VIDEO*

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This weekend we took good friends, the Bouterse, to the Zoo for Helen's birthday. Hannah's getting to enjoy the zoo more each time. I just threw some videos together for you to see. It was pretty hot so Hannah really liked the playground area that shot out water.

Crazy Day at the Office *VIDEO*

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Last Friday was CMF's staff retreat day. This year we went to a park to play a few games and enjoy the company and scenery. After finishing a game of water balloon volleyball, a massive water balloon fight broke out. This video shows the Director of Donor Development getting back the Executive Director with the last source of water he could find. Just another day at CMF!

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Hannah's First Carousel *VIDEO*

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On a beautiful Saturday this weekend we met both sets of grandparents and Aunt Sue at "The Great Darke County Fair" in Greenville, Ohio. Hannah ate a lot (OK we did too) and rode her first carousel ride. Later we were able to visit greatgrandma Shuttleworth in the hospital shortly before she was released to recuperate from surgery at home. Hopefully Hannah's presence helped!

Gerber's New Ride *VIDEO*

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Last night we went to the Honda dealer and got a used 2002 Honda Odyssey! I'm sure it will serve our family for years to come. It was Honda Certified and comes with a "bumper to bumper" warranty for three years. It's there EX model (not the base model) so it has power sliding doors and fold flat rear seat, but not really any "luxury" features. I tried to put it in the garage last night because hail was reported in Indy, but I din't quite make it. It's a bigger minivan, trust me. I didn't hit anything, but I will have to move some things around in the garage to get it all the way in. We should put all that interior space to good use this weekend on our missions trip to Ft. Recovery!

4 Wheelin' with Dad *VIDEO*

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Cousin Ely's Birthday *VIDEO*

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We are in Fort Recovery celebrating Camp Gerber '06 with all the Gerbers! Monday was Cousin Ely's birthday and she got to get her ears peirced. So all the girls went to WalMart in Greenville. After lunch we celebrated with cake and ice cream and presents.

Day at the NACC *VIDEO*

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Monday the Media Services Division of CMF drove down to Louisville, KY to setup CMF's display for the convention. We've done this for several years. We rent the hardware from a company that ships it straight there. Well, they sent most of it. After unpacking the hundreds of pieces, there were several key pieces missing. We decided to make it work with the pieces we had and build this 15 foot structure. It only took an extra 4 hours!

Visiting Katie and Hannah at Camp *VIDEO*

Last night after work I went to visit Katie and Hannah at camp! Hannah's having a blast with her grandma playing all over the campgrounds. Last night they were having a Hawaiian Luau on the beach.

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Giving Daddy Kisses *VIDEO*

I already got my Father's Day present!

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Hannah's Counting Exercises *VIDEO*

It's never too early to start learning!

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Speaking of counting, "The Gerber Family Blog" is now over 6 months old! It's been a lot of fun for us. We hope it's been a good tool for you all to stay in touch with us (Hannah)!

Fort Wayne Zoo *VIDEO*

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Those animals better watch out when Hannah's let loose driving in the zoo!

Hannah's Hat *VIDEO*

Last weekend we celebrated both Katie and her Dad's birthdays with the Shuttleworths. Here Hannah is trying on her new hat.

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New Sandbox *VIDEO*

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Apparently like everything else outdoors, the sandbox will take a little getting used to for Hannah.

Hannah's Birthday Cake *VIDEO*

Today Pat and I went into Hannah's room singing Happy Birthday. She loved it and had many smiles for us. Hannah and I then went on a play date with the ladies at my mops table. That was a ton of fun watching Hannah playing with other babies. (She was very well behaved by the way.) We then took a trip to CMF so Pat could share her Birthday with his office. Pat and I decided we wanted to do a first on her birthday, so in the evening we went to Denny's, yes Denny's (kids eat free on Tuesday) and she had her first very own meal from the kids section. We then took a trip to Toys-R-Us and we bought her a ball and a puzzle for her birthday. I think the coolest thing we did was after the shopping trip we went over to a family's house who just lost their 7 year old son to Lukemia (Pat is making a video for them) Hannah was all smiley and gave them joy. It was a very cool way to end her birthday to remind us that Hannah is a gift from God and she was used today even thought she doesn't know or understand it yet.

Delivering on a promise *VIDEO*

OK we promised a walking video. Hannah's been walking for a week or two now. Normally we keep her in much more clothing!

Fun with cousins! *VIDEO*

At the party, Hannah got to play with her (Bennett) cousins!

The Roller Cave *VIDEO*

Sunday night we took the youth group to "The Roller Cave". We rented out the roller rink, played our own music, and ate pizza and cookies! Anyway Brandon and Katie were racing and I recorded it on my phone. Katie goes around first and then Brandon. Make sure to watch the whole thing!

Swinging *VIDEO*

After a big lunch at Grandma Shuttleworth's, we all went for a walk to the park. With the beautiful weather, Hannah got a chance to go swinging for the first time. As you can see, she really liked it. I see a swing in our future...

Hannah's First Trip to the Zoo *VIDEO*

We decided to spend a very sunny Spring Saturday trying out our new Zoo passes that we got from Nana and Papa for Christmas. I put together some clips from the trip into a video. *Warning* The video is about twice as long (1min) as I usually put on here.

Double Your Pleasure *VIDEO*

Today I'll celebrate international video blogging week by adding TWO VIDEOS! First up is Hannah playing with her dolly. The second is Hannah talking up a storm. Fair warning, she can get pretty loud.

Hannah's First Steps *VIDEO*

Technically she's been doing this for a couple days now, but I thought you might want to see some very early steps from Hannah. We're at Grandma and Grandpa's house tonight to help Dave paint his new house tomorrow.

Spring Snow Storm *VIDEO*

Pat, Hannah and I woke up to nothing but white on the first day of Spring. (We have like 5 to 6 inches of snow) I wished Pat could have taken a snow day, but when you live in the City the roads get cleared pretty early. However, Pat came home for lunch and we decided that Hannah needed to break in her new sled since it really hasn't snowed since Christmas. We bundled her up in her snow suit, which she didn't enjoy too much. But it was all worth it once we got her strapped in her sled and took turns pulling her through the snow. She loved it and laughed and smiled. We took video of this exciting first in her life.

Risqué Hannah *VIDEO*

I'll have Katie rewrite this because she was there, but Monday Hannah decided this early spring weather was too much for her and preceded to get her arms through the neck of her shirt and pull her shirt off of her. This is something we'll have to put a stop to before too long, but for now it's pretty funny!

Hannah Practicing the Stairs *VIDEO*

Hannah has a ton of confidence climbing the stairs. (Too much!) But here she is in her OSU jersey. We're watching OSU play in the Big Ten Tournament today! Go Bucks!

Flashback: Africa *VIDEO*

Today at work I'm getting some Maasai (pronounced Mos-si) video footage together from our trip to Kenya in 2001. There is a severe drought there and CMF is getting supporters to help keep people from literally starving to death.
Anyway, I found this clip from when Katie and I were driving through Maasailand and stumbled across a pair of lions wasting the day away. We are in our Land Cruiser and I'm zoomed in pretty far so it's a little shaky. It brought back great memories. That's what I love about images and videos... they help you remember the good ol' days!

9 month Doctor's visit *VIDEO*

Today Hannah had her 9 month doctor's visit. She now weighs 20 lbs & is 27 inches long and is very healthy. The Dr. said she can eat pretty much anything we are eating. So tonight she had her first Meat Loaf and REALLY liked it.

Hannah Caught TPing *VIDEO*

Hannah found the toilet paper dispenser and had a good time with it. Don't worry, we won't let her go TPing for a LONG time.

Walk the Line *VIDEO*

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When we got home from lunch with the Shuttleworths today, we decided to see if Hannah was ready for a new trick. Her ExerSaucer has not been getting much use lately, so it was time for it to transform into a walker. After a few minutes it was ready and Hannah took right to it! The video shows her first few steps!

BTW, the title is from the movie about Johnny Cash that Katie and I saw yesterday on our date. (Thanks for the babysitting from the Bouterse!) Anyway, great movie even if you're not a Cash fan!

Upgrading to a Video Blog *VIDEO*

Click here to see a video of Hannah playing!

Hannah's getting better just in time for the Colts playoff game and for both grandparents visits. Today Katie and I caught up on all the sleep we missed this week. Later!

The file is a QuickTime compatible MPEG 4 file. If you have troubles viewing it, update your version of QuickTime here.

Oh and yes the video is iPod compatible for all of you with video iPods!