October 1983...

Gramma Ruthie and Uncles Russ, Jim, and Mark (hence, Jim's name!) had the wonderful opportunity to take a trip out west in October of 1983. In their travels,Gramma bought gifts for my little guys! There were T-shirts, moccasins, turquois rings and of course these really cool headresses! The true Indian in this picture is Gabe! For his first few years, he would share stories of his (other) life as an Indian...he would tell us about his camp and hunting; There would be stories about travelling with the horses dragging the teepees (travois) and crossing rivers! He said his name was "He Who Sneaks Quietly Through the Forest". I remember making Gabe an Indian outfit when he was two...He wore it countless times for the next few years (like every night!) His Sonny Pap always called him "Tonto Gabie". As Gabe grew out of the Indian outfit, Jim grew into it! What awesome memories come to mind when we look back on these old photos.