Michigan trip

Brandon is supposed to post about their trip to Olympia, but I'm going to go out of order and post about our Michigan trip first.

Our drive up to Michigan went pretty smoothly. Bennett was perfect as she enjoyed her Disney princess movie marathon on the DVD player. We barely heard a peep from her the entire 7.5 hour drive! Miles was pretty good too. He had one crying spell, but it was fixed by Brandon pulling over, and I took him out of his car seat for a few minutes to give him some snuggles. Then he settled back in and fell asleep.

We enjoyed 6 great days in Douglas, MI. Although Michigan was experiencing a heat wave, and the temps were more like 90 instead of 75, we still thoroughly enjoyed the beach and Lake Michigan, great food and quality time spent with family. We all spent lots of time out on the great screened-in porch, and Bennett had fun sharing the "cowboy room" with her Aunt Murph! Bennett absolutely loved the beach, especially the water! Michigan doesn't have shells, but they have lots of small rocks. Bennett had fun collecting lots of special rocks, she spent lots of time looking for "unique" ones. On our last morning, Brandon and I took Bennett on the Saugatuck chain ferry and walked around Saugatuck a little bit. It was fun to be able to spend some quality time just with her. We left about noon Friday, drove about 4 hours, and then left Brandon in the middle of a state park in Danville, IL because he had a race there Saturday morning. Then I drove back the rest of the way. Miles screamed almost the entire way. It was horrible. A big thank you to my sister who rode with us and tried to help Miles and keep me sane. We finally got all the way home at 8:15PM, 9 hours after we left MI. It was a rough ride, but the vacation was definitely worth it. Thanks Mom and Dad for inviting us to come along! I just don't think we'll be doing any long road trips for awhile!

Shortly after we arrived, we headed to the beach!

Mommy and Miles

Hanging out under our cabana on the beach

Daddy and Miles on a walk

Rock collecting is so fun!

Our attempt at a family picture...HA!

Brother and sister just chillin'

Miles and Aunt Murph

Daddy, Bennett and Miles watching a storm roll in on the screened-in porch

My handsome man!

Brandon and Bennett watching the sunset...I think this might be my favorite!

On the Saugatuck chain ferry

Miles was so hungry, he took CONTROL!

Bennett in her "cowboy room"

Miles hanging out with Pa

Bennett is an organizer!

Giggle

Miles's belly is so ticklish and he has the best little laugh!

Video

Here's a recent video of 6-month Miles playing and "talking."

In Olympia

Bennett and I are hanging out with the Menards in Washington. What a
beautiful day!
That's the Pugeot Sound in the background.

Pictures

Brandon and Bennett are on their way to Olympia. It is eerily quiet here! But I am actually having some time to get stuff done! Miles and I met Mona and Cece for coffee this morning. This is how I found him on the way home...He originally fell asleep with the teething ring in his mouth. It was so funny! But it fell before I could take a picture...

He likes oatmeal better than rice cereal...but no matter what, he's always a mess!!

Bennett named one of her dolls "Ariel's Aunt Murph." She was taking Ariel to the toy store! :)

He loves the exersaucer at Grandma's house!

Bennett was having a "nativity party." Ariel was invited. I guess she was celebrating Christmas in July?

Trying to get a decent picture of the two of them together...

At Katie and Josh's housewarming party...
Miles and Cousin Alison!

1/2 year old!

Miles is 6 months today! This morning, we had his 6 month check-up. Little man weighed in at 19lbs, 13 oz (85%) and measured 27" (70%). We had a really friendly nurse today and Miles was in a great mood. He just kept smiling at her and she was getting the biggest kick out of him. When she came in to give him his shots, she was sad that she probably wouldn't be his friend anymore. She gave him his shots and he screamed for a couple seconds. Then I picked him up, and he looked at the nurse and gave her a big smile!! :) She loved it!!

Miles has been much more mobile lately. He rolls quickly to get to things he wants. He also can turn easily on his belly and even scoots on his belly a little. He is also sitting up very well now. You can just see the gleam in his eye; he can't wait to get a little more mobile and get into ALL of Bennett's stuff!! Here are his monthly Nap Nanny pictures. I will try to post a video sometime soon too.

Here are a couple recent pictures of Miles in his big boy highchair as well:

Bennett is so good at entertaining him!