Bethany and family's visit

 

Maya's 6 months old

Maya 6 months old:  she makes lots of noises, is learning to sit up really well, grabs toys and laughs a lot! :)  

Morgan's new bike

Morgan had been asking all summer to learn how to ride a bike, so finally we got the bike out of the basement.  She took one look at it and said, "I can't ride that until I get a helmet, mommy."  So out we went to buy a helmet.  When we got home Morgan made Ben put on his helmet as she got hers on and off they went for the first Bike ride lesson!  She did really well.  Now we just need her to learn to go forward! 

4th of July in PA

We Celebrated the 4th of July by driving a good 13 hrs to PA and spent the weekend at my parents Cottage.  The road trip went well.  The girls were super good in the car up until the last 2 hrs of the drive there.  That's when they started loosing their minds! and soon after we followed.  But we arrived and had a blast!  Morgan shared a room with her cousin Hannah and I think they got some sleep.  The first night they were giggling like crazy. It was fun to listen to.  During the day they spent lots of time playing down by the lake.  I enjoyed lounging in an inner tube and Ben and I also played some badminton.  One of the days we also went to the worlds largest general store.  Seriously they have everything there, from a few grocery's, to a huge T Rex, to fun couches and entertainment centers.  

One of the nights (I think the 3rd or 4th) we watched some fireworks and Morgan hid in the house.  She was very scared by the loud noises, lucky for her Mimi was there to comfort her.  

Ben's Confrence

Me having fun with the girls in the pool.  

It's never easy being home alone for a week with the girls so I decided to tag along with Ben when he went to a conference in WI.  That's right exciting Madison, WI.  It really was fun though.  We spent most of the morning in the pool, and the late afternoon (after naps) out walking along the lake naming the baby ducks.  

Maya putting up with the pool 

Ben joined us at the pool on one of his breaks. 

The girls out by the lake 

Nap time 

out by the capital building 

enjoying chocolate milk

tasting her first solid food: apple sauce 

climbing on some fun rocks

single stroller turned into a double

pizza in bed while watching cartoons

happy to be going for a walk

wow look at all that stuff

sharing a melted bowl of chocolate ice cream 

Morgan and Mommy on the carousel 

Camping and Triathlon

Ben's latest athletic adventure was defeating a Triathlon and he did just that!  We set up camp at the park where the race was to take place which was a real time saver in the morning though a rough night with the girls before hand.  Morgan struggled sleeping, not because she was scared or uncomfortable... no, because she was so excited to be in the same tent as mommy and daddy...  Maya couldn't sleep because Morgan kept her up, and we couldn't sleep because well... we're parents of two girls who wouldn't sleep!  

Morgan hanging out while we set up camp. 

Maya trying to figure out what on earth is going on

Morgan not too sure of these sleeping arrangements

Maya definitely unsure of her sleeping arrangements

As for the race Ben Rocked it!! We found a really great place and were able to see him start both the bike and the run.  It was fun cheering him on.  Morgan was yelling at the top of her lungs (and she is very loud normally) "go daddy!"  He finished 21 in his division.
Our friends Elliot and Amanda were there and ran (swam and biked) the race as well.  Elliot came in 2nd in his age division and Amanda did really well too (never got her status...)
Now Morgan wants to learn how to ride a bike and swim better so that she can race with Daddy, Elliot and Amanda.
 

Ben getting his bike ready 

Ben starting the Bike portion of the race

Ben starting the running portion of the race

Ben, Elliot and Amanda after the race (and Morgan too)

Morgan sneaking in and our of the beer area

Elliot being recognized for coming in 2nd for his age division 

Maya happy while we pack up