Happy Fourth!

Sean and Benjamin, Grandma Joan, Thomas and Grandpa Steve

On our way home from vacation, we stopped at Sean's grandparents home on the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. We spent the fourth of July with them- it was wonderful to see them and celebrate the 4th together at the lake!

First Family Vacation: Branson Part 1

The first week in July, we went on our first family vacation to Branson, Missouri. The drive there (10 hours) was a bit brutal, since we decided to drive through the night, but once we got there we had a great time! We spent a ton of time just hanging out at the resort (thanks Mom and Dad!), and going to the pool. Both of the boys are little fish- Thomas is jumping off the wall, and Benjamin just happily splashes away.

First Family Vacation: Branson Part 2

Aside from heading to the pool nearly everyday, we also went to an amusement park, Silver Dollar City, for two days. It was totally geared towards families, and so Thomas and even Benjamin were able to go on several rides! Thomas had a blast! I took him on a log ride with a steep splash hill at the end- and he loved it. His face was hilarious as we plunged down the huge hill at the end. He also went on a lots of kiddie rides, including his first roller coaster!

On the Silver Dollar Train with Mommy.

Daddy and Thomas in the rear car of the roller coaster.

Walking the swinging bridge.

Benjamin rode in the backpack carrier all day- without a single complaint!

Summertime escapades...

Summer is here, and the livin' is easy...and busy! Sean is home from school (still busy with baseball), but home more during the day- yay! We have been enjoying every moment we have together...traveling to see family and friends, going to birthday parties, swimming at the lake, going to the zoo, and just hanging in out in the backyard...

Batter up!

Ready, set, jump!

Riding the giant tortoise at the Potowatami Zoo.

"I did it!"

Brotherly Love...

As Benjamin grows bigger and stronger, playtime becomes much more adventuresome! Thomas has waited many months for the day that Benjamin can actually play with him- it is finally here! It is so much fun watching them interact together- occasionally share, and yes, sometimes fight a bit. Before we know it, our little baby will be one!

Minnesota Twins.

The Seidl Family

Sarah got to escape solo to Minnesota for an all girls weekend with her Valpo friends. Time away and with friends was such a blessing. Thanks to Sonya, Jackie, and Alicia for a fun weekend- it was revitalizing! And thanks to Summer and SeSe for the smiles and entertainment. And of course Chris too, for hosting us crazy, and sometimes loud ladies in his home.

On the Move!

Benjamin at almost 10 months is kind of crawling,

pulling up on furniture a little bit,

and starting to stand with a lot of help!

Lunchtime- Eating is exhausting!