My Baby is Two!

If I could freeze time, now would be the time I would do it.  Many people will tell you that two is terrible, that it is the time when sweet little babies start throwing fits and getting an attitude.  I couldn't disagree more!  I think that (in my opinion and yes I am biased)  I have the sweetest, most adorable little girl in the whole world.  She might occasionally throw a fit, but usually only if she is tired or hungry.  I don't know if it is her big blue eyes or those chubby little cheeks, but she is absolutely everything I could have dreamed of when I thought of what it would be like to have a little girl.  I remember when I was pregnant with our little Miss Maggie and we had our ultrasound to find out if we were having a boy or girl.  When the doctor finally got a clear view and could tell that she was a girl, I got all excited and Bob got a little nervous.  He started saying things like, "What will she play with?  We only have trucks and tractors!  How am I going to change a girl!!!"  Let's just say that she is now the apple of his eye.  I love watching him watch her and tell her how adorable she is.  

She has really blossomed into a sweet and lovable girl.  She loves giving hugs and playing dress up and babies.  She also enjoys playing cars with her big brother and likes doing anything if he will pay attention to her.  She also loves to sit and color and draw.  She is a big talker and always has a lot to say.  It seems that every time we are out and about, people will stop us and ask how old she is.  When we tell them that she just turned two, they can't believe that her vocabulary is so large.

We asked her what kind of birthday party she wanted and she decided that she wanted a butterfly party.  We decided to go with a garden party theme that had butterflies and lady bugs.  

 Here is the birthday girl with her lady bug cake before the party.

 Thank you Grandpa Gaerte for bringing your super

fun barrel train to Maggie's party!

 Tearing into some gifts!!!

 Daddy and Maggie getting ready to blow out the candles.

 Maggie got her very own pink tricycle for her birthday.

Here she is trying to push Cousin Will up the hill in our

back yard.

All the kiddos also enjoyed a dip in our mini pool.

Maggie loved her second birthday party and wants to thank

all of her family that came to help her celebrate!

July Wrap-Up

We wrapped up July with another fun mini trip and Ben's first trip to the dentist (finally).  He was originally scheduled to go during the winter, but the big blizzard hit and we had to reschedule.  Then we had to reschedule a second time because we decided to take our Michigan trip to Frankenmuth.  Luckily we finally found a time that would work, and I have to say I have never seen anyone enjoy the dentist as much as Ben.  I think the stickers and treats (silly bands and a new bouncy ball) helped, but he left saying that he could not wait to go back again.  The dentist said that all of his teeth look great.  Ben's favorite part was the strawberry fluoride treatment. 

Our mini trip was originally planned as a camping trip with our friends the Blooms.  However, it was decided that camping in 90+ degree weather would not be fun.  The guys asked for suggestions, and we all decided that a trip to St. Joseph, MI would be fun.  As most of you know, that is one of my favorite places.  It has a beach, cute little shops, a farmers market, and great scenery.  We hit it all and you can check out our pictures to prove it.  ;)



 Have you ever seen someone so happy to be at the dentist?

ST. JOE, MI

The first day of our trip was spent at the beach and at a kid's discovery zone that is next to the beach. 

 My Cuties!

 Mr. Sand Man

 Maggie is always trying to be just like Ben.

 After dinner we stopped at one of the lookout points to watch the sun

set over the water.  This was the best picture I could get of all

four kids, but at least it's proof that they were there.

 The sun setting over the water.

On day two of our trip we hit the farmers market and several

of the shops.  Here are the Ben's together.  Ben Keefer and

Ben Bloom. 

 Ben and Maggie both picked out a sunflower at

the farmer's market.

 There is a really fun toy store in downtown St. Joe. 

Maggie enjoyed playing with all of the kitchen toys.

 Here is another attempt at a group shot of the kids. 

There are chairs in different spots all around town. 

I think they were watching a man make fudge at Kilwin's in this shot.

 The carousel is always a hit with the kids.  Ben found Nemo

and Maggie wanted to ride a dolphin.

 Lindsay and Ben Bloom

Jake and Claire



Summer Fun!

A few days ago I was shopping with the kids and couldn't believe it when I saw that the backpacks and school supplies are already out at Target.  It catches me by surprise every year.  I just can't stand to think that summer is nearly over.  We have been having such an awesome summer.  I suppose we will just have to keep enjoying every last second of it.  The kids are at such perfect ages this summer.  I feel like we can go anywhere and do anything again. 

Below are pictures from June and July so far.  I put up some pictures of our Hilton Head vacation for those of you who don't Facebook.  :)  It was an awesome vacation with the Keefer family!  I also included pictures from our Michigan trip.  We visited Frankenmuth and Saginaw and then we visited the Huckleberry Railroad in Flint.  If you have never been to these destinations, we would highly recommend it.  They are just a few hours away and so much fun. 

There are also a few pictures from the Three Rivers Festival.  The kids loved the parade this year and we also took them to the Ice cream Social to hear Grandpa play his tuba.  We had a blast at the Children's Fest and fireworks as well. 

We hope you enjoy the pictures and that you are having as much fun this summer as we are.

Hilton Head Island

Bob With the Kids on Father's Day



Back Yard Fun

Our Weekend Trip to Michigan



Three Rivers Festival