My favorite toys

Hi Mom and Dad - I bet you can't wait until I can drive a real one of these!

Beep! Beep! Out of the way!

Slow down little fella!

Fireworks and a Fabulous Fourth of July

At the parade in Siren decked out for the Fourth of July!

Waiting for the parade to start.

It's hot Dad. This parade thing makes me tired.

Happy Independence Day!

My new brown dog friend Jake

We celebrated Ben's first Fouth of July at the Roman Empire Cabin on Clam Lake in Siren, WI this weekend. Ben had a fabulous time playing with his cousins, "swimming" in the lake, watching his first parade, and just hanging out at the cabin. The weather was great and Ben took everything in stride, including the noises from the fireworks on the Fourth. We spent four days at the cabin and loved every minute of it - not as much as Bella did though - she spent all day chasing balls, playing with the other dogs, and swimming in the lake. She and Ben are tired today!

1st Tooth!

Tasty foam dinosaur...

Hello Mr. Teal Dinosaur, you feel good on my gums.

I like you best Mr. Teal Dinosaur!

We noticed Benjamin's first tooth coming in on Friday afternoon. He has been surprisingly good-natured, we didn't even realize that he was teething until I felt something on his bottom gum. Such a big boy!

Nice Kitty

Hi Gaby - did I wake you?

I have been waiting to get my hands on you!

What an interesting taste - cat fur

Come on Grandma - you try it!

Nice kitty

Ben meet Gaby, Gaby meet Ben. Your world will never be the same again Grey Cat!

The 6 month Stats

Are you sure about this Grandma?

Whew! That wasn't so bad!

I've been looking at this toy for a while...time to see what it does.

Looks like some kind of turning devise...I wonder if I can steer this thing myself

Hmmm...this plays music when I touch it....quite amazing! Hey Orange Guy - check this out!

Ben's latest stats from his 6 month doctor visit:

Height = 28 1/4" (94%)

Weight = 17#4oz (43%)

Head circumference: 17 1/2" (69%)

All else looks good. He is sitting on his own and is an absolute joy everyday. Looks like finding pants to fit the long legs may be a slight problem in the near future!

Here are some pictures from another day at a park when my parents were in town.

At the park with Mom and Dad

That's Dad on the monkey bars

and here's Mom trying it out!

A post from Ben:

I took Mom and Dad to the park on Sunday. Mom had been out of town all week at something called a Convention. I missed her a lot but Dad took very good care of me. I thought they could use some time out of the house and I heard about this great park up by Otsego City Hall. Word on the street is that it has some pretty cool play eqiupment. Mom and Dad even tried a few things out - they were so funny! Being outside tired Mom out so I had to cuddle her when we got home so she could take a nap. I may have fell asleep for a while too...Mom and I like to nap together!

The Sippy Cup

Look at my new toy Mom!

There's something inside this thing...

reminds me of my bottle...


I think this end goes in my mouth...

WOW - what an amazing taste! Quite refreshing on a hot summer day!

We gave Ben some apple juice in a sippy cup this weekend - he thinks its a great new toy that is fun to bang against things and throw on the floor. Bella also thinks its a new toy that has a great flavor to it. Bella is quickly becoming Ben's best friend at meal time as she is learning that Ben sometimes leaves a little treat for her in his hands or on his face if Mom or Dad doesn't do a good job of cleaning him up! Here are some pictures of Ben and one of his first encounters with the sippy cup.