What a Blast!

I love this racing thing!!!
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Greg/Boomer and Aunt Rachel ran the Hyde Park blast a few weeks ago. I ran with Lily around Kenwood that morning and then we all went down to cheer everyone on. Boomer (with Greg) came in 2nd place among dogs and he was tuckered out the rest of the day. As in, he drank water and then plopped down on his doggie bed until it was time for dinner. Sheesh! Rach just did the race "for fun" and came in 3rd place. Double sheesh! Unfortunately I was too busy cheering to take any pictures of them running by, but Greg found a couple pictures that the official race photographers took.

After the first race for all the "regular" runners, they have an elite race. It's always an awesome site to see the elite fly past us.

Congrats to all the runners!


We happened to run into our friend Joey before the race.

Boomer is ready to go.


The start of the elite race.

Look at that stride! That's exactly how I look with Lily in the jogging stroller....

A photo finish!

Lily in her racing attire.

Go Daddy and Boomer!

Yeah Aunt Rachel!!!

Family Summer

So I know that Mary Lynn usually does the blogging, but I thought that in the midst of this unusual summer, I would take a crack at it. I don't know too many families that are lucky enough to have this first summer at home with both parents as the little one learns how to sit up, purposefully play with toys, and (hopefully soon) crawl and get some chompers. Watching Lily grow and being able to do it as a couple has been truly amazing and unique. What I have learned, though, is how much love ML puts into every daily activity as she takes care of Lily's every need and in her "spare time" doubles as our activity coordinator, trip planner, house project chair, and social coordinator. I know that this is not "work" as the IRS considers it, but the time and effort she puts into our family makes me feel that Lily and I hit the jackpot. She anticpates our needs and selflessly goes about her day...shoot she hardly even posts pictures of her and Lily together--even though Lily's biggest smiles are reserved for ML when Lily wakes up or performs a new trick. This has been a great summer, with two great months ahead, but even in these short weeks, it has been reaffirmed to me that indeed, Life is Good.

Graduation Party!

Beau the graduate!
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Lily enjoyed attending Beau's high school graduation party. It's hard for me to believe that the little cousins I used to babysit are now graduating from high school and attending college. I feel like one of those relatives that pinches cheeks and says, "man, you're getting so big - I remember you when you were just a baby!" But really, I do remember when they were just babies - and it doesn't seem like that long ago!
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At the party I brought along a book Beau made me entitled "Mary Lynn's Life Story." What a hoot! He wrote the book when he was in the 5th grade at St. Bart's. He had invited me to attend "Special Person Day" and they had a mass and then a reception at the school. At the party held afterwards in the classroom, each student got to read a section of the book for their special person. He read, "I picked Mary Lynn to be my special person because she does a lot of fun things with my cousins, my brothers, and me." He finished the book by writing a little bit about himself. "Beau was born on January 18, 1991 and is still living today." Too cute!
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Happy graduation Beau - good luck next year in college!

To think I used to babysit all these cousins!


Cousins and their daughters. Brit holding Mya.


I can't believe Sam is holding Lily - she was as little as Lily when I used to watch her! Cousin Sandy with her granddaughter.


ML with Mya & Lily


Beau trying on the crazy hat.


ML, Lily and Jake


Everyone amused at Uncle Ken's antics.

Lily loves the little pig!

One day Lily...but not for a long time...

Cousin Jenny and Aunt Dori

The twins - Connor & Griffin

Aunt Dori

Grandpa giving Lily her bottle.

Greg holding sweet Mya. Love her little piggie tail!

Griffin giving Lily a kiss! He was so cute with her.

Sitting Up & Prunes - 2 of My Favorite Things...

Another of Lily's favorites - grandpa (on Father's Day!)

A few pictures of Lily and her new found freedom!

Hey - are you guys watching this!?!?

Look everyone...do you see what I'm doing!?! No hands helping me!!

Like I said, she'll put anything in her mouth - even her tasty Bumbo tray.

Mmmmmmmmmm....prunes. This picture doesn't do it justice, but she does like prunes. Actually, she's just like her mom & dad - not picky. She likes everything!

Sitting Up - Success!

Lily is now sitting up on her own! I think it's more fun for her to play with her toys and check everything out. We'll still put a pillow behind her because if she decides to look up at the ceiling fan she'll sometimes fall backwards. I love all these little milestones! Next up: bicycle kicks and juggling the soccer ball...

Baby Pools are for Babies!

So we found out that Lily now LOVES the water and especially loves swimming in the big pool! It's nice that both grandparents have pools so we have made frequent trips to both! She has no hesitation about getting in the water and splashes and kicks the whole time. We also have this great little turtle raft (with a sun cover!) that's perfect for her. She can sit in there and splash or play with her toys.

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We definitely have a little outdoorsy girl!

Lily lounging in the turtle raft.

Helping dad splash in the water.

Weeeeeeee!

After swimming, she's all tuckered out.

Such a sweet pea.