Vacation Part I -- Tennessee

We started our vacation at Central Hill Lake in Sparta, Tennessee, catching up with our old friends the Yarbros. It was fantastic to see Maggie and Jack play together - the last time they met, neither was even crawling. A highlight of the trip was taking a boat out onto the lake, where Maggie steered us to a lovely little swimming cove.

Shuffleboard!

Vacation Part II -- Indiana

From Tuesday until Sunday, we stayed with Claire's family at Scales Lake in Boonville, Indiana. It was a fantastic week, and Maggie and Molly had a blast playing with so many different family members -- but especially their cousins from Texas. Maggie loved spending time at her Grammy's cabin, and loved having everyone over to our cabin for breakfast most mornings.

Outside the Tastee Freeze, sucking on the next best thing to a chili dog.

Maggie conquered this gigantic water slide -- three times!

Maggie grew to love this pool noodle so much (or "seeker noodle," as she called it) that she cuddled it in her sleep.

Maggie's first manicure.

Donkey loose on the playground.

Vacation Part III -- Wedding

We had a great time at Claire's cousin Molley's wedding last Saturday (Maggie is careful to clarify that the Molley that was married is not her Molly). Maggie tore up the dance floor. As the evening wore on, Molly (our Molly) settled in for a little nap, while Maggie dove into another cupcake.

Vacation Part IV

An excellent coda to our vacation was Molly learning to stand up on her own while we were waiting for our flight at Nashville "International" Airport.

Overall, we had a wonderful time catching up with family and friends, and the only bad aspect of our vacation was the fact that it had to come to an end.

Molly vs. Dora

Here is Molly desperately trying to win Maggie's attention while she watches an episode of Dora. Despite Molly's best efforts, Maggie's attention never wavers.

Long Weekend

This weekend reminded us why summer is so amazing. The weather was beautiful and we spent loads of time outdoors -- at a cookout with family (at Grandma's), at a cookout with friends (the expanded Stedman clan), at Nahant Beach, and at the Frog Pond. If only every weekend could be as perfect (and as long) as this one. Happy Indepenence Day!

(This is Molly learning that Frog Pond water tastes terrible)

10 months!

Molly shared her 10 month birthday with Bill's 34th birthday last week. We can't believe her first birthday is only two months away (and that Bill's 35th is only a year away)!