Welcome TJ Badanes!

It's been an eventful month in the Badanes household (as well as an eventful year, though our absence from the blog for that period of time might indicate otherwise!).

On August 1st we welcomed our second son, Thomas John Badanes, "TJ" for short. He was born at 3:16 pm weighing in at an impressive 9 pounds 14 ounces and measuring a long 22 1/2 inches. He has a full head of very dark brown hair and a couple of bright blue eyes (at least for now!).

Similar to his big brother, TJ took his time showing up! His original due date was July 23rd. I was induced in the late evening of July 31st and he made his arrival the next afternoon (Rabbit Rabbit!). TJ was greeted right away by his Nana (my mom Vicki), Pops (my dad Larry), "Ciney" (dad's wife Marcine) and his Granne (Dave's mom Anne).  Our sweet nanny Dunia came by that evening to meet him also as did his Aunt Abby.

Anne brought Miller by the next morning to meet his new brother, he was very excited!

We were discharged from the hospital Friday afternoon and enjoyed a fun dinner with family that evening.

We are so blessed by this sweet new addition to our family and look forward to watching him grow!

Miller Turns 1!

A couple of weeks ago our little Miller man turned 1! As all parents probably find, this first year has just flown by. At times I can hardly remember life before him, and at other times it seems like yesterday that he was born.

We were lucky that his actual birthday fell on a Saturday and we were able to have some friends and family over to celebrate with a sports themed party. Below are some pictures, enjoy!

 

Colorado Springs

I know, I know, another vacation?! We went straight from Wisconsin to Colorado Springs to spend some time with my brothers and their families at the Broadmoor.

It was the first time all five of these little boys got together, which was hilarious, chaotic and exhausting at the same time! We had a blast hanging out at the pool, going to the zoo, having a girls spa afternoon and just spending time catching up. Dave, Miller and I also spent a morning exploring Garden of the Gods, so beautiful!

Point Of Pines

 We got back from Florida, spent a week back at home, and then headed to Wisconsin for a few days at the "Point of Pines". For those of you who don't already know, Dave's family on his mom's side - the Williams - have been going to Stonelake, Wisconsin (about 2 hours northeast of Minneapolis) since his grandad was a little boy. This was my third trip to The Point and it was extra special because we were joined by so many of the Williams' cousins, and of course because it was Miller's first visit as well.

The trip started out with a family scavenger hunt put together by Anne. It was a chance to teach some of the first timers a little bit of Point history and get acquainted with some of the second and third cousins. There was also a tennis tournament, water skiing, kettle ball classes and lots of other activities. And, as always, Sunday night was a Picnic at the Point, where all the families get together for dinner and, this year, a blackberry dessert contest.

All in all, it was a great trip!

Badanes Bunch

It's been a crazy month in the Badanes household! It started with a trip to San Destin, Florida with nearly the entire Badanes extended family. It was Miller's first trip to the beach, and a much needed vacation for Dave and me.

It started with a deep sea fishing adventure. Nearly everyone caught a fish and I caught the biggest! Dave caught the most interesting fish, it looked like a little shark.

Some of the other activities included a girls happy hour, a group "Yolo" boarding adventure (also known as paddle boarding), a group photo and, to wrap up the week, Badanes Olympics!

Here are just a few pictures from the week, it was a lot of fun!