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!

9, 10, 11

As we get closer to Miller's first birthday (!) I realized i hadn't posted monthly pictures of him since 8 months. Here's a quick catch up.

9 Months

10 Months

11 Months

Doesn't he look like such a little boy in his 11 month photo? What happened to my baby!??

He Walks!

Over the past few weeks our little cruiser has taken a step or two between pieces of furniture, but he didn't seem to really get walking yet.

But this week that all changed! He's figured it out and is a walking machine. Here's a video Dave took early this week of one of his first longer walks. Since then he's running around everywhere - it happened so fast.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sj4YEbofQZo

Enjoy! We'll be back soon with some much needed updates and pics.

Love,
Ginny

Strawberries

Miller on the back patio enjoying an afternoon snack.

England & Ohio

A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of joining my big brother Ren and my Mom on a 5 day trip to London. Ren was going for a conference so Mom and I tagged along.

It was an awesome trip! Ren and I had never been before and Mom’s last trip there was over 30 years ago. We had the chance to see most of the sites – Tower of London, St. Paul’s, Big Ben & Parliament, Kensington Gardens & Palace, Piccadilly Circus, Knotting Hill, Harrods, and much more. Mom and I also had the unique opportunity to go on a walking tour of East London to check out the Olympic facilities. It turned out to be more of a lesson on the economic and public health impact of the Olympics on East London, but we thought it was fascinating.

Here are some pictures from our trip!

Olympic Stadium

Big Ben & London Eye

Harrods!

Mom in front of Kensington Palace

St. Pauls

Tower of London

Tower of London

Westminster Abbey

Mom in front of Tower of London

 Meanwhile, Dave and Miller (along with Aunt Abby and Winston!) jumped in the car and drove to Cincinnati to spend a few days with Anne & Harry.  It was quite the eventful trip for Miller! He went swimming for the first time with his Great Grandparents Wib & Jack at their pool. He also attended his first major league baseball game (we have the certificate to prove it!) where the Reds were ironically playing our DC home team, the Nationals.

Miller w/ Rosie

Checking out Grandpa H's office

We all reunited on Sunday – Mother’s Day – where my sweet boys greeted me at baggage claim with flowers and a sign. I’m a lucky Mum. J