Last weekend was our first trip to Innsbrook this summer. Ben LOVED the beach and was extremely content playing in the sand. He is fearless in the water. After Ben went to bed we toasted marshmallows in the fire pit (it was 80 degrees outside - exactly when you want to hang out by the fire) and then we checked out the new telescope at the dam. It was very cool - we saw Jupiter and its moons. Of course, that was all Joe, I know nothing about space!
Ben saw my shoes by the front door the other day, so he decided to wear them. He now knows that shoes go on your feet. Ben has been making a lot of other connections like that - - - if you say airplane he'll look up to the sky, he points to the kitchen cabinet when he wants a snack, he says "dog" when he hears one barking (without being able to see the dog) and, my favorite, he gives big, wet, juicy kisses when you say "night-night."
So, Joe and I had the rare opportunity to have a night out. We went to the ballgame with Tim and Amanda. Joe got these great tickets (12 rows back near first base - with private bathrooms, concessions and seats with padding), it was a beautiful night and the Cards won. BUT, was Joe happy? NO. Not until he got his Big Kahuna ice cream treat. See what I have to put up with people?
So, Ben loves his play with cell phones. It's hysterical - he holds one up to his ear constantly. He even angles his head so he can cradle the phone between his ear and shoulder. Maybe I'm on the phone too much?! 
Aunt Amanda bought this pool for Ben the other day, so we decided to have some swimming fun in the backyard. I think the water was a bit cold, but it didn't stop the fun!!
This is an astonishing sight and something we rarely see. Ben is actually sitting. Yes, he's watching Baby Einstein, but still. . . it's a true rarity. I actually had time to unload the dishwasher and straighten the house while he sat. He didn't work against me while I was cleaning and he wasn't even strapped in. AMAZING. It's a beautiful thing.