Family and the Naval Academy

Been pretty quiet around here without 2 little ones running around making noise, but we're looking forward to them getting back home.  With the smaller family footprint, we've been able to do some traveling and camping on the weekends.  We made a trip to the Naval Academy last weekend as we've long wanted to see it and Annapolis.  We'll certainly go back, maybe in Oct for the International Boat Show!  Anyhow, just a couple pics from the trip and some new ones of the family.  Enjoy.

Reagan enjoying herself in the mirror on her playmat.

A pirate ship!  Kids will love this one!

Reagan is smiling much more often now and we love it!

My lovely bride (of almost 10yrs!)

 Daddy does my hair.

Uncle Patrick took the kids to the home improvement store...fun!

Ironman!

Bill finished his first Ironman 70.3 yesterday in Syracuse, NY!  Below is the bib number and finisher's medal.  This is hopefully the first of many to come, and maybe someday a full Ironman (140.6 miles!).  Today is the mandatory massage, as the soreness has already set in, but it's worth it.  Will post race pictures later if we get some.  Until then...see ya.

Maddie trying on Daddy's swim cap.

Family photos

The Family von Maples!

Momma holding Reagan after a bath

Post-bath crazy hair!

Having fun w/the Mac.

Hunter's summer haircut

Awwww!

So we've had lots of fun w/the expanded family lately, to include the unexpected visit from Uncle Patrick this weekend!  He was in Virginia on business and extended his stay through yesterday.  It was great to see him and the kids LOVED it!  They couldn't get enough, and proved it by waking him up at 7am Saturday morning to start playing again!  :)  He taught them a new trick called the 'Maddie/Hunter burrito'!  Charlie got into the action too when we introduced peanut butter.  It was a very fun weekend for all and won't be forgotten for a long time.  

Charlie enjoying a 'Maddie burrito'!

Another proud Grandma!

A BIG burrito!

The kids love their Uncle P.

Grammy chasing Maddie w/the hose!

Cameo by Reagan

More baby & misc pics

Just a few more pics from the week along w/some other random photos.  Kids are getting used to the idea of having another little one in the house and ask daily to hold her.   Reagan had her first checkup and all is well.  She had already gained 2 oz back and the doc said everything is normal.  She is sleeping quite well, feeding every ~3hrs or so.  Thus far she has been an 'easy' baby, but time intensive nonetheless.  We are quite enjoying having her around and look forward to introducing her to family & friends very soon.  In the meantime, enjoy the pics below.

This week was also the Marine Aviation Centennial Celebration, so Bill has had to work a few days and it will culminate with a black tie dinner w/Bruce tonight.  Hopefully we'll have a couple pictures from that for a future post.  Until then, enjoy!

Easter fun at Grandma/Grandpa's house.

Maddie graduated from pre-K this week!

Bringing home baby!

So the title is pretty much self-explanatory, but I thought I'd add a few details.  Grandma & Grandpa Bell are here and there are no words to do justice to their help! Needless to say, they were anxious to meet their new granddaughter as well, hence the photos below.  We were released from the hospital today about 2:30 and excited to go home and introduce Reagan to the kids & her new home.  They were very excited to meet her and hold her.  Hunter said "I want to keep her forever!"  She was sleeping when we arrived and they wanted to know when she would open her eyes.  Then M & H opened some gifts from the Bells, Yan and mommy & daddy to provide some distraction.  We're glad to be home, very thankful for a healthy mom & baby and anxious for some sleep!  More pictures later. 

Spring break fun w/cousins!

Uncle Craig, Aunt Tara, Gavin & Carter came to visit during Spring Break this week and lots of fun was had by all!  We hit the National Zoo, Mt Vernon estate, the Museum of Natural History, rode the train and had lots of fun playing at home.  It was a busy week, and we're so glad we had the time together.  Aunt Tara's birthday was Friday, so Shannon baked cupcakes, as evidenced below!  We rounded out the weekend by dyeing some Easter Eggs.  We were looking forward to a sunrise service tomorrow morning, but Maddie isn't feeling well and Shannon needs her sleep (35wks pregnant!) so we're taking a raincheck.  If you're ever in DC over Easter weekend, Arlington Cemetary hosts a phenomenal sunrise service that isn't to be missed.  Anyhow, happy Easter to all!

The kids miss their Uncle Craig!

See the remnants of green icing??

The younger cousins.

They loved to have U. Craig and A. Tara read to them at night!

Six multi-colored eggs for Easter.  Fun!