August update

We received a couple more photos of the camping trip from friends, so I thought we'd share. Since we enjoyed the trip so much, as do both sides of the family, we're thinking about getting an RV! Who woulda thunk??! Let the search begin! As for the kiddos, Hunter has more words everyday and understands almost everything we tell him. Obeying everything we tell him is a completely different story! His favorite new things are to go 'BOING' up & down on our bed, to play w/balls in the kids pool and slide down the slide. Also all his molars are in! Maddie has enjoyed dancing while Mommy watches dancing shows and has worn out her princess costume! Maybe she'll get a new one for her b'day?? Shhh! ;) Her new words are 'shoulder web' (blade), 'beefurger' (bird feeder) and 'abracadabra'. She's preparing (as are we!) for a trip home w/Grammy after a week-long visit here, and we're gonna miss her terribly! We pray that she has an easy transition and a wonderful time back in TN. Enjoy!

Hunter loves mommy's cowgirl hat!

And Maddie loves wearing Daddy's helmet! Kinda hard to eat that apple though!

Couldn't resist another 'all boy' photo.

The family Maples taking a break from the hike.

Maddie has a chain for Grammy's arrival, and takes 1 link off each day. Only 3 more days!!!

Camping!

We went on the Maples 1st Inaugural camping trip to the high Sierras this weekend! We rented a camper from the base Outdoor Rec facility and we were off. The remote campsite was private, and we joined 5 other military families from our street to enjoy it. The kids did great, although the campsite was flush with very fine 'moon dirt', so it got into/on everything! We almost ran out of wipes trying to clean the kids, but they were dirty again within 5 min. We hiked the 'Trail of 100 Giants', caught little frogs in the meadow, watched the free range cattle and of course cooked smores! It was a lot of fun, and we'll certainly do it again. Enjoy!

Maddie would be so proud!

Who's the real spectator here??

Standing inside a giant sequoia!

Token family pic. :)

Classic example of the moon dirt!

Around the house

Maddie's creativity has increased of late, due in part to the preschool she's been attending. She's made a number of art projects at school and they're proudly displayed in the kitchen for all to see. She helps around the house (with prompting) and today she wanted to put a diaper on her bunny. She was so proud! Hunter's vocabulary is expanding daily, with new words "help, wow, yeah, and book." He's building w/his blocks and running everywhere! The two of them are playing together which is so fun to watch. Enjoy.

Good thing Hunter has on his hat!

What fun!

One of momma's flowers in her garden.

In the process.

I did it!

Projects & Parties

This weekend proved to be a busy one, with several projects around the house and a 4th of July party hosted at our house. Below are some pics of Shannon's goodies, Bill's bench project and of course, the kids. They are having fun playing together as you can tell. Hunter's new words include "Maddie, down, water, beep-beep" and he has started to nod/shake his head when asked a question. Maddie has enjoyed 2 weeks of preschool at the Montessori School and brings home art projects almost everyday. We took them on a trip to Manhattan Beach outside LA last weekend, which was a fun trip and Maddie's 1st to the beach! Enjoy!

Flag & 'Firecrackers' courtesy of Shannon!

The before.....

....and the after!

Hunter often walks around w/his hands like this...its the funniest thing!

Maddie & Hunter enjoying the car toy.

Maddie's 1st beach trip!

He hangs on even in his sleep when Momma's driving! ;)

Hangin @ home

We have a new addition to the 'Maples photo collection' thanks to Grammy. She had the bottom photos done while we were in Hawaii, then framed them and gave it to Shannon for Mother's Day. The colors are a perfect fit into the collection. The rest of the pics are just relaxing around the house. Enjoy!

Enjoying 'Dora' while wearing my favorite princess outfit!

Maddie's first day of preschool!

Nothing like the laundry basket for reading a good book.

I love it!

More lazy weekend pics

Just a few more pictures from the weekend. Its been a fun & relaxing one so far, as you can see. Swimming, gardening and loving on Charlie!

Only way to keep the critters out is chicken wire and netting! Keeps the bunnies/birds out too! :)

This is just 1 days' harvest! Yum!

Evidently its not 'One size fits all'.

Peering into the oven....(sorry its turned the wrong way).

Tour of CA & Gparents visit

Just a few pictures from Grammy & Pop Pop's visit in March, and our trip to the Tour of California pro bicycle race last weekend. Stage 6 of the tour started in nearby Palmdale, where Bill was able to meet one of his cycling favorites in Viatcheslav Ekimov (below). We then followed the race on Stage 7, a time trial in downtown LA. We were fortunate to use Bill's Marriott points to land a beautiful room on the top floor of the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel, overlooking the HOLLYWOOD sign and all of HW & LA. It was a tremendous trip! Enjoy the pics!

A happy little boy and Grammy!

Maddie enjoying a book.

Beautiful girl in one of Grammy's creations!

The start for Stage 6 in Palmdale!