A week of firsts - Boat ride, 4th of July, and STANDING UP!

As you can tell by the title, this has been a fun and busy week. We started the weekend with a visit from Mike's parents. They came down for the day to see Bella...uh hum and maybe us. But, that's ok. We think she's adorable too. While Bella was taking her afternoon nap they made homemade cookies-n-cream ice cream. Yummo - And, the vacation (also known as "eat-ice-cream-at-every-meal-happy-4th-of-July") officially began!
Look at that expression - she's looking at her daddy.


"Do you expect me to wear this? I think not!"

Later that day, we went on the boat with Brad. Introducing Brad to the blog: Brad, meet the blog; Blogfriends meet Brad- I lovingly call him the Bradman, the Bradmeister, the Bradley, the Braddude...uh, yes we're friends. He's Allison's boyfriend and we sure do enjoy hanging out with him. Thanks for taking us on Lake Belton, Brad, and giving Bella her first boat ride and "swim" in the lake. Poor little Miss did not know what to think about the huge pink life jacket. She couldn't move much at all so she just sat there. Has anyone seen the Christmas Story when the little kid is all wrapped up and can barely run? Yes, imagine that - just with an 8 month old and the brightest pink lifejacket in Texas! It was hysterical. Here's what she thought of the pink monster (aka. life jacket). Can we say A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E!!She smiled a little bit but I don't even think she could smile in that thing. And, she wasn't quite sure what to think about the wind flowing through her little hairs when we would go "fast" in the boat. She swam a little bit but then it was time to get back in the boat and eat. A little food makes everyone happier.Lovin' this sista time!
And a cute family photo...with the Bradman giving Bella some bunny ears. Notice Bella's expression...that's what we saw the majority of the boat ride. She would look up at me every once in a while (ok, maybe twice) and give a little smile. But, she could only smile so big with the double-chin that turned into a quadruple-chin with the pink monster lifejacket. We then went to Brad's house for sandwiches and ice cream, again!

The next day (the official 4th of July) we had a partay at our house with friends from Waco. The first picture is a little dark but I thought it was too sweet not to post.
It was HOOTTT! The grill guru, otherwise known as Mike Toczyski, made some awesome hamburgers and chicken! And, of course we had ice cream - again. We waited until the evening got a little cooler before going back outside to wait for the fireworks and watch Bella "swim" in her new pool. Mike went outside to set up the kiddie pool and after a little while of wondering where he was we went to find him and came across this scenario that should receive the awesome-daddy award!
After Mr. Awesome-Daddy had her kiddie pool ready Bella went for a "swim" while splashing all around and trying to grab the turtle or chew on the turtle. After a little while she started pulling at one of the legs....Then she scooted up a little closer and did that cute "baby-bounce-rocking" thing...And then stood up!!
Can I get a what-what! Yes, our little lady stood up. It was fun that Mike and I were both there to see it. She has been doing the same thing when we're all sitting on the couch. She hasn't done the official "stand-up-from-the-floor" yet but she will soon enough. And, because she is changing so much right now I'm not in any hurry for that to happen. The night ended with the Waco clan watching fireworks outside while I was inside with Bella. She fell asleep after eating so I rocked and rocked and rocked her sweet sleeping self. Yes, perfect end to a great vacation.