The Great Steamboat Race

Little known fact: When Brad was younger he LOVED steamboats, he was apparently obsessed.

Knowing this I have wanted to picnic along the river during the steamboat race for a few years, but one thing or another got in the way. 

History: The Great Steamboat Race is a Derby event that is usually held the Wednesday of Derby week. This year the Ohio River was too high for the Cincinnati Belle to make it under the bridges to get down to Louisville for the race so it was postponed, until tonight! Why 8 weeks later I have no clue, but they got a perfect night!

We decided at the last moment to grab KFC and head to the river for a picnic. We made it down just in time to see the Belle of Louisville take the victory. We were able to sit down to eat and watch the Cincinnati Belle finally make her way down the river. She was lagging greatly behind. The Belle of Louisville has been known to cheat, especially back when she raced the Delta Queen. So I am suspecting something of that nature. Madeline enjoyed sitting on the blanket in the shade banging things around.

SCRUNCH!

Brad was trying so hard to get a picture of us as the Cincinnati Belle passed but someone wouldn't look at the camera.

So he settled for the back of her head.

9 Months

Madeline Claire you are one growing girl!

At 9 months you...

•  weigh: 19lbs 9.5oz
• are 27 and a 1/2 inches tall
• Eat three "meals" a day (cereal in the morning, fruit and cereal at lunch, and a vegetable with usually a last serving of cereal for dinner) and have an afternoon and night bottle only.
• Have stopped getting cereal in your bottle (yay! we tried this around Spring Break but you were still spitting up a lot, you seem to have greatly improved).
• Still like sweet potatoes the best.
• Are pulling up on anyone and anything, today Mommy dried her hair with you standing between her legs. 
• Are starting to tell us when you want something. When you want more of something you use your right hand to motion a little wave, almost as if you are saying "bring it." You do this for food mostly, but you also did it for Grandpa to push you more on the swing tonight at the park. 
• Are SO vocal. You might be saying "Hi" but no other real words yet, but you do have PLENTY to tell us. 
• Are still in a size 3 diaper, size 6-9 or 9 month clothes, you are between a size 2 and 3 shoe. Some size 2 shoes fit you perfectly, but some are too small, the 3's are still a little big. 
• Sleep around 11 hours at night and take between a 2 and 3 hour nap in the afternoon. 
• Are starting to get very clingy now that Mommy is off for the summer. If one of us walks out of the room or out of your eye sight you start to cry. 
• Chase after Turner. We laugh, he hates it. 
• Are still crawling everywhere, no steps yet. We practice with you but you aren't really into it at the moment. 
• Have hair! It can get messed up now, so cute!
• Have the best expressions. You love to scrunch up your nose when you smile and show your teeth. You have this Popeye thing going on. 
• Still have just 2 teeth. 

 The famous scrunch face.

 Your either waving Hi or that you want more of something.

 Happy face.

 Scared face, not sure why... but it is still cute!

Father's Day

We started our Father's Day celebrations on Thursday, the assisted living facility my Grandpa is living in had a cookout that we went to for lunch.

 Madeline and Grandpa (she wanted a cup because we were all drinking out of cups, her sippy cup just wouldn't do).

My mom and her dad.

On Sunday we went to lunch with Brad's grandfather and his mom's side of the family. Then we had dinner with my mom, dad, grandpa, his dad, step-mom, sister, and her daughters. I didn't take any pictures while we were eating, but I did get this one of a Daddy and his favorite girl...

Daddy's chair

 Brad doesn't spend as much time in his game chair as he once did, so Madeline thought she would take it for a spin.

This time she got in...

Madeline LOVED the pool the 2nd time around. We went in the evening so she didn't have to get slathered with sunscreen or wear a hat. It was warmer and she had a blast.

 Splashing everyone and everything.

 Saying Hi!

 Just. so. happy.

Check out my teeth!

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

We had to celebrate Grandpa Jeff's birthday a few days early this year. His birthday fell on a Tuesday, it was the last week of school, and the first week of my intensive summer night class (working on my +30). So we chose to celebrate on Sunday. We went to dinner at Outback and then back to the house for cake and presents.

 The birthday boy and his favorite: Chocolate cake.

The birthday boy and his other favorite: the grandkid.

Sitting Up

Madeline says, "Look at what I did today!"

 If she would just let go, she would make it.

 "Hey, look at me!"

So proud of you big girl!