Little Friends

These are some random pictures from the summer where Bennett was able to play with some little friends. It is fun to see the progression of his interactions with other small children...he loves watching other children playing around him.

Cooper and Bennett playing on my parents deck - they were watching their dads (not pictured) play corn hole. I think they were quite proud to be vertical on their own.

Bennett and I made a trip to Kokomo one afternoon to see a friend from high school who now lives in California, but was home with her husband and children visiting her family. Rachel and Kirk have 27-month-old twins (Wyatt and Olivia) and a 9-month-old boy (Hunter)...they are the definition of BUSY!! We had a nice time catching up.

Bennett and Hunter.

Rachel, Hunter, Olivia (look at those curls!), Wyatt and Bennett.

Jake Hahn. At the pool. Anna and I would sometimes go and the boys would play wonderfully in the baby pool (meaning we could hang out and enjoy adult conversation) and other days we weren't so lucky - one or the other (or both!) would have a different idea for the day.

Jake pushing Bennett in the baby boat. With the pool closed for the year, we are already anticipating the fun next year will bring with the boys and swimming.

Dog Bowl

Much to Fenny's despair, Bennett has discovered her dog bowls recently. He loves to splash the water and remove them from the stand. Wish I had captured the look on Fenny's face -- it really says it all about their relationship (a bit rocky on her end).

IHM & FFFL

Last weekend we started gearing up for fall by attending our church - Immaculate Heart of Mary - Fall Kick-off Festival on Saturday, and Sunday we hosted some fantasy football GM's for the annual FFFL draft. It was a fun weekend and great weather!! I think we went on walks morning and evening both days...a favorite weekend activity for Fenny.

Bennett watching the "Cake Walk" with Molly - one of our basketball players we coached last year. It is fun to see our past players - Zach and I start practice next week for our fourth straight year of coaching CYO 5/6 basketball.

Amber doesn't think we need to obey the drinking age. She is trying to feed Bennett beer...claiming isn't that what all catholics do??

Bennett sported his Tuxedo (thanks Aaron and Lindsey!) and zebra socks for his Draft Day attire on Sunday. He kept mommy and daddy very busy while also trying to track the draft.

Helping dad pick his team.

Brandon, Wojo and Kevin acting quickly between draft picks. I might be biased, but I am pretty sure my team is going to win the league (finally...). I drafted Tony Romo and Reggie Bush because their girlfriends are in my favorite tabloid magazines...kidding. I did some research, first.

Budding Musician

Look out Scott and Seth Avett...

We are just glad it is not the drums...at least not yet.

Wedding Weekend!

This past weekend was Amber and Kevin's wedding weekend in Northern Michigan. After 9 years (112 months) of dating - we were so excited to be with them to celebrate their vows in a very special place to them both. A huge thank you to my parents, Andrew and Allie Tilley who helped us with Bennett throughout the weekend - I think everyone had a fabulous time! It was so hard choosing which photos to highlight - you can see more pictures in the Stanes Wedding Album to the right.

Daddy and Bennett at the start of one of our walks. Our hotel was in downtown Petoskey - beautiful views and a fantastic walking/riding path along Lake Michigan.

The bride and maids at the Friday BBQ at the Stafford Cottage on Mullett Lake.

Amber and Keving talking with Mr. Vanes. Just on the other side of the cottage is where Kevin proposed to Amber. Amber's great-grandparents built this cottage in the early 1900's.

The bride, the maids and Amber's brother, Bill (man of honor), at the Rehearsal Dinner. A perk of Amber's job...she is one of the head buyers at Finish Line - great shades for all of us!!

The stunning bride and handsome groom being introduced at the reception.

This was the view from our room and below is the Rose Garden Veranda - where the reception was held the previous night. It was an amazing weekend. Thank you Amber and Kevin!