Staying cool out back

A couple ounces down the hatch!

Hank is 9 months old!

Still just those two bottom teeth, but he keeps rubbing his thumb up top, they're bound to pop out soon. 

Smiley boy.

He started pulling up on everything after we returned from Missouri. 

I still love those thigh rolls.

Showing off our new clothes from Aunt LaVonne.

And counting raspberry fingers...

Hank's 9 month appointment!

We dodged shots and just got a glowing report (at least that's how I interpret it)

Hank is 18 lbs 13oz and 27 inches tall. That was 36th and 7th (gasp!) percentile respectively. The doctor thought they didn't get his length measurement accurately- let's hope! Otherwise we just have to keep at the food and can add in sippy cups, especially since he isn't crazy about the bottles. But she wasn't concerned since he's obviously a healthy, chunky boy, and he does eat some finger foods. Right now his faves are peas and any kind of pasta. Black beans went down well yesterday, and sweet potatoes are always a messy hit.

Standard road trip fare- McDonald's. What kid doesn't love a chicken nugget?

Davy's hometown!

We went to Sparta and visited with all the Drueke clan. As you can see, Charley made herself right at home. It was nice to relax in the country for the afternoon. Their yellow lab was named Kramer!

Road trips call for napping when you can. 

A visit with Aunt Cheyenne and Dave!

A quick walk to the Arch before leaving St. Louis

Our big girl.

Maybe next time we'll go up, but for now we were happy just to see it from ground level. 

Our first Cardinals game as a family! And in the new Busch stadium. 

One of Gabe Drueke's carvings that are all over the stadium. 

Pooped girl.

Go Cards!

Cape Splash water park!

 Hank with a french fry of course.

 Hank actually got a good, long nap. Aric was good at making goofy faces without waking him ;-)

Charley was in heaven swimming with Cora and Aric, she tried her best to keep up and they were good about coming back to the toddler areas to play with her. We had a great time.

Hank with Aunt LaVern

Discovery Playhouse with Aunt Amy, Cora and Aric

 The water table was a hit!

Hank liked the toddler area best where he could roam freely. 

Day of fun with Aunt LaVonne!

I've been a part of this tradition once before, but this was Charley's first time and I think she really liked it. We started out with pedicures- Aric and Hank just relaxed of course ;-)

 Cousins 

 Aunt LaVonne showing Charley how it's done. 

 Charley excited for her blue nails. 

 It was definitely a group effort keeping Charley and Hank entertained. 

Then we had lunch. Someone looooooved Aric.

And then we shopped! We all got some cute clothes thanks to Aunt LaVonne, and Charley and Hank actually hung in there for a while. It was a lot of fun!

On the road again... (Willie Nelson style)

We went to Missouri for a visit with the Huter clan, lots of good times and photos. We stopped in Little Rock again on the way up and that always makes it easier, andCharley and Hank did really well on the drive. 

 Charley wearing her "King of Kings"

 Charley was getting a little cramped, so we turned her seat forward facing. She was a really happy camper after that. A whole new world!

 PopPop Rowland gave her new books for the trip, of course Thomas the Train is a fave. 

 Hank relaxing in Little Rock. 

This stinker actually took two bottles from me in the car while we were driving. We haven't been able to get another down as well, but we're keeping at it.