Splash pads and shiny white hineys

Adam's high school and college buddies all flew in for a weekend of fun, so Kenly and I took off to Augusta to soak up some Nana and Papa love. While we were there, we went to a splash pad twice and went to Mrs. Dale's pool to float around a bit. Staying in some sort of water is a good way to beat the Augusta heat. Kenly had a blast playing. When she first saw the splash pad, she was a little hesitant, but after about 10 minutes, she was trying to mimic the big kids. She was so brave it scared me a few times. Nana and Papa both got drenched playing with Kenly. I tried to stay dry, but every time I got near one of the water guns, some kid would soak me good...so, if you can't beat them, join them, right?

On our last day at the splash pad, Kenly was exploring one of the big fountains when the splash pad went into water save mode. She got closer to the fountain to investigate why her water stopped spraying about the time a big kid pressed the button to start everything up again. The big splash startled Kenly which caused her to grasp on to the closest stationary object which happened to be the bikini bottoms that belonged to an 8 year old girl. The sudden grasp scared the girl who then took off running, dragging Kenly behind her. All I saw was a naked white hiney dragging my daughter who had a death grip on her bikini bottoms. I screamed STOP and detached a rather dazed Kenly from the girl she "depantsed". Once in my arms, the tears came and so did the boo-boos. She had ouchies on both knees, a finger, a toe, and on her forehead. She was a scraped up mess. We got her changed into dry clothes, and a Ritz cracker (cookie) and some time in a swing settled her right down. I gave her Tylenol for the ride home, and she slept like a champ because she was exhausted from all the fun and drama. That night she was pitiful in her sleep. Every time she rolled over, she cried out because something hurt. But, she'll do it all over again. A few scrapes is a small price to pay for great adventure.

Who needs a swimsuit?

This weekend I was thrilled to have Leanne and her kids over for a few hours. We played in the creek and had fun watching the kids play together. Kenly was fascinated by the big kids. At first she didn't want to get in the creek, but after watching David and Elizabeth splash around she decided to plop herself right in the middle of the creek--who needs a swimsuit? Leanne and I were able to sneak out later that night while our men took care of the kids. We enjoyed having our toes done and then we devoured some ice cream. We laughed so hard we scared the locals. Girl time is so good for the soul.


Kenly loves licking the water off her hands. If she hasn't gotten a parasite yet, we're probably in the clear, right?
The girls. Isn't my best friend beautiful?

Dance, Dance, Dance

Kenly loves to dance. This isn't the best video. First of all, you can't hear the music or Kenly. But, you can see her cute bounce.

Dance, dance, dance. Dance, dance, dance. Dance, dance, dance. All night long.

Fun, Fun, Fun

Apparently licking the side of the pool in now a requirement for Kenly. The float is fun, but making Daddy watch her every move is even more riveting. Plus, the side of the pool appears to taste good...or maybe it helps with teething....or maybe....who knows? Our little thrill seeker couldn't make up her mind about the slide. She never cried, but she never asked for more either. In time, I think I'll have to drag her away from the slide.

What is cuter than a kiss-blowing baby in a swing? N-O-T-H-I-N-G!

New Friends and New Adventures

Our time in Maryland was full of new adventures and new faces for Kenly. Every day came with something new. Our child has never napped well, and on this trip she took monster naps. Walking, new people, and tons of fun appear to wear an 11 month old out.

Kenly loves for Adam to toss her into the air. She giggles, squeals, and begs for more.
During our time in Maryland, we were able to visit Hope. Adam and I worked with Hope at Northeast. She cooked us an amazing lunch and dessert. She also kept Kenly entertained with the piano.

Every morning we woke up and walked to a cool playground just down the street from Jason and Paula's house. We would swing, slide, walk on the beach, play in the sand, pick "flowers", and watch birds. We all had fun pushing Kenly in the swing. Our friends Rob and Bethany even sent us home with a baby swing that we'll try and mount in the basement so that the fun can continue.

Seth, Erica, and Maggie (their adorable 19 month old daughter) came to visit one evening. We had an amazing sushi dinner, and then we let the kiddos play. Maggie loved exploring Chance's pop-up kennel. She thought it was a cool fort. Kenly loved watching Maggie. It was fun to see what Kenly could be doing in just a few months. Maggie had us all rolling when she would dance and say, "Get down....Shake your bootie." She also amazed us by saying, "Take it easy man." O

Kenly and I also went to downtown Baltimore to visit Jen, Troy, and Makayla. We had lunch at Johnny Rockets and then walked around the harbor. These two girls liked reaching out and touching each other as they ate their meals.

Water Baby Meets Boat

To say that Kenly loves the water would be the understatement of the year. She's play in the tub for hours. She'll stay in a pool, lips shivering and turning blue. So, in Maryland I knew she needed to get out on a boat. We didn't stay out long, but she seemed to enjoy the ride as long as she was in someone's lap. The life jacket, on the other hand, was not her favorite thing in the world.

Although the life jacket is cute, it is majorly bulky. Kenly hates it because she couldn't move her arms well. This was taken just before we hopped in the boat to take a ride on the Little Magothy.
She wasn't quite sure about the noise, but she liked the wind in her hair and the wake the boat created. You can almost see her pointing in this picture.

Adam jumped in the water to take a ride on a surfboard behind the boat. Kenly didn't take an easy breath until she could see her daddy again. She waved and blew kisses, and got all nervous every time he got out of sight. Aunt Paula kept her comforted so I could take some pictures of Adam having fun.

Adam had fun being pulled...he tried to surf, but opted for a safer position to avoid injuring the knee. What a smart man I married.

Trip Planning and Food

Who in their right mind plans their trips around food? We do of course. In fact, it is something of a Brand family tradition. In the dead of winter Adam asked me where I wanted to be for the 4th of July. I answered without hesitation--Maryland. I only spent two 4ths in Maryland, but I loved them both. We called and "begged" for a free room at Jason and Paula's place, and it was decided. So, as the trip came closer, Adam asked me what I wanted to do. I asked him the same question. Overwhelmingly, our answers revolved around food. Maryland culinary delights to be exact. So, in honor of the 10+ pounds I gained on this trip...

Adam, Jason, and Derek managed to devour their breakfast sandwiches before I had time to capture the yummy deliciousness. We didn't get them from Bay Dale's, but Adam and Paula cooked a nearly perfect substitute.
What would a trip to Maryland be with out taking time to pick some blue crabs? This is the perfect picture of a crab picking table.

Nobody every said picking crabs was easy, but the mess and the trouble is worth it.

And what would a trip to Maryland be without a bowl of cream of crab soup at Cantler's? Add some mussels to the mix, and well, you add a few more pounds to my waist line.

Don't forget Gino's cheese steaks....oh, and boardwalk fries. Yum!

Weebles Wobble...

....and sometimes fall down.

I just wanted everyone to see the miracle of Kenly's new, wobbly steps. Last night she set a new distance record. She walked from her room to our master bedroom. She had to take a few rest breaks, but she was bound and determined to find her Daddy. I think she's really happy to be home. Her house is so much cooler now that she can explore it in an upright position.

Independence Day

Today is the Fourth of July, and instead of primarily celebrating our country's independence, I'm celebrating a much smaller yet monumental form of independence. My baby is growing up. She took her first real steps yesterday. She walked from her toy box to me to get a red cardinal that she loves. Uncle Jason was the witness. When Adam got back from Pizza Hut, she showed off her skills for him and Derek. She took five to six steps yesterday, and today she is already walking 10-12 steps. I even think she is trying to run. She also tackled a step yesterday. Since there are no steps in our house for her to practice on, I thought she was about to throw herself down the drop off head first. But, she paused, assessed the situation, and went down the step feet first like she had been dealing with steps her whole life. Do we have a genius on our hands or what?

I'm so proud of her my heart could burst. I love watching her bask in her accomplishment, but my heart is slightly sad. It a few weeks the short-lived, adorable crawling phase will be gone forever--in the blink of an eye. So, every time she takes a step, I'm slowing down to relish each wobble, the glint in her eye, and each hug she gives when she walks, ever so slowly, into my open arms. Before too long, she'll be walking the opposite direction.