Just Chillin'

It is hard to believe that Maya is 2 months old already! She is such a sweet little baby and we love having her around. She went to see Dr. Julia on Friday and weighed in at 10lbs 7oz (50th %ile) and was 22.5in long (60th %ile). So, she is eating well and healthy as can be.

She has discovered her feet and loves watching herself kick! She is constantly moving her legs and can even scooch herself around on her back in her crib or on the floor. Even the nurse commented on how strong her legs were when she was giving her her shots. She is a smiley little bug and I think I've even heard her giggle once or twice. Maya has been sleeping 8-9 hours at night since she was around a month old, so that has been very nice for me.

On Saturday, we went to the Buffalo Bill Days Parade here in Golden. Gabi really enjoyed all of the horses, marching bands (she's really into dancing right now), and the balloons. It is a fun parade.

You can't beat this view!

Gabi's friend Lily (Lily's brother got to ride a street sweeper in the parade!)

You can't have a parade in Golden without some Coors trucks. I thought this was a good pic because if you look closely, you can see the brewery in the background.

Here is a picture of Gabi and Lily drinking their milk together in our recliner last night. They look pretty tuckered out after playing hard. Lily and I have the same birthday -- July 28 -- she will be 2 on Tuesday and I will be 30! Yikes!

Joe and I had our first official date night on Friday. It is the first time we had gone out by ourselves since before Gabi came home! We had a great time eating at the Olive Garden and seeing "The Hangover." Thanks to Char and Jason for babysitting! Joe and I celebrate our 7th Anniversary tomorrow!

Love to you all,

Joe, Tara, Gabi & Maya

Fun in Iowa

Yes, we were crazy enough to venture out on the road again last weekend...this time a 10.5 hour ride to Urbandale to see my family. Maya is at a good age to travel, but keeping Gabi happy and entertained was a full-time job each way. We made it and had lots of fun with my parents and brother.

Maya was baptized on Saturday at St. Pius X Catholic Church, the same church that Joe & I were married in. Our family friend, Deacon Rick did the private service and it was beautiful. He said that Maya was the first baby that he had baptized that did not cry at all. She even smiled after he rubbed oil on her head. What a happy girl she is! Our friend, Kara Jones, made Maya's dress and Gabi's as well. They are beautiful! My brother, Tom, is Maya's Godfather.

Joe, Maya, and Tom

Gabi and Grandma Mary

Proud Grandparents & Godfather

Baptism attendees with Deacon Rick

On Sunday evening, we had a party celebrating my Dad's 60th birthday. His birthday was actually back in April, but he wanted good weather so his band buddies could have a Rock 'n' Roll concert outdoors. They did an awesome job! It was fun to see some family friends that I haven't seen since I left home 11 years ago (or longer!) It was also nice to meet some of his co-workers and church friends for the first time. My uncles from Omaha were able to attend, so it was fun to catch up with them as well.

Gabi teaches Uncle Tom how to use a camera ;-) Gabi adores Tom -- and since we've returned from our trip, she keeps saying,"Tom?"

On our way back to Denver, we stopped in Lincoln and had lunch with my Grandma Dot. She got to meet Maya for the first time.

Early last week, my Grandma Dot asked me to take a close-up picture of Gabi and Maya together so that she could show her friends. When I was feeling up to the challenge, I sat them both on the couch and started shooting very quickly. I had to take almost 20 pictures to get a few decent ones. Here a 3 of them.

This is my ultimate favorite:

Doesn't Gabi look totally guilty here? Even though she wasn't the reason Maya started crying, her "I didn't do it and even if I did I'm too cute for you to get mad" smile says otherwise.

That's all for now! Take care!

Joe, Tara, Gabi, & Maya

A Wyoming Weekend

We hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July weekend. We spent ours in Buffalo with Joe's family and had a great time. Gabi and Gio wore each other out and Maya and Marco got acquainted. Here are some pictures from the weekend.

Watching the fire at the cabin and waiting for "s'more time"

I don't know how Joe and Greer got them to pose like this, but doesn't it look like a prom pic? :)

Grammy Joyce with 2 sleeping kiddos!

Going with Papa to find marshmallow roasting sticks

Stop and smell the lupine

A random hug we caught on camera. There were lots of hugs and fun play between Gabi and Gio, but there were a few arguments as well. Sharing 101 here we come.

Waiting for s'mores on Grandpa's lap.

Gabi's 1st s'more. A new favorite treat, I believe.

We had professional family pictures taken on Sunday -- 29 of us Halls in all. I will post a few when we get them back.

Take care! Joe, Tara, Gabi, & Maya