I cannot believe my last post was in early JULY! We are quite behind! It's been a wonderful summer, and I think in my "back to school" panic mode, I'm realizing how much we did and how much I need to update this blog! We've had so much fun and Benjamin is getting so big. He is talking and has quite the personality! Here are a few pictures from the cottage over the 4th of July to get started....there is MUCH more to come!
Benjamin and Daddy at Sea World watching his FAVORITE show-the boat show! We saw it twice! :)
On a tourboat on the riverwalk...Benjamin loved it!
He loved the different aquariums at the zoo and Sea World. 
We went in a cave...not exactly the best idea with an almost 2 year old!
Sitting in his big boy seat on the riverboat.
Benjamin's latest favorite toy and favorite thing to do-water everything in sight. I'm trying to teach him to water the things that need it like flowers or the grass, but he really enjoys watering the driveway and the deck. He even tried to water the Explorer yesterday (it probably does need a good wash)
Watering the beautiful potted plant our next door neighbor Marcelle made for us. 
Benjamin has a new pool and he loves it. We bought one of those pop-up pools and I think I've finally figured out how to put in the right amounts of chlorine and shock treatments, so we took advantage and went for a morning swim :)
This pool is the perfect size-Benjamin can reach the bottom and not be underwater.
One of his favorite things to do-take water out of the pool and water everything in sight with his little watering can. 
Benjamin LOVED the boat and actually cooperated and wore his life jacket this year. He learned to say "boat" at the cottage too. He says it all the time now...can't wait to go back! He loved helping grandpa drive and honking the horn!
Big smiles!
Benjamin has been admiring our neighbor's push car for a few weeks, so he finally got his own this weekend! He LOVES it-I am exhausted from all of the rides we've taken in the last 2 days!
As you can see in the picture, he is yelling at me because he's frustrated I'm stopping to take a picture! :)
Pushing is fun too!
We just renewed our membership to the Detroit Zoo, and Benjamin loved every second of our latest trip! He was very fascinated with this tiger statue, and even tried to give it a hug as you can see above.
He wouldn't leave this statue for about 20 minutes. We tried telling him there were real animals to see....
Benjamin and Chloe are two peas in a pod-they are so funny together! Here he is showing off his new sunglasses, and of course Chloe has to investigate and be right with him.
He also loves to climb between her legs and sit wherever she is sitting on the porch. 
Summer's almost here and a sure sign of that is corn on the cob! Benjamin LOVED it! It took him a few minutes to figure out how to hold it, but after awhile he was chowing away. 
Benjamin with a HUGE smile on his face on Easter-grandpa and grandma got him a bubble mower! He loves it!
His favorite thing to do-hang on the doorwall and beg to go outside! We have been enjoying every second of this beautiful April weather!
Running down the sidewalk in his Sunday best!
Definitely going to be a golfer when he gets older. 
This little look of mischief is one we see often :) Here he is cheering on the Spartans from the porch-he peeks his head in the window every now and then. We are so proud of our Spartans again this year-another FINAL FOUR! Go Green!
How is this for an action shot? Benjamin continues to be OBSESSED with vaccuum cleaners-in fact I think it has reached a whole new level. He seems to find them everywhere we go-stores, people's houses. Our house has never been cleaner!
Benjamin started his swim lessons this Saturday, and we predicted he would love the water and not be afraid at all. We were right-he LOVED swimming!!!! He was so funny in the water-he had a giant smile on his face the entire time. He was splashing, screaming, kicking, and dunking his head underwater with no problem. It was so much fun-we can't wait to do it again!
