... grand riviera princess ...

... we finally took our first family vacation since benji was born! actually i think it was our first vacation in about 2 years, so it was such a pleasure to have the time together. we headed off to the Maya Riviera last Friday & stayed @ an all-inclusive for 7 days ... it was marvelous ... no cooking! haha ...

... it was one of the most beautiful places i've ever been ... and would go back every year if i could. they were just so accommodating to us with benjamin ... they had cribs & high chairs we could use; wading pools & playgrounds; and the staff were in love with the children ... we never made it through a meal without having one of the waiters/waitress stopping and chatting spanish with benj ... he was in love with them too!

... my folks came along too & for them this was their first vacation over seas, so it was very exciting to watch them experience everything together ... they had never even flown anywhere together! it was so much fun to have them there; plus they gave us a few date nights & a whole day just to me & luke! it was a blessing & such a wonderful time ... for our date 'day' we went to Xel-Ha to snorkel and explore ... it's where the ocean meets with a fresh water area ... GORGEOUS!! i wish i had my underwater pics developed, cuz the fish were unbelievable ... we even swam with a stingray! oh, and almost bumped into a swordfish. fantastic day ...

... well, i'm not going to put tonnes of pics on here ... if you want to see more you can check out my facebook ... just have to say again how great this place was ... anyone looking for a great getaway ... with or without children ... i would highly recommend this place!

... milestones ...

things around this seibert household has been busy lately ... we've celebrated many things ... from luke's 25th birthday, to benji's first tooth, to kristy's first day in the O.R.! haha ... they're all worth celebrating in our house.

i am looking forward to slowing things down here soon ... we didn't get a summer holiday this year, so luke promised me a winter getaway which we are going to be leaving for next week! this trip has definitally been a challenging one to get ready for ... taking a baby along is proving to have its challenges, but we are SO looking forward to sharing this experience with benji.

benj had his 9 month checkup the other day & he's clocking in at just over 21 pounds! the doctor gave him a clean bill of health & says he is doing great ... i didn't have any concerns, but it's always nice to have him checked over. benjamin also got his 1st tooth this month & is promptly working on the second. he is also climbing stairs, pulling himself up on things & the doctor actually said that he's 'speaking' really clear ... she figures he'll be saying words soon ... well he does say mama already ;o)

i'll leave you with this adorable pic of benj ... his tooth isn't through in this picture, but you can see the bump where it was wanting to.

... lake clean up, wedding bells & family fun ...

we've had a busy few weeks & it's been a lot of fun! benj & i have started going to baby & mom aquacize & he's been lovin every minute of it! today's the first time we haven't gone, but only because benjamin has caught himself a nasty cold ... probably from all the traveling & late nights.

our lives have been taking a bit of a turn lately & we've been enjoying it very much. it really started with taking our house OFF the market. we've been feeling like we need to take a step back & just sit still for a while to listen to what God is trying to tell us. we've also changed churches & have been blessed so much by the people there already! we're in a small group of people that have already become an important part of our lives.

benjamin is growing up so fast & is changing every day. since he discovered how to crawl a few weeks ago, he's been on the go & into everything he can! but he is much more content now that he can get around himself. he's eating more & more food ... but still no teeth! he seems to have all the symptoms of teeth on the way, so we're just waiting!

we had a wonderful time visiting family this weekend, as we went up to GP for Shawn's wedding. it was a beautiful wedding & we wish Shawn & Cheri all the best! it was a whirlwind trip, but always worth it. now we're just settling into life again & enjoying our days together.

me & and monkey doing 'clean up' @ the lake

spiffed & ready for the big wedding!

shawn & the wedding party waiting the bride

pretty aunti Kris & the Benjmeister ... he loves his crazy auntie!

Luke & Dan

Ediger & Luker

the photographers for the big day ... Grow Photography

we were able to hangout with Moorehouses between the wedding & reception .... it was so fun to watch the boys start to play together!

although bath play time didn't go over very well

Grandpa & Grandma Siebert ... Benj remembered them quickly & had a blast having so much attention

and what a better to end a great trip ... Luke's very first speeding ticket! haha ...

... proof for auntie kris ...

... 6 months ...

18 lbs. 2 oz.

... new item on the menu ...

... any guesses?? haha ...

... good times @ emma lake ...

i have spent most of july @ the lake with my mom ... it has been so nice to relax there. luke & dad have been working 4 day weeks and then coming up to the lake for long weekends.

the first day we went up, we were greeted with showers about half way & our luggage got soaked on the back of the truck ... needless to say we spent a couple hours with the oven on and our clothes were hangin all over the cabin ... i was able to find Benj some dry clothes and placed him in front of the oven to keep him warm.

grandpa rempel came out for the weekend too & he took me fishing, which i haven't done in years! i got the first catch of the day ... and the biggest catch of the day!

i'm not sure who loved all the snuggle time more ... grammi or benji

ahhh ... what a pleasant face - and right after a nap nontheless!

benjamin absolutely loved the beach ...

... he even handled the cold lake water better than most of us!

after the initial shock of being stuffed into his lifejacket, he thought the boat was the best ride of his life!

and to finish off the weekend ... all 4 siblings back together for the ride of their lives! good times ...