Summer Burgers . . . or are they?

Here are the cupcakes I made for the Smokers' Fourth of July party. I got the idea from this website--the buns are yellow cupcakes, and the burgers are chocolate brownies. I was really happy with how they turned out, and they tasted so good!

"I want one of those!"

13 Months Photos

New Hairdo

Matthew's birthday was earlier this month, and Myla wanted to look extra pretty for the occasion. This was our first foray into pigtails, and I assure you it hasn't been our last. Expect more pictures of this in the future, because it is so insanely cute.

More splashing fun

Earlier this summer, we set up a little play area on our deck, with a little pool and splash table (and the all-important gates!). We all love being outside, and especially being together.

Away on business . . .

I'm at a conference in Boston this week, so I haven't been posting. But I'm starting to understand the mindset of our blog followers . . . I miss Myla so much, so I check the blog thinking there might be a post, knowing full well there won't be because I'm here and Matthew has tons to do as a single dad for the week. It reminds me that the blog is a nice connection to Myla for those of you that aren't close.

If you're hurting for an update, though, you might check out the Zumbiel's blog, where Jennifer is doing a daily update in honor of our niece's 2nd birthday this week. Also, the Wall Street Journal blog had a post about a paper of mine on Monday, which you can read here.

Looking forward to being back in the Bend soon with my hubby and my Monchichi!

Batter Up!

Here are a couple of pictures of Myla at my department's outing to the Silverhawks game. Photo credits go to Conor Evans, my colleague's son. And don't worry, that's not our ND hat. (Go Cats!)

In the spirit of this post, check out our new poll on the left!

Welcome, Claire and Lucy!

The Blaze-Buckles family would like to welcome Claire and Lucy McNally to the world! You can see a picture of these gorgeous girls on the McNally's blog. Congratulations and much love go out to Judd and Laura and their lovely daughters.

Cruise Wrap-up

Here are a few other great photos from the cruise:

Myla at dinner--she had a great time every night and ate so many new things! She also made a new best friend, named Iketut (the bartender). I could always tell when Iketut was near because Myla's face would light up.


M.J. relaxing on deck, again thanks to Nana's nap magic:

The five-member Buckles Trivia Team, with our first-place medals! We won on a tiebreaker--we were the first to name the five body parts above the neck and the five body parts below the neck with only three letters (example: "eye" is one above the neck). Think you can do it? The answer will be in the comments.

Myla taking a bath in her tupperware container in the tiny shower.

"I don't want to go home!" (And where is my shoe?)

Grand Cayman

The Buckles family unanimously agrees that our favorite port was the Grand Cayman Islands. We got lucky and got an insider tip from a crew member, who sent us to a place called Treasure Island. It was a resort/condominium with three pools, a great poolside restaurant, a swim-up bar, and access to an incredible beach. We were practically the only people there, and had a wonderfully relaxing day.

Family Time

The best part about the cruise was getting to spend time with my parents, my sister, and my brother-in-law. We had a great time together, and everyone was really helpful with Myla. Thanks, Buckles family!

Nana works her nap magic on Myla.


Myla and Pop watch the sun set over the water.

Fun with Aunt Kelly and Uncle David!

Key West

Our first stop on the cruise was Key West. It's more town than beach, but we had a great meal at Sloppy Joe's and some fantastic Key Lime pie.


The view from the ship:



M.J. at Sloppy Joe's (famous Hemingway hangout). More, please!



Matthew and David picked up some matching Top Gun-style sunglasses at a store called "Everything $5." Worth. Every. Penny.



Getting ready to reboard.

Thirty-two!

Happy birthday to the best husband and father two girls could hope for. We love you!

Muster

At the start of every cruise, they have what's called "muster." It's a doomsday-scenario drill, and everyone brings their life jacket to their lifeboat station, and calmly simulates what would happen if the boat were to go down. Muster is no fun, because it takes away from your pool time, and it's hot and crowded. As you can see, Myla did not like it one bit.

At the beginning:

At the end:

The whole experience wiped her out.

Don't go!

We know we've been neglecting the blog for the last week or so--our only excuse is that the weather has been great so we've been outside whenever possible. But we don't want to lose our loyal readers, so we'll reward you with a photo week! Check back every day for the next seven days for pictures of our cruise and other fun summer stuff.

Let's get things started with a photo of Myla in her first big-girl bath: