Samuel enjoyed playing with one of Uncle Chad's drum stools. The hardwood floors took some getting used to, but he did pretty well.
Another Great-Grandparent shot.
Samuel poses with some mums. Good autumn picture.
On Friday we left St. Louis and spent the night just south of Chicago with the VanNoord's. Jared and Seth are above. Seth is the shorter of the two.
Saturday evening found us back in Michigan, back in Hudsonville. Uncle Ryan and Aunt Karina posed for this picture. We headed for home on Sunday afternoon.
Thursday morning we went to the Magic House, a children's museum in St. Louis. It made for some cute pictures and Samuel had a ball. Literally. They had a bin for recently slobbered-on toys (to be cleaned). We filled it.
That afternoon Hannah's parents arrived and we were all treated to a BBQ dinner by her grandparents. Satisfying. 
Wednesday was a rainy day spent at Grant's Farm. Samuel didn't mind though. He was all smiles during the tram ride.
Uncle Chad came along as well.
That afternoon some of Samuel's Great Grandparents arrived. Hidden there behind Samuel is Hartley. Samuel was very excited.
We went to the St. Louis Zoo, a great, free zoo in Forest Park in St. Louis. It was actually kind of chilly so he's wearing his jacket.
The penguins didn't mind the chill. Nasty things. Don't believe the movies. They go for distance when they poop.
Tuesday we went to Concordia Seminary to visit some old friends and co-workers. This is Hannah and Samuel under Luther Statue.
Samuel actually did very good on the way down. We spend the first night at Grandma Irene's and then drove the 8.5 hrs to St. Louis. This was about 2hours more than it usually takes Hannah and I by ourselves so we thought that was pretty good time.
We went to the Crave after dropping off our stuff at Uncle Chad and Aunt Bethany's house. Samuel and I (Marcos) spent the sermon outside in these excellent Adirondack chairs. 
At home the next day, Uncle Chad introduced Samuel to the drums, which he enjoyed immensely.
It was great to be able to stay with Chad and Bethany and apparently they didn't mind so much, even when Samuel woke them up earlier than they really wanted.
We arrived back home uneventfully this afternoon. We had a good trip, saw lots of friends and family, visited our old stomping grounds and took a lot of pictures. Its been interesting traveling with an 8 month old and we've learned a lot. Hopefully sometime this week I'll post the wrap up from the week, with pictures. I don't think I'm gonna do it all in one post, so you'll forgive me if I make it drag on through the week.
Ok, he doesn't really sit here spontaneously (and without a toy in his hand, he quickly tries to leave), but someday...
He has taken his first crawling steps today. He kinda hobbles like some sort of crippled baby, but it gets the job done.
I did not sit him there - he got there from lying down. This is how I found him after his morning nap. I'm glad we put the mattress down lower a week ago. You never know when they're going to figure something out.
Hmmm...I've managed to switch directions whilst laying under my empire of toys. I found the supporting archway holding up my fortress and discovered it's one weakness. If you push on it with both feet the whole thing comes down like a house of cards. Baby Einstein - what a piece.
(Just kidding - he loves this thing and I'm pretty sure that he kicks it over on purpose now. I found him laying like this just sucking on his fingers, happy as a clam.)
Ah yes...100% linen, a hint of sweet potato, the aroma of lemons, vintage year 2007. My favorite.
We traveled across this state this weekend.
The Bell family reunion was on saturday so we a good chunk of the day outdoors at Hagar Park.
Aunt Karina was on hand for biological teaching.
Samuel has a new toy over at Grandma and Grandpa Bira's house. Its a combo wading pool, sprinkler, and deck flooder.
Aunt Bethany teaches Samuel about his letters. "Now the best tasting letters are found in the middle third of the alphabet..."
Having only recently mastered his first, Samuel begins his study of a second language.
Gee, thanks. The resemblance is uncanny.
