Now that Mia is two, I don't have monthly milestones to title my posts. 
Nonetheless, here is what has occupied this busy girl in the past month!

Although our summer weather has been AWOL (and it's July!), Mia spends her happiest moments outside.  She is particularly helpful with plant maintenance.

Her bounces get more daring every day:

At the lake, she was fascinated by the parasailer ("balloon"),

and learned the art of the sandcastle from Aunt Arianna.

We've been able to watch the entire life of two little robins, from Mrs. Robin's skillful nest building under the deck, to the laying of perfect blue eggs, to flight lessons.  Mia found the best spectator spot:


During cousin Talan's birthday, we got to hike up a miniature (but steep) hill.  Mia cruised right up it, and demanded her independence the entire way.  Her dad was beaming with pride over his emerging trail runner.

It is a rare occasion that Mia will let me swing with her, so this is a valuable photo. 

She is learning to pump her legs, and doesn't need me anymore : (

In fact, at Great Gma R's house, Mia and Dad took turns pushing each other on this very teetery swing. Sitting on it alone results in a core muscle workout.

Our weekly visit to future building site, which is currently green with wheat,

usually draws big smiles from Mia. 

Beware the tickle monster!  Gma & Gpa R's chihuahuas love this game (not really).

Fanaticism, Part Two

This isn't the first time, but it is likely the last.  In honor of the Deathly Hallows finale release, 

we mournfully memorialized with a terminal stint of British pot-roast, 

Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans contest, a Potions class, etc.

We tried to make light of Dad's scary red Weasley wig by turning it into a fun hat for Mia.
Our scheme only worked while she wore it.
As soon as it was transferred to Dad's head, the wig, and Dad, became strangers.

 Here is bad-A Bill Weasley, complete with dragon claw bling (on right ear), and battle wound.

...throwin' back a pre-dinner shot of fire-whiskey while being sorted.

Being Professor McGonagall was not as fun as last year's character...

perhaps the graying hair, wrinkles, & crabbiness felt too prophetic. 

Our cute & faithful house elves

Heinz Reunion Post Script

I missed a few of the sides from my previous post...

1. Here is a new & valuable D. Heinz family picture.  This required a lot of patient and determined directors.  A decent photo of this size is no easy feat, and we are only missing four members!

2. David's contagious enthusiasm spiced up this trans-generational game of croquet, 

so that even my infinitely bored brother was getting into it.

3. Despite all the activity, this was and is, the best part of being at Grandma's house...

Heinz Reunion & All the Sides

We just returned from our Heinz family reunion...the first time so many of us have been together in the last five years.  In addition to the treat seeing our ever expanding family, we had lots of fun activities! 

A group of us ran the Sawtelle Stampede... 

                                                   ...David won second place in the 1/2 marathon 

   portion and received the promised bag of gold coins.  

I was wholly expecting foil wrapped chocolate, 

Mia's first canoe ride:                                         but had a pleasant surprise when I felt the weight of the bag!

The Mesa Falls Hikers 

David's usual cold water entry-of-choice:

Mia's energy was all expended on the "BIG BOAT"
ride anticipation, so most of the actual ride was spent
like this:                                                                             My 13 yo. sister, Arianna, has not completely      

                                                                                             turned to the dark side of teenagedom yet.  I was grateful to catch her jumping into the water with her nose plugged.

Mia follows suit and rarely concerns herself with the consequeces of free-falling 
off a rocky precipice (relatively).
 Luckily, for the photo, at least, Dad was right there to catch her!

This family is good at producing (and acquiring) girls. In keeping with the first D. Heinz generation, we have 83% female great-grandchildren.

My sis, demonstrating
her pogo-fiddling talent

I insisted that we have a slide-show of family photos, and I am ever-so-glad that I did.  

It was a most valuable opportunity for his progenitors to learn important principles from & convictions of our respected grandpa.  He knows stuff.

We made a quick trip to visit my Harmon grandparents while we
were close-by.  Mia was able to participate in her favorite back-yard
activity with her great-gma gardener:                                                                   Souvenirs consisted of Aunt
                                                                                                 Jacque's fancy oatmeal & olive oil soap,
                                                                                                    complete with demonstration & instruction:

Mia acted as commentator to each firework, 

in case we didn't recognize the color.                        We got to attend a real small-towney 4th of July parade.           By the time Mia warmed up to the floats and flying candy, it was over. 

Enjoying Gma Harmon's peonies:

Mia seems to sense that her great grandpas deserve their title.
She's on to something.