Snowy days!

When it snowed a couple of weeks ago, Jason and I were both off from work so we played outside with the kids. Ben would barely take a nap because he wanted to keep riding his "snowboard". He was fearless! Look at those big kids! Uncle Jason getting him started The snow was so dry that Ben's sled wouldn't slide... so he decided to hijack with Kennedy and Colin followed by hot chocolate and marshmellows at Mammaw's house! Then a few million more trips down the bank into the road...no worries, I was photographer and traffic controller!Daddy played with Ben the next day! We got Kipper on a sled, but he hopped off before I got a picture of him Courtney even came to play!
Turn up the volume...you can hear him say, "whee...can we do it one more time??"

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve Morning (Santa was very understanding that Ben's Mommy had to work Christmas Day and brought his toys early!)

Ben was on the "Nice List!"


the dump truck Ben asked for...
and the Handy Manny Repair Shop


Not sure what Santa was thinking, but Ben got a drum and tamborine.

It's a Handy Manny Christmas

a quick video of Benjamin (his voice is very hoarse)

Kennedy and Colin came to see what Santa brought!

Christmas Eve

We started our evening by waking Ben from his nap and heading to Nonny and G's for Christmas with family.

Jennah and Jaiden helping Ben open his presents



and then went to my Grandmother's house for Christmas with more family...

where we got to see baby Joshua!
Garrett was Ben's buddy!
And of course, Jack and Jake!

Uncle Jason
Colin and Kennedy
A quick family picture before going home to go to bed!

Christmas with family

In nearly 10 years working as a nurse, I have luckily dodged working Christmas Day-until this year. Our routines and traditions changed to accomodate my work schedule, but we still managed a great Christmas with family!

Benjamin showing me his flashlight

Nonny opening presents with Ben and Addie "assisting" (anyone around children knows assisting is a term for ripping it out of your hands, shredding paper and tissue and continuing on with reckless abandon until no wrapped presents are in sight)
Daddy having a little snuggle time with Ben and Addie (watching a motorcycle video on the computer)
Daddy got a marshmellow shooting gun from Nonny (I'm sure Nonny is still finding marshmellows :)

Addie opening presents

Nonny and G got them Jeeps





Christmas Night after I worked...


Ben "assiting" Mammaw
and the Handy Manny Christmas continues...I think this picture may be used as a bargaining piece later in life :) We had to stop for a bathroom break and he was so excited he didn't want to slow down to put on his PJs!
and now re-clothed



Uncle Jason helping Ben (now wearing a toolbelt-glad he put on the pjs)with his tool set!
What is it?
A train table!
Ben loves his suitcase and flashlight! We are hoping to use this to visit Mickey's house soon!



a bobcat and combine too!

This video is what once was our den...now a playroom complete with tent!

Do you know....the muffin man?? Complete with stage fright at the end!

Benjamin debuts as....

JOSEPH! In the Happy Birthday, Jesus party/play at church this morning, Ben played Joseph. A LOOONG way from the be-tinseled angel of a couple of years ago!

Fantasy of Trees

Ben kept asking if he could have a cookie, Kennedy is helping him

Not so sure that he liked the icing on his fingers...
But he did enjoy eating it!
On the carosel with Courtney & Kennedy. Colin didn't get a horse close to the others :(
Kennedy, Ben, and Colin
Can't really think of a caption, but this is what I live with(can you tell he is a sneaker?)
Grammy and kids
What? A picture with mom...no way!

Nobody called...

Ben found an old phone and is carrying it around. I caught him on video the other day...eating candy and sitting in his chair in front of the window. Funny what little imaginations come up with.





and when we aren't talking on the phone, we ride motorcycles with safety goggles on.




Check out how he takes the goggles off and on during the video!


That's all I have for this marvelous Monday! Have a great week and Happy Thanksgiving!

Halloween Happenings

Matt and I took Ben to a different farm since he enjoyed the last hayride and pumpkin patch.


My reluctant participant in a posed shot....

There wasn't anyone else there so they took us on a hayride alone!
We roasted marshmellows after the hayride.First bite of a roasted marshmellow!

Do you think he likes it?

We went with Nonny and G to the circus. Ben and Addie had a good time--especially the snacks!


Ben and one of his favorite snacks...popcorn!
G and Ben watching the elephants
Addie
Addie and Ben watching


Ben and I painted our pumpkins, but we decided to carve them too. Grammy and Pappy helped us carve them in the rain Halloween morning. Ben wasn't interested at all, but I think the big kids had fun.

Yes, Colin is wearing a ski mask
Waiting to go outside and work in some leaves

Trick or treating


Mammaw's three little pumpkins
Cowboy Grayson and Ben at Trunk or Treat at church
Check out Mrs. Carolyn's van decorations!
Mrs. Carolyn and her Puggles Awana class...Ben, Lily, Grayson, and Luke