Benson and the Slide

Rhona's Visit

Benson Walking

Big Girl Bed

We love to jump on beds at our house! And Kenas new big girl bed is the best one to jump on!
She is so happy to be in a big bed now! We left up her crib for a week to use as leverage to keep her in bed, it totally worked! She won't get out of bed until we come in and get her in the morning! She has done great!!

Grandmas Toys

Grandma Sue came to visit this week and brought her fun building blocks! She decided to leave them for Kena and Benson to play with for a few more days since they love them!
Grandma keeps them in this fun basketball hamper that also acts as a perfect "fort"!

Summer Swim

We have been spending a lot of time in the water the last few weeks! Benson and Kenadee have been loving it!!

Home is Where Your Heart Is

Here is a little tour of our house. The front and living room/dining room

The messy kitchen and family/play room

Backyard and kids bathroom

Spare room (future Library/Office) and Kenas room

Bensons room, the only one in the house fully put together.

Master bathroom and bedroom. (Doesn't our little queen bed look tiny?)

There you have it, our current abode! We are loving it!!

My Favorite Dancer

Ladies Night

5 Moms + 0 kids + lots of chocolate = too much fun!!

This last Friday night we had a much needed carefree getaway! My highschool girls went up north to Nattie's cabin. It was do fun to talk about the good old days, share in the excitment of the present days and dream of our future days! We missed our sweet Megann, Rhona and Morgan! Natalie, ,Leah, Lindsay, Alissa and I were able to make it. Ladies, you amaze me! You are witty, fun and sassy still!! I love ya!!
Nat and Linds

Alissa, Leah and me

Papa Bears chair

Group hug, next year lets all get there!!

Update

Life is good! Ben and I have been busy trying to keep up with our very energetic kiddos. Work is going great for Ben and I feel like my house is finally in a liveable state! I have decided that it's time to take a short break from projects!!

Benson is 10 months. He doesn't eat baby food anymore, it's all about the big people stuff! We cheated and turned him forward facing in his car seat because he is incredibly strong and weighs about 21 lbs. He is taking more risks with his walking skills, has started dancing when he hears music, hugs his mom all the time, and climbs into everything!

Kenadee is 2 1/2 and is a firecracker! She loves loves loves to dance and sing. We recently went to see my little sisters perform in a dance recital and Kenadee tried to convince me she "needed" to dance on stage! She loves talking on the phone to anyone who will listen. She surprises me with cute phrases all the time and is constantly telling us "I love you the most!"
I thought it would be a good idea to try Benson in the sling while I made cookies. He was able to reach the flour!

Kenadee just climber right in after I took out the clothes

I gave Kena her first haircut. I trimmed just a little hoping to stimulate some more growth.

Benson's favortie place to play. If anyone leaves the bathroom door open Benson will find out!

After dinner the other night Benson was so filthy I just stsuck him in the kitchen sink, of course Kenadee had to join him!!

Dinner Tonight

So tonight for dinner the kids had spagetti-os. Benson was covered and needed a bath. While I was bathing him Kena was out "spicing up" her dinner. Here is what I found when I came to check on her. The salt shaker was full at the begining of dinner!

Projects

I've been busy painting lately. My first project was this crib that we were given. It had been through 5 kids and looked a little worn.
Amazing what some paint can do!

My second project was this tv hutch that Christina found for me at a garage sale. It was blue and scratched all over.

Now it's black and I love it!

Pottys and Binkies

We are potty trained and binkie free! It's been a busy couple of weeks, but Kena did it! We started potty training about a month ago, ,but we just completed our first full no accidents week!! Kena even goes to the potty on her own, without help from mom!
We also said goodbye to the binkies last week. Its been me who was attached, and I finally decided to give it up! :) We had Kena put all of her binkies in a tin and put them on the front doorstep for the binkie fairy to take to babies who really need them. She got a cute little teddy and some treats in return, and hasn't complained since. I thought this was going to be so hard, I kept putting it off, but she did great!

Happy Birthday Sister

Last week was my cute sister Heidi's 22nd birthday. We drove over to Gilbert to take her to breakfast. Afterwards her and I got pedicures it was wonderful!!
Benson was loving the toast.

Grandma and Kena (who was being shy of the camera)

The birthday girl and me!

Surprise

For a few months now Tami and I have been planning a baby shower with Michelle's mom and sister. Michelle had no idea!! This last Saturday was the day and boy was she surprised when Tami and I walked in! Alicia (Michelle's sister) had the great idea to do a bird theme, everything turned out great! We were so excited to get to be a part of this shower to celebrate baby girl McDonoughs arrival!
Tami, Michelle and I

The food table, this was an early picture, there was a lot more delicious food!

Alicia (Michelles sister), Lisa (Michelles mom) and Michelle

Alicia's adorable birds nest cupcakes!

Girls Lunch

Last Monday my dear friends Natalie and Megann came over for a visit with their cute little girls! We talked, ate and laughed at the kids. It was so fun, thanks girls for making the trip across town!

San Francisco

We got to take a trip home! I really do feel like SF is my home! So much happened there. We went out to meet little Jordyn Kay Chappell. It was so fun to see friends, eat great food and just be in the place I love! We were a little worried that it would take Kenzie and Kena a little while to get comfortable with each other again, but they were friends instantly!
Kenzie adores her Uncle Ben!

Ben and Garrett took the girls to the Elders Quorum crab fishing.

Benson and Sadie hit it off again too! What a little cutie!

The kids did better than I thought in the hotel! Once lights went out, they both settled right down, it was amazing!

The view at Coit Tower.

Benson loves riding on our shoulders. Apparently Ben's ears are the perfect handles!

It got really quiet for a while, we went searching and this is what we found! Double Trouble!!

Kena loved baby Jordyn! We even got a cute smile out of Jordyn

9 Months

I've been so behind with getting Bensons updates posted! He is now 9 months and as busy as ever! He is super smily, loves the camera, is into everything! I've discovered that raising a boy is very different from raising a girl! Kenadee got into stuff, but this little man gets into everything!! He is a speed crawler, has taken a few steps here and there, he says "mama" and he gives wet slobbery kisses. He eats like a champ and sleeps a 13 hour night!

This was his 8 month picture.

Easter Weekend

We had a great Easter weekend! It was a wonderful time to reflect on our Savior and all that He made possible for us!! We enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Ben even had the privilege of speaking in sacrament meeting Easter Sunday. He did a wonderful job! What an amazing time to reflect on the reality of a resurrected Savior who made it possible for us to truly be "Forever Families!" On Sunday we had Grandma Sue, Aunt Heidi, Aunt Millie and Uncle Nate over for dinner. I spaced on pulling out my camera that whole night! Benson with his goods.

Here Kenadee and I are painting eggs with the special princess pack that Nana gave to us!

Kenadee and Benson in their Easter duds.

Friday night the Jurcas came over for a little Easter egg hunt. Thank you Jen for putting together all the eggs!!! Kenadee and Joe loved looking for eggs. They both got so excited that there was stuff inside the eggs that we had to coax them to look for more after the first!

Kenadee is wondering why mom had to ruin all of her "moments!"

Saturday we headed over to my dad's place for Easter activities. Originally everything was going to be outside, but the rain came. We had a great time despite the rain! The kids hunted for eggs, we frosted cookies, played games, ate a wonderful meal (thanks Christina!), and enjoyed wonderful company!

Heidi and Maddie

Uncle Nate made Benson a part of the tetherball.

Kena and Aunt Heidi

Benson Aunt Millie and crazy Uncle Nate.

Colorado

This post is a little late, but better than never! We had the great opportunity to meet up with two of our favorite couples, the Ence's and McDonough's last month in Denver, CO for a few days. It was a fun filled, kids free weekend! We stayed up ridiculously late every night, ate great food and enjoyed wonderful company! Thanks to Michelle and Aaron for putting us all up!
Here's the capitol building
Above is the fun riverway next to downtown. Belowis a shot of the beautiful downtown!
We were able to meet up with the Stutzneggers up in Fort Collins an denjoy a delicious meal at a steak house.
Heres our group at the Garden of the Gods. There were beautiful red rock formations, with a path curving all through it.

Happy Easter

Quick Update

We moved! We are finally in our own little place. I say little, but it's the biggest place Ben and I have ever lived in! We found an adorable 4 bedroom house to rent. It has a cute little back yard that we put a "jumpoline" in. (Thanks Papa and Nana!) So if anyone is in Arizona and needs a place to stay, give us a call! :)
Benson was making "the face" so I put him on the potty. Nothing happened! He was so excited about being on the potty, that I guess he was gun shy. :) No, I am not trying to potty train him! (I'm still working with Kena)

Kena watches Ben and I clean out our ears, so she know right where to put Q-tips!

7 Months

Benson is 7 months now and he is busy!!

He had both of his bottom teeth break through. (You may have to enlarge the picture to see them.)
He also got his first big "owie".  He was in a walker and within seconds was in the kitchen just as my sister-in-law opened up the oven door.  She turned for just a second to put down the food she had pulled out, and Benson touched the oven door.  It was so sad, he screamed for at least 20 minutes.  I felt terrible because I couldn't do anything to comfort him!  As soon as Ben got home, he and my brother-in-law Eric gave this little guy a blessing and within minutes he stopped crying and even started laughing!  He didn't cry about his injury again.  The power of the priesthood is such a real thing!  I am so grateful for a husband who is worthy to hold that priesthood!!

Lots of Expression

I love this little girl!!

He Crawls

Benson started scooting a bit a couple weeks ago, but this is the first video of a more "advanced" crawl!  He is getting faster and faster by the day.

Valentines Day

For Valentine's Day this year, we went to Castles'n'Coasters with the Benefields.  The kids had a blast!  Kenadee and Avie loved the 3 little kid rides and Sam and Kaylee loved all the big rides!  

We started with a round of golf, about halfway through, the girls were begging to go on the rides! :)
Ben got Benson a Transformer for V-Day.
Kenadee got a bear and a mini-rose from Daddy.
Ben spoiled me this year!  He sent me on a treasure hunt.  I found money all along the way, at the end was a card with more money and the promise of a babysitter while Aimee and I had a shopping spree!  

Lips

Almost 7 months

Look who thinks he's a "big" boy!!

I don't know how to change the order of the pictures, so this is the after of the last picture on this post.

Finger painting monster!!

Post rain, rainboot fun!!  Ok, more like mud fun!!
I think daddy's face needs to be decorated!!

So I finally decided to give in and load my pictdures onto my sister-in-law's computer.  She's been telling me to forever and I just keep thinking no, we'll be in our own place soon.  Well, here we go, I can now post pictures as things happen in life! :)

"I Do It Myself"

Thanksgiving

Visit with Ences'

Benson's Blessing

Kenadee Turns Two

For Kenadee's birthday, we had doughnuts for breakfast, went to the zoo, and had a little party with cousins, aunts and Joe!

Friend Christmas Party

Fun with the Jurcas

We are loving having the Jurca's close again! When they first moved here they were staying at a resort. We were invited to come over and swim. It was Benson's first time and it apparently tuckered him out! Kena touched a cactus while we were there and Kena and Joe decided to try eating goldfish with spoons. Can you believe the beauty of this sunset, Arizona sure is beautiful!!

Christmas

For Christmas we celerated first at Eric and Aimee's, then went to Grandma Sue's house, then went to Nana and Papa's house. It was so fun to be around family this year! We are so grateful to be living in Arizona around cousins, aunts and uncles and grandparents!!

Cousin Fun

Benson Photo-Shoot

Kenadee helping Benson

2 Years Old

Kenadee is 2!!  I can't believe how quickly time goes by!  She is talking more and more everyday.  She loves to sing and to read books.  She has recently been introduced to "Princesses" and always wants to be dressed up.  She takes great care of Benson, helping with bottles, diapers and entertaining!  She weighed in at 24 lbs  5 oz, little one.  Her new favorite phrase is "I do it!"  She loves to say "I love you" and "I a big girl".  For her birthday she got trains, a doll and stroller and some big girl underware.  She has been doing great with potty training!  (I'm sure mainly from watching her cousin Avie.)  Kenadee loves to laugh, to dance and to run.  Life is good when you are 2!!

Benson Update

This is Benson's four month picture. He is super busy these days. He weighed in at 15 lbs. 7 oz. He is rolling over like crazy. He wants to sit up, and has for about 5 minutes! His new favorite thing is to drink from a cup.

This is Benson's 3 month picture.

October

Halloween 2008. I bought Kena a little tin to collect candy, but obviously she got more than it would hold! We ended up dressing up as a royal family, with our little frog prince.

Originally Kena was going to be a witch, but after this reaction just trying on her costume, we went for a princess dress.

I love my sweet babies!

My sister Heidi and I took the kids to the Phoenix Zoo.

This was Benson's first haircut. The pictures are mixed up, the right is the before and the left is the after.

This is Benson's little cousin Rachel. She is just three weeks younger than Benson.

For my birthday my brother made me a potato gun. It is so fun!!

Kenadee giving Aunt Heidi a makeover. Our first weekend in Arizona was spent watching conference with family.

September

This was a good bye dinner with several of my cute San Francisco friends. Ladies, I miss you all!!

These are my cute dental wives. We all started out in the Bay ward in San Francisco and due to having babies we all ended up in the Golden Gate Ward.

Our friends Courtney, Conrad and Weston Stutznegger came out to visit, we went out to Barneys, our SF classic!

We threw in a camping trip with friends up to China Beach camp. We were there with the Chappells, Hinckleys, and Betitas. The Blacks came up to visit us during the day. It was super fun! The kids got filthy, painting themselves with dirt.

Our friends Michelle McDonough and Mark, Tami and Ryder Ence came to visit. We loved having them!

My first road trip with two kids! We went with Jen and Joe Jurca down to Valencia and had a wonderful time!

Princess

Yesterday I got ready for church before I got Kenadee out of her crib. When I walked in to get her, she smiled at me with wide eyes and said "Mommy princess". Oh how I love my little Kena!

Update

Well, I know that it's been forever since I've posted pictures! I have tons to post, but we have had some technical difficulties, and so it may be a while longer. We are loving Arizona though. It has been wonderful to be around so much family! My kids are in heaven. Kenadee gets so much attention she hardly knows what to do with herself. We are still living with my wonderful sister and brother-in-law. They are the best hosts!! Benson is growing like a weed a getting stronger by the day. He rolls over all the time, tries to sit up from any kind of inclined position and can hold on like he's never going to let go! Kenadee is talking more and more by the day. She loves to sing now; her favorite songs are "ABCs", "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", and "I Am a Child of God". What a wonderful blessing these sweet little ones have been in my life!

Please support Prop 8

The time that we now live is a turning point in the history of our country. We are faced with an economic crisis that is unfamiliar to the majority of us and more significantly we are witnessing a bold frontal assault on the most sacred thing we have in this world, next to our faith in God, our families. The battle front, not surprisingly, is happening in the most influential state in our country and probably the world, California. Think about the influence Hollywood has had on the worlds ideas and views. California is a tourist attraction for millions of people. This is not just a political issue for California, it is a moral issue for anyone who loves this country and especially our families. I know that many want to help this cause but can't vote in California. You can help by donating to fund the education of California voters. Please go http://www.protectmarriage.com/ and donate as much as you feel possible. Also, please email as many people as you can to encourage them to do the same. Time is of the essence considering the elections are in a couple of weeks and "No on 8" has already raised millions and is flooding the media.

Support Prop. 8, November 4th

We made it!

17 hours

2 liters of Dr. Pepper

1.5 hours straight crying from Benson

9 hours of sleeping children

6 stops for gas

average of 50 mph

We finally arrived in Arizona!

Dear Friends

We were so blessed to have our good friends come out to visit us at the begining of the month! Mark, Tami and Ryder Ence and Michelle McDonough came out for a few days to meet Benson and Sadie. We packed in a lot of activities for those few days and really enjoyed our time! Michelle, Tami and Becca thanks for being awesome friends!!

Here's Kena and Michelle at the Discovery Museum.

Ryder "talking" on the phone at Eric's Chinese.

Kena and Ryder at the Metreon. Ryder loved this car, but as soon as the car was moving, Kenadee wanted out!

Ryder pushing around Sadie. She sat there like a little doll.

My cute cute friends! I love ya!!!

"Hold It, Hold It"

Kenadee wanted to hold Benson tonight and this is how she asked or rather demanded! :)

2 Months

Benson is such a happy baby! He smiles all the time. We can't believe that we've had him for two months already. He is cooing now. He even lets out little laughs. Benson is a champ sleeper, giving us an 8 hour night now! (Thank you son)
Check out those lucious lips!

Summer Fun

A few weeks ago we were dying of heat. :) I decided to buy a kiddie pool for our patio so the girls could cool down. They loved it!!