Pumpkins

Brent had just returned from a long trip hunting in Wyoming and Bennett was beside himself that Daddy was back. Riding the tractor pulled hay ride in search of pumpkins.
Bennett picked one out himself - with a little help from Daddy.
He now says "Daddy" instead of "Dada".

Family pumpkins.

Attempting to carry his load

This is the best time of the year to be in Leavenworth - the sun is out, the temps are warm, and the colors are changing. Bennett was trooper as we did some painting and projects at the cabin - he found ways to entertain himself with the few toys and small spaces. (He had an ear infection here that traveled to his eye which is why his right eye looks droopy - it's all cleared up now)
There was lots of swinging at the cabin of course

Finding new ways to eat - "helping" us with the projects turned into raspberry skewers, yummy; and so manly!

Fall is here but Bennett still loves to be outside all the time so we've outfitted him in some fun new boots - which he wants to wear all the time.

Picnic with Avery - she got to spend the day with us like old times and the kids were so happy all day.

They expressed their happiness with endless smiles and kisses.

Come on Everybody...

Brent and I had the opportunity to be attendees at a great event last Friday. This event was the launch of the Ben Towne Foundation - an organization that is going to do amazing things for the treatment of pediatric cancer. This, of course, is close to my heart. Did you know that 1 in 300 children will be diagnosed with cancer? Yet, The National Institute of Cancer allows only 3% of it's funding to be allotted for pediatric cancer research. This is alarming to me. Brent and I rushed home after a moving and tearful night to hug our little man; life is so precious.

Jeff and Carin Towne, in conjunction with Dr. Jensen, are going to do amazing things in honor of their son, Ben. Check it out; and spread the word. This will be big.

Arizona

We flew to Tucson for a sisters vacation to visit Gram. The traveling was so smooth - Bennett got his own seat next to me on both flights. Although on the way home, he spent quite a bit of time in Aunt Jenny's lap - thanks Jenny, we love you!

Water time!

Naked pool time

Story time with Grammy

Masterpieces take great concentration to create

Handsome boy

Helping Gram with the corn - he ate a whole cob by himself for dinner

Baking Snickerdoodles

Gram's backyard (looking for Roadrunners)

Beautiful Maya was such a trooper - she was a sick baby during the vacation but you barely would have known

Gram had a rock collection that Bennett loved

Poor Aunt Jenny ("GiGi) - the kids "helped" her with everything

Testing out the golf cart

Crayons were a lifesaver on the plane

Snuggled up at home in his own bed after being a super traveler

18 Months

He's in love with the garbage truck - every Wednesday morning we head outside and wave to the truck and watch them pick up the trash
We found a great hike near our cabin - Hidden Lake

Watching the birds with Daddy

Splashing in the water with Mommy

Our little man is so much fun - I just can't believe he's a year and a half already. Every day is an adventure and he makes us laugh so much. He's such a sweet, lovable boy who is very sensitive to others emotions and shy with strangers and but at the same time, he's all boy: active, messy, loud, and rambunctious...we love it all!

Heat Wave

Hiking Wallace Falls
Happy campers on the way up...napped most of the way down

Watering the flowers at the Childrens Museum

Tending to the carrots

Lots of pool time lately

A family shot from the crabbing trip

Backyard pool time at the Johnstons