Wednesday, January 12, 2011

The Terrible Two Birthday!

I told Bensen not to, but he turned 2 anyways on January 3rd. I baked him a ball cake that Daniel decorated. He was a little nervous at first, trying to figure out what we were doing. He blew out his candles himself.

He was so cute opening his presents. He remembered from Christmas since it was only a week before. He would say, "Oooo," as he opened each one.


He mostly got cars and car stuff. Now he can play cars WITH Parker and Parker won't be yelling because Bensen will have his own stuff (that Parker wants to play with). Too bad no matter what you do there will always be arguments. ha ha.
Uncle Matt, Aunt Brittany, and Noah came over to celebrate with us.

Yummy cake and ice cream. I think Bensen is saying "cheese." :)
I decorated his chair and he got mad when he saw it and tried ripping if off. I tried to tell him it was for his birthday (whatever that is, right?). But when Daniel came home from work Bensen told him something as he pointed to his chair decor. Who knows.
I got him a balloon on his special day and he took naps with it for a few days in a row. I will probably be called a bad mom for letting my baby take a nap with a balloon, especially one attached to a long ribbon that could wrap around him 500 times. It's a good thing I know that he sleeps like a little bug during his nap and doesn't really move. Such a cutie.

So sad that he turned two. He is a funny little boy. He still loves balls the best, but likes cars and other boy things too. He would live outside if he could. He also wants to be a fish and never get out of the bath. To everyone who has spent time with Bensen, they probably think he is quiet and shy and just hangs out, but, oh no! He is loud and crazy. He has always hated riding in the car since he was born and still does. If I don't bring his pacifier in the car with us, I go crazy! He just makes this really loud fake cry sound that never lets up. If you put him to bed crying, he does NOT eventually stop and go to sleep. You have to figure out how to fix it somehow. Sometimes it can be by just giving him a ball. He is a cute little dancer and has the best expressions. Especially his eyes, they show so much expression. We love our little guy. If only we could get him to love to eat.

Happy Birthday Bensen Bryce!

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Christmas in California (Part 2)

The last week we were in California, Daniel's parents took us to my parents' house on Tuesday. That night we opened presents from my parents and hung out.

My dad was in charge of removing the gifts from their boxes. That is not a fun job on Christmas morning. Why do they make it so hard to do???

Thank you Grandma.


It snowed the next day right after Daniel's parents left. They left just in time to miss the snow.
But it sure was pretty and the kids loved it. Staucie has missed snow.
We tried to play pool and the kids wanted to play too...



So then we tried Foosball and the kids were in charge of throwing the balls in. We would play with 6 balls at a time.
Daniel was attacked by my dad's bear that was made into a rug.
Bensen saved him.
And then tested out the bear's teeth.
It's alive!

Grandma put Addie in a wagon.

I took several pictures of Shea and I. He kept pulling weird faces, this one had no flash. I found my camera later with all of them deleted but this one! I am not happy Mr. Shea!
We went to my parents' store, West Point Trading Post, each day. They bought and fixed up a little general store where they live and it re-opened in April 2010. They bought it after my dad was laid off with the rest of the country over 2 years ago.
It was fun visiting and taking whatever we wanted :)


Outside the store waiting for an employee to take our picture.

Riding in Grandpa's truck. Bensen got to sit up front.
The back of the cabin with the kids in the Ranger.


Watching the deer eat from the Ranger.

Bensen got to go for a ride after his nap.


Wrestling with Grandma & Grandpa the last night.



When we got home Friday, Dec. 31st, there were a few more surprises that didn't fit in our suitcases.
Happy New Year!
Thanks Mom & Dad for having us and our mess.