Summer Vacations

For some reason, even though none of us are in school, we still tend to take most of our vacations in the summer. I guess it's good to get Benjamin on a schedule early, right? Anyway, we were lucky enough to go to Oregon for Dennis' brother Samuel's High School graduation. We had a great time, but we didn't manage to take very many pictures. Benjamin loved to rock-a-bye with Grandpa Mecham before naps and watch Daddy and Uncle Samuel play video games.

Playing tee-ball

Rocking with Grandpa and watching sports - two of the best things in the world.

Our second trip was to Wyoming. We spent the 4th of July there and also had fun just playing. Benjamin began perfecting his walking techniques with Grandma's help. Grandma was in a knee brace because she tore her MCL in her knee. She was on crutches so she and Benjamin walked at about the same speed. Benjamin had a great time with Grandma, Grandpa, and Aunt Liz.

Rocking with Grandpa

Helping Grandpa install child safety locks on the cupboard where all the cleaning supplies are kept.

Daddy built an amazing Lego statue, but Benjamin didn't mind taking all the credit.

We celebrated my birthday while we were there, but we couldn't find the candles so we used matches instead. It was awesome.

Benjamin went swimming a couple times. He loved being in the water, but didn't like sitting down. Every time he fell on his bum he stood back up as quickly as possible because it was so cold!

Benjamin and Aunt Liz became fast friends and had a great time playing together after Liz got off work every day.

Taking a ride in the stroller and enjoying the sunshine

Look Who's ONE!!

On May 21st Benjamin turned one. Here are some things we did to celebrate:


May 20th we had a party for him at my work. Basically there were no office birthdays in May and we all just wanted cake, but it was still fun and cute.

ON MAY 21ST WE:

Opened cards, which were possibly his favorite present at the time. He loved his birthday cards so much we brought them on our long car trip because they kept him entertained for so long!

Opened presents

Installed and used his new forward-facing carseat

Went to the mall and visited the Disney store - He LOVED the sparkely red floor and we bought him some sunglasses. The guy behind the counter heard it was Ben's birthday so he made him a special Hero sticker with the birthday boy's name on it.

Had a party! From the left: Mom and Benjamin, Cambria (her back, anyway), Corwin, Lori, Zaden, and Aunt Kami

Had cake! This is the cake I made for Benjamin to destroy. The pictures on it are clockwise from the top left: A tree, music notes, book, block, and bubble bath. The cake remained mostly intact because Benjamin would only take tiny bites and didn't seem to like getting his hands dirty. He still had fun though!

A week later, we got to do presents and cake with my family in Idaho!

Classic ring-stacking toy!

A fire station! Wow, that's mine! (KaileeJo and Taydom were helping by this point.)

MMM...Benjamin did not mind getting messy to eat Great Grandma Thompson's cake!

Horray for Birthdays!