Benjamin had such a great time playing with Aunt Liz while we were in Wyoming. Every time I watch this video it makes me smile.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
4th of July
This is the first year since we got married that Dennis and I went to Wyoming for the 4th - one of my favorite holidays to spend with my family. We always go to Tensleep (population: 310) and enjoy the festivities. The following is my ideal 4th:
It was sunny and warm - perfect weather.
Benjamin picking up candy
Basically we throw sticks off one side of the bridge and see whose stick makes it to the other side of the bridge the fastest, a la "The Winnie the Pooh Movie". 
This bull was so stubborn - it took three cowboys to get him back in the pen.
Benjamin didn't like loud fireworks, but he enjoyed the snakes!
A family of sparklers
The day ends with us lighting fireworks out of the city limits. There were so many people lighting off fireworks we really didn't need to light any of our own, but my dad set off a couple that were perfect. Just for the record, there are VERY few fireworks that are illegal in Wyoming; it makes for a great show.
Gearing up for the Tensleep parade!
It was sunny and warm - perfect weather.
Benjamin picking up candy
After the parade we have a picnic lunch in the park, then a family favorite: Pooh Sticks.
Basically we throw sticks off one side of the bridge and see whose stick makes it to the other side of the bridge the fastest, a la "The Winnie the Pooh Movie".
Swinging at the park after lunch
Can't wait for the rodeo!
Small-town rodeo with the Big Horn Mountains in the background.
This bull was so stubborn - it took three cowboys to get him back in the pen.
Benjamin didn't like loud fireworks, but he enjoyed the snakes!
A family of sparklers
The day ends with us lighting fireworks out of the city limits. There were so many people lighting off fireworks we really didn't need to light any of our own, but my dad set off a couple that were perfect. Just for the record, there are VERY few fireworks that are illegal in Wyoming; it makes for a great show.
La Pieta
In June and July there was a local art supply store that had a life-sized replica of Michaelangelo's "La Pieta" on display with free admission. We took advantage of this (twice) and were amazed by the beauty of the statue. The original is in The Vatican, behind several sheets of bullet-proof glass. This replica is made from a cast of the original statue. Even Benjamin appreciated the beauty - he kept pointing and gasping the whole time we were there.
The whole statue
Details of the fabric carved by Michaelangelo. He made this statue in his mid-late 20's and when it went on display nobody believed he had done it so Michaelangelo snuck back to the statue later and carved his name on the statue so there would be no doubt that it was his work. It is one of only a few pieces by Michaelangelo that is signed by him.
Remember, this was carved out of stone. The details of the muscles were amazing.
The whole statue
Details of the fabric carved by Michaelangelo. He made this statue in his mid-late 20's and when it went on display nobody believed he had done it so Michaelangelo snuck back to the statue later and carved his name on the statue so there would be no doubt that it was his work. It is one of only a few pieces by Michaelangelo that is signed by him.
Remember, this was carved out of stone. The details of the muscles were amazing.
Just to prove we were really there!
Popcorn!
This is the first song Benjamin learned. He actually learned it just after he turned 1, but I have been slacking a bit in posting to the blog...
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
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
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!
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!
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. 
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!
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!
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