florida.

We sure did have a Christmas vacation to remember. Florida was so fabulous. We loved being together with my family, enjoying the weather, and celebrating so many significant events. I will let the pictures tell the story of our awesome week full of memories that we will look back on. My parents are incredible and made it such a fun week!

Check that off my bucket list!

best place to nap

Sea World

Christmas

Happy 21st Birthday!

Happy 25th Year Anniversary!

seven months.

It is getting harder and harder to take these monthly pictures. Benson can now pick up the frame and wave it around. He may or may not have knocked his head with it while in the process. Poor guy. 

Favorites:

- He loves his food. He is eating breakfast and dinner while still nursing 5 times a day with one night feeding.

- So far he has had sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, green beans, peas, and peaches. He always eats the whole jar and would probably eat more if I gave it to him.

- Smiles and interacts way more, but to get a laugh requires some work.

- Rolls over both ways from tummy to back.

-Loved every second of his trip to Florida

-Did well on another plane ride.

-Loves Wheels on the Bus, If You're Happy and You Know It, Itsy Bitsy Spider

-Had his first Christmas

-Is more daring in leaning forward to grab things which results in lots of tumbles

-Loves to sleep in his own crib. Which is great except when we are traveling or are at gma and gpa Asays.

-Gives lots of kisses.

-Would stay in the tubby all day if he could.

-Loves to clap.

tried and true.

This weeks recipe is what I made for my family and friends gift. I am not a baker so the idea of making cookies or any other treat was out of the question.  So this year I made cinnamon sugared almonds. They were delicious. If you want an easy and addictive treat that will make your house smell divine, then this is for you.

Cinnamon Sugar Almonds

- 1 1/2 c. sugar

- 3 Tbsp. cinnamon

- 1/8 tsp. salt

- 1 egg white

- 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

- 3 1/2 c. whole raw almonds

Mix the sugar, cinnamon, and salt in one bowl and set aside. In another bowl whisk the egg white and vanilla together until foamy. Add the almonds to the egg white mixture. Coat the almonds in that. Then add the sugar cinnamon mix and stir together. Put the almonds in a crock pot on low for 2 hours. Stir the almonds every 25 minutes so they don't burn.

Pour almonds onto foil and let cool.

Enjoy!

MY NOTES: Matt and I definitely give these a 5! Beware they are addicting. Also you really need to watch them and make sure they don't burn in your crock pot. I have an insanely hot crock and the first batch I made was a fail. I burnt about half the batch. Other than that they are so super easy and delicious!

6 months stats.

Few days late, but here are Benson's growth stats. We had a good doctor's visit, except Benson did not like the vaccine he had to drink.

Weight: 19 lbs. 1 1/2 oz.- 75%

Height: 27 inches- 75%

Head circ.: 42.6 cm.- 30%

On another note, Benson loves sweet potatoes. We ditched the rice cereal and he loves it. Fun new stage for us!

tried and true.

Tortellini Soup

-2 cloves of garlic

- olive oil

-2 cans of tomato soup

- 1 1/2 c. milk

- 2 c. half and half

- 2 c. chicken stock

- 1 t. onion powder

- 1/2 t. salt

-1/2 t. pepper

- 2 t. italian seasonings

- 1 package of cheese filled tortellini

- parmesan cheese

Saute garlic with olive oil in large pot over medium heat until golden brown. When the garlic is done, add tomato soup, milk, half and half, chicken stock, and spices. Bring to simmer. Once simmering, add tortellini. Cook according to the package. Serve in bowls and top with parmesan cheese.

Enjoy!

Matt gave this meal a 4.5. He said he would have it as often as we would have grilled cheese and tomato soup. If you need something quick and easy this recipe is for you. I would probably make this a lot during the winter except the dang tortellini is a bit pricey. But its yummy so it's worth it.