christmas.

Benson was spoiled this year and absolutely loved Christmas morning. The reaction on his face and in his voice to his basketball hoop was priceless. With just our small family of three, we enjoyed Christmas morning together in our own home. We were able to enjoy each others gifts and time together. We then got to talk to Parker. It was so neat to be able to hear his voice and his love for Mexico and his mission. Then we were off the Asay's to spend Christmas Day and the whole next week with family. It was the perfect Christmas!

 

thanksgiving.

To me Thanksgiving means family, memories, games, traditions, and food. I am happy to say we experienced all of that this Thanksgiving. Being up in the mountains at my Grandma's cabin again for Thanksgiving was something I have been wanting to do for years. This year did not disappoint and I am so grateful it happened. The drive was not bad. The weather was beautiful. The family was perfect. The zip line was fun. And the almond tart topped it all off. I have so much to be grateful for! We are truly blessed.

eighteen months.

My baby is a toddler now although I still think he is my baby. There is no way I can recap 6 months, but there are a few highlights and fun things about Benson that I don't want to forget.
Diapers: size 5
Clothes: 18-24 months
Shoes: 5
Likes: tubby time, Curious George, trucks, trains, balls, music, folding his arms for prayers, books
Dislikes: getting his ears cleaned, getting his fingernails clipped, when we can't figure out what he wants but he clearly knows what he wants
Words: please, mom, dad, truck, duck, wow, uh-huh, ball, what's that, cheese, choo-choo, car, vroom-vroom
Animal noises: dog, cow, horse, monkey, bear
Favorite foods: yogurt, eggs, veggie straws, anything you can dip, all fruit. Lately we have been going through a bit of a food funk with him. He is not eating many of the foods he used to (like cheese and beans), but he is slowly doing better. I had to bring back some baby food jars just so I felt like he was getting some nutrition and veggies. I nursed him until he was 14 months old. It was way harder for me to wean him than it was for him. He loves his milk and won't take his sippy out of his mouth until the milk is gone.
Sleep: We dropped his second nap when he was 16 months old. He was a dream sleeper up until then and his one nap a day has been hit and miss. Sometimes he sleeps for 3 hours and sometimes only 1.5 hours. I never know. And we have been struggling with sleeping through the night again. He is usually good, but again some weird funk he is in right now has thrown it all off.
Teeth: molars, canines, top and bottom four. We are still waiting for one more bottom canine to pop through. I can see it so hopefully soon.

I am sure there is so much more I can add, but that is a good list so far. He has become our little buddy and I sure love having him around me all day. 18 month old stats coming soon! Doctors appt later this week.

halloween.

This year was full of fun times for Benson to dress up for Halloween. I loved his owl costume and it hardly seemed to bother him which is a total plus. It kicked off with the annual Asay Halloween party. The highlight this year was the hay ride around the neighborhood. We were quite the sight for anyone who may have seen us. It is so fun to have so much family around. 

Our ward trunk or treat was where Benson learned the art of collecting candy and he was not shy about the handfuls he stuffed into his bucket at every car. It was great practice for Halloween night. He ran from house to house and loved knocking on the doors. 

He got impatient at some houses who didn't answer fast enough...

October was too good and we are excited for this holiday season! Other October highlights:

Painting pumpkins is way better than carving them

connecticut.

Life was blissful this past weekend. Our trip to Connecticut was so great and we loved spending time with my family and grandparents. Friday night we went to the BYU/UCONN game. Although we missed it, my dad was in charge of the tailgate and sounded like it was a successful event. Instead we were slowly making our way through Little Jamaica with lots of entertainment. The game was lots of fun!

Saturday we drove to an orchard to pick peaches. It was a bit of a drive, but so worth it! I loved seeing the rows and rows of trees with fruit free for your own picking. We ate peaches right from the trees and took bags full home to make peach ice cream. Yum!

Sunday we got set for the main event. Parker's mission farewell. He did a great job on his talk and we are so proud of him and excited for him to serve the people in Mexico.

Monday was our last day and it was also our third anniversary. Matt and I celebrated by getting manicures and pedicures. We loved it!

north carolina.

After months of planning and preparing, our long awaited trip to Mt. Airy and the beach happened. It was so great to meet Granny and the rest of Matt's mom's family. There were so many fun events planned and we loved all being together. The time at the beach was fabulous! I love the beach and was so happy to see Benson loving the water. The east coast beaches are totally different than California beaches and dare I say better! We hope we get the chance to go back again sometime.

easter.

I love the Easter season. There is so much good about it. As with everyone, I loved the Because of Him video the Church put out. It was so simple, but so powerful. It helped me to focus on Christ and His resurrection. How eternally grateful am I! 

The Asay family Easter egg hunt was fun as always. Benson loved the eggs. We had a nice family dinner on Sunday with just the three of us. I love my little family and the memories and traditions we are creating.

more florida.

Sometimes you sit in your freezing basement with snow falling and wish you were back in Florida. Instead I will just post more pictures while I am bundled up in blankets. Enjoy!

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!