Thanksgiving Eve - 2008

This year, my family came to us - my parents, my sister and her husband and 3 kids made the trip from Palm Springs. Ironically, we had this planned pre-baby - but the timing could not have been better.

Jonathan's parents, Ron and Pat had the whole local Benjamin Clan as well as my family over on Wednesday night. It was fun, the kids loved all the new toys and interacting with Ethan's local cousins and then at the end of the night they had a "sprinkle" for Baby B2.

It is a Benjamin family tradition for the boys to "pick the bread" for the stuffing. You would think we Fetchenhier girls had asked our men to slave away for hours on some horrible chore the way they all complained, but pick bread they did! And of course the little Hershberger boys thought it was fun to join in as well. My mom (Cindy) played watch-man/quality control which made it all the more amusing.

Using a pen is fun - Nov 2008

And I love to get it over the chairs, my clothes, and my face!!

Halloween 2008 - My two Supermen

I was really worried about the costume, recently Ethan has been quite particular about things - freaks out over a jacket, band-aid, footed PJ's so I borrowed a costume from a friend as to not waste money if he would not wear it. But, he put it on and did not seem bothered by being Superman... Jonathan joined in with his own Superman act aka Clark Kent. Our little neighbor, Nolan (3) wears Superman or Batman almost every day...he was dressed as Yoda when we arrived but when he saw the Superman competition he quickly went and changed back to Superman!!

Ethan with Rebecca (19 months) and Nolan as Yoda. They live right behind us and Rebecca and Ethan are just 1 day apart and quite the trouble twosome when together!!!

All the kids at the party before leaving to trick-or-treat with the Dads (and beer).The little kids get a ride.....

7 Months and Palm Springs

I happened to be in Palm Springs for the official 7 month mark which was also Courtney & Eric's 7th wedding anniversary. We all went to dinner (kiddos too), unfortunately I ate something bad so the next day was not so fun...but we had a great time at dinner! Look at that belly!!

Mom and her girls...do we look like twins or what in this picture?

Picking the Perfect Pumpkin

On a chilly Sunday in October we took Ethan to a real pumpkin farm where you have to bring something to cut your own pumpkin. We took a hayride out to the field and let Ethan (with a little prompting) select his very own pumpkin. No pumpkin was left unturned in his path.....

Jonathan shows off the perfect pick....

Now it is Mom's turn, but because she is already carrying a "pumpkin" in her belly my picture is taken with our pumpkin on the ground.

We also got to see farm animals, play on a playground and stopped to get homemade donuts and cider on our way home. I am sure this will be an annual trip for years to come!!!

The Three Cousin's

Ethan loves Amelia and Ryan, everyone was over for dinner one night and I happened to catch them all sitting up at the bar eating dessert. Yes, Ethan looks the happiest b/c A) he is eating cookies past his bedtime, and B) he is sitting somewhere we don't normally allow!

Vail or Bust - October 2008

To celebrate our 4th Anniversary, Jonathan and I made plans (months ago) to go to Vail for a long weekend. Jonathan's parents were to watch Ethan on Thursday night and my parents were set to arrive on Friday to take the weekend and let us get some much needed R&R and alone/catch-up time. We spent about 13 blissful hours in Vail before receiving a phone call that Ethan was at the ER having seizures due to a high fever from Roseolla. Needless to say, we packed it in and flew home first thing on Friday morning. Ahh, being a parent...thankfully he was ok and my parents still ended up coming in and helping us get some stuff done around the house before BabyB2 arrives.

The hotel we "stayed" at was amazing...and they treated us great - hopefully we can try to make a return trip next fall.

The new tricycle

We bought Ethan a tricycle, he is still just a little two short to reach the pedals but he loves it!! So much that riding naked through the house was a must.

Pushing 6 Months Now.....

There is no hiding this little guy any longer....

A quick trip to Dublin - September 2008

My first trip to Dublin...under 48 hours, 6 months pregnant, business trip, and sick...sounds lovely, eh? I do wish I had been able to enjoy the trip a bit more and Jonathan promises to take me back some day (when I am not pregnant). The trip was a meeting with Amazon, and we booked a private tour of the Guiness plant and had dinner at the Gravity Bar and finished up the evening with some traditional Irish music.

Amanda & Jeff's - September 2008

One of the nice things about being in the KC area is that Jonathan still has many of his high school friends near us. We all got together at Amanda's with kiddos as Becky was in town from Denver. It was so much fun to see everyone with their little ones - a bit chaotic but Amanda had it all under control.

There was plenty of sugar to go around and the kiddos did enjoy the cupcakes!

WNHS - 15 Year Reunion - September 2008

Our High School, Wheaton North does not sponsor a formal 15 year reunion. But, a few ambitious souls (Amanda, Kristen, and Gage) put together a great reunion party in early September. It was so fun to see everyone and meet their spouses and/or kids. All the girls look so fabulous, I think it is true that like wine they get better with time. Or maybe it is the current fashsions and smaller hair??

The BFF's united..... where was Amy Berend???

I had not seen Craig, my HS sweetheart in probably 12-13 years. He too looks great, and seems so happy with his very cute wife and Yorkies. It was great to catch up with people that years ago meant so much to you.

We all enjoyed looking through the old photo albums, pointing out mullets and bad clothing.

My two Kristi(e)ns...what would I do without them?

The Slam Dunk - September 2008

For the past 18 months I have been telling people that Ethan will go to UCLA to play basketball - and he has already started to work on his moves!

What pretty shoes you have.... - August 2008

Ethan is very into shoes, he particularly likes sandles, flip flops and anything shiny. He has not realized though they may be on the wrong foot, much less a little girlie for him!!