Way behind...

Happy Holidays. With work, holidays, traveling, etc. I am way behind on keeping our blog updated. I hope to catch up in January, so check back mid-month to see pics through the holidays.

Poppa helps carve the perfect pumpkin

Poppa and Mimi came for a visit in late October so of course we left the pumpkin carving in our house up to the expert (aka dad). Ethan and Poppa had a good time carving, although Ethan did not like the pumpkin guts very much!

The Pumpkin Patch

no fall is complete without a visit to the local pumpkin patch. We all enjoyed the pig racing and getting to pick our own pumpkins. Ethan decided to pick several, so $30 something later in ugly gourds and pumpkins we had enough to carve and marvel at their ugliness. How cute is he?

Firetrucks are pretty big with 2 year old boys!

They NEVER look at me at the same time and smile. But, you get the drift....

Ethan's first day at School, 10/2/09

We started Ethan in a parents day out program 1 day per week to get him socialized and used to the things that daycare/preschool kids already know how to do. Before the first day he kept repeating "take turns, share, listen, stand in line" - it was so cute. He did cry the first two times he went, but he loves it now and to supervise packing up his lunchbox and backpack. But, I can't believe how big/old he is getting!!

Chiefs-Giants Game

What a gorgeous fall day...just perfect for football, unless of course your spouse is die hard Chiefs fan...then it is just kind of watching misery live. The boys finally took their wives to a game, not sure that will happen again as we brought crudite and healthy food for the tailgate. The two season ticket holders...I can't wait until they can take their boys...

Tortured fan # 1 and his wife...

Tortured fan #2 and his wife....

Daisy goes swimming

The day the pool closes at the gym, you can bring your dogs in for a swim. Now, we know Daisy likes to swim so we let her take the plunge. Ethan enjoyed it too, but was a little scary with all those big dogs running around and water!

Ballon Glow - September 2009

We went to a Make-A-Wish event where they have hot air ballons and light them up at dark. I thought Ethan would love it, as we see them over our house but the sound up close frightened him a bit. It was a great fall evening and the sky looked so pretty with all the ballons lit up.

Sweet Home Chicago...one last time (Aug 2009)

Drew and I headed off to Chicago in what Ethan called "happy boys weekend" because he got to stay home with Daddy. This was the last time that I will be visiting my parents in the Wheaton/Glen Ellyn area as they are moving to Palm Springs full time. So, the trip was bitter sweet , but thankfully I still have friends in the area so I know that I can't stay away too long.
Drew and Poppa at Cosley

Girls Dinner...

Drew takes a snuggle up next to Mimi

The non baby girls take a turn with the babies...

Aren't they cute, Les with Drew

Me and my favorite little guy, Drew

Poppa bastes Drew, don't know why but that silicone baster is a favorite in my house too.

I will laugh if you do....

Drew LOVES his big brother, Ethan is still not sure about Drew yet but they do this laughing thing where it sounds like they are coughing, and that makes them laugh even harder. It is so sweet to watch and gives me a glimpse (hopefully) as to what the future will bring us!

New Favorite Things

Drew loves his binky, and pretty much anything that can act like a binky...as shown below via a baby duck. He plays with it and eventually makes it way to his mouth and he starts sucking...I guess whatever floats your bath duck! Ethan, has become OBSESSED with basketball. Someday I might share with him that before he was born I said he was going to go to UCLA and play b-ball (ok, my dream not his). But, he does love this sport and must shoot hundreds of baskets a day. His new terms are "balls are sleeping" which means he is done playing, "miss", "bad toss", "swish", and "automatic" which means Daddy does not miss (wonder who taught him that one?).

The boys...early August

Drew is having so much fun lately sitting up and playing by himself. He is making it so much easier on the parents. Ethan still does not interact with Drew all that often, but I think with each milestone Ethan seems a little more interested.

Ryan's B-day

Uncle Pauly amuses Drew with a ballon - ah how easy it is with a baby sometimes!

Ethan with cake all over him, he gets that from me.

Aunt Anna and Aunt Michele get a baby fix.

Ryan opens his gifts, Ethan is in awe that one kid could get so many presents!

Mr. Determined climbs up the big ladder to the top. Only took him 20 minutes!

Family Time - San Diego

The WHOLE Fetchenhier, Hershberger, and Benjamin clan...what a fantastic family that we have....



It is all about the Benjamins

The boys cleaning up dinner (the fish they caught) - scary to see them in the kitchen together.

Drew weighing in at about 20+ lbs on this trip got to be a bit heavy, so I shared the (lump of) love with Courtney. They were quite content.

This one below gives you a good sense of how big/long Drew is because I am not a small person.

The medium boys got a wagon ride down to the beach via Jono.

Courtney's children/twins manhandling my baby, I mean playing with the baby! :)

Mimi was laying/reading with Drew and everyone but Ty wanted to get in on that.

Poppa and Lucky #7.

Of course, I forgot to get any quality pictures with my husband or my sister..but what can you do? Maybe next year?