The Oakley Fam

So Far This Summer

2010-07-25T20:48:00.005-07:00

We have had a very busy summer so far, and so explains my absence from the computer. Caleb and Kennedy made their big move to Tennessee and then came back to stay with us for a month. It was a great month. It went way too fast. We loved having them here every day! It was fabulous. They left a couple of weeks ago and it has been a tough adjustment for us. We miss them a lot. Benny runs around the house calling their names all the time. It's actually really cute, but I feel sad for all of them. (and us) We are all going to be missing out on a lot.

Before they left, Caleb received his Eagle rank in scouts. He worked really hard and achieved a difficult goal. We are really proud of him.

This is Caleb with his friend Brandon, and his Grandpa. We tried to spend a lot of time just playing and having together. Lots of laughs and lots of smiles.

Quiet People!!!

It has been really hot!! Gotta cool down.

Or just stay inside.

We did get to go to the beach. It was such a nice get away.

Ashy was very relaxed!! ;o)

This is Caleb and baby Jude. He weighs as much as Benny does, and he is 10 months old. He is such a cutie!!

Cool surfer...well, boogie boarder...well, stander in the water up to her knees with a boogie board strapped to her wrist. :O)

The girlies. Leah, Kenken and Andrea.

This picture totally explains their personalities!!

Grandad with his girls.

Me and the girls!!!

Can't forget this guy!

SCAWY!!!

This is the face he makes when he is scared. And, as you might have guessed, he says "scawy." I really have no idea what was scaring him at this moment.

All was well once he got behind the wheel. He loves when he gets to "drive drive."

Kenken spent some time curling her hair.

The kids stayed a few extra days with Aunt Becky after we left. She saved their last week here. She kept them so busy. They had a lot of fun with her. Then she brought them back here to AZ. She and Andrea stayed here for a few more days. (even though it was like 187 degrees)

All in all, it we have had fun!! The first part of or summer was great. Now we're working on the rest. (we'll work harder if it cools down a little bit)

Why do people live here?!?!?!? ;o)

Together

2010-03-13T23:49:00.004-07:00

So, I know it's been a while again. It's hard to tell where the time keeps going. It just goes so fast. Too fast sometimes. But, I will be taking a whole bunch of pictures to share in the next few weeks. We have a lot of together time to shove in with our family, as it will be changing drastically very soon. Caleb and Kennedy are going to be moving to Tennessee. I'm not gonna go into detail because I really have nothing nice to say. And after all, if you don't have anything nice to say, you shouldn't say anything at all. Right?

So, we will be be spending as much time together as we can, trying to have as much fun as we can. And I hope to have lots of good pictures to show for it.

Here are the things that I am going to miss the most......

Play Us A Song!!

2010-01-12T20:03:00.002-07:00

One of my favorite things at Gam and Granddad's house is the piano. The kids love to play it, and I love to listen to it. Here are Caleb and Ben having some fun. And mommy in the back having even more fun!!! :O)

Where have you been???

2010-01-11T20:28:00.009-07:00

It has been a VERY long time. I know. I feel like November and December haven't even happened yet. I still can't believe it is January. We have had a lot going on and the time has flown. I guess I should start with a Steve update. So, as most of you probably already know, Steve's appendix ruptured in the beginning of November. He was in and out of the hospital for about 3 weeks. But, he was able to come home in time for Thanksgiving. We have had a wonderful holiday season. It was fast and fun. Steve has probably been doing too much. He is still having quite a bit of pain and had to go back into the hospital last week. He only had to stay one night. We are now waiting to get him in with a specialist at the Mayo Clinic. Hopefully, we can find out why he this is lasting so long. I will update on him when we learn more.

In the meantime, Steve is trying his best to enjoy his family. He is trying really hard to stay a part of the group. We have been really busy. To start off or holidays this year, Grandma Paula and Grandpa Michael brought all of their grand kids and their parents to the North Pole on the Polar Express. It was so fun!! You catch the Polar Express at the Grand Canyon Railway. It takes you up to the North Pole where Santa boards the train and comes to see all of the children in the train. You get to sing songs and drink hot chocolate. They bring you yummy cookies and read the Polar Express to the passengers. It was definitely the highlight of this season for me. We all had a great time.

Grandma and grandpa with ALL of their grand kids!!

It was snowing when we got there. Brrrr....

Benny had SOOOO much fun on the train. I was amazed that he was in such a good mood. He is usually asleep by the this time. Maybe it had something to do with the TWO big chocolate chip cookies that he ate!! ;o)

Yeah....that would be cookie #2!!

These two were even singing Christmas carols. Ok...Caleb wasn't, but Steve was. And he is the biggest Scrooge I know.

Of course she sang. And she was all smiles, as usual. This is the easiest girl to please!

Again with all the grand kids. (and random guy in the back)

Benny was not afraid of Santa at all. Here he is giving Santa a fist bump! He gave him a high five, too!

Santa gave all the kids big round sleigh bells. Those were a hit with the Benny boy, too. The whole trip was. I highly recommend it to anyone who has kids. It is so much fun and great way to get into the Christmas spirit. I hope to go again this year. Anyone want to come? The hotel is right in the same square as the train depot. It was so funny to walk down the hallway and watch all the families come out of one door and go into another. There were a lot of big groups. And the sounds of screaming children fill the halls at all times, day and night. :O) I think it is a fun place to meet and enjoy family and friends. If anyone is interested, talk to me!!! It sounds weird, but if you want to go on a weekend, you actually have to get tickets in July when they first go on sale, or they sell out. anyway, just a thought. I shall move on now. :O)

The whole square is decorated with lights. It was so pretty.

And what would any event be without the self portrait of Kennedy?

We tried and tried to get a good shot with Ben to have a good Christmas card to send. We spent A LOT of time. He was done cooperating. And then, I ran of time anyway. I never sent out Christmas cards..... :o(

For the actual holiday, we went home to California to be with our families. We didn't have nearly enough time with any of them. But, we had fun.

Caleb's Christmas present was a trip to Magic Mountain. Aunt Becky and I took him. We had a really good time. Well, I did. I forgot how much I love roller coasters. Becky and Caleb...not so much......But, we had a great time together.

Funnel Cake!!

That's Superman the ride back there. Both Becky and Caleb refused to go o it.
So, we walked passed it on our way to our first ride of the day. Colossus!!! Becky and I reminisced the whole time about being in that line as kids and going on the ride and how much fun it is. Yeah, well as the ride was pulling back into the station, Becky and Caleb pretty much decided they were ready to call it a day. WHAT!?!?!? I don''t think so!!! I made them continue on. Becky let us talk her into a few more rides, but there were some that she just wouldn't go near. Who knew I was going to Magic Mountain with such pretty flowers? ;o)

Caleb actually didn't refuse ALL rides. But, he did make a pretty good effort to decline Tatsu. We were on or way to Ninja when I saw it. I have never seen or even heard of it. It lays you flat like you are flying. I HAD to go on it. The other two said NO WAY. But, after some constant coaxing, (a little of the good ole Italian guilt trip) I was able to get Caleb on it. It was amazing!!! I loved. Caleb even had fun on it. He now says that he would do it again. WooHoo!!!

We were able to get Aunt Becky on the Goldrusher! It was a really fun day.

The rides didn't end there. Grandma Jenie and Papa Paul let us take their golf cart out for some Christmas light viewing. Benny had fun driving. He almost took us up a few curbs. :O)

Another self portrait!

This is at the bowling alley on chili night. What t is he up to with is aunties?

And now we are back in Arizona.

Just driving tractors

Petting goats

And working in the yard with Dad.

He is a happy camper when he is outside!

That's all for now. See ya later!!

Happy Halloween!!

2009-11-04T13:47:00.005-07:00

This would have been up sooner, but my computer is acting up. Very annoying!!! Anyway, we went to a party out in Queen Creek for Halloween. It is about 40 minutes from our house. It was so much fun. There was a ton of food, and drinks. We all sat in the front yard and talked and ate. Then the kids trick-or-treated on their street. When they came back, they loaded into an open trailer that was lined with hay bales and took a hay ride to different parts of the neighborhood. The kids were laughing and yelling "Happy Halloween" the whole time. It was a blast. Benny didn't take the hay ride. (neither did Caleb. DUH) The boys stayed back at the house with Steve. Benny had a great time eating some candy and pushing his wagon back forth. He did really well! He even got to taste his first bite of cotton candy! Yeah, one of their neighbors has a cotton candy maker and stands out in front of his house making fresh cotton cany for his trick-or-treaters. It was awesome!!

Here is our little jaguar. He was so cute.

Love the tail!!

This is Kennedy. Steve did a great job on her make up. She got so many compliments!!

Every party has a pooper!!! ;o) Guess who!??!!?!?!?

This is the best picture that I was able to get of Caleb. Such a turd!!! I told him it's a nice look for him. :O)

This is the Way We Ride in a Cart!

2009-10-30T08:45:00.003-07:00

The conventional way of sitting in a cart is for the birds! This is how we do it!!

Pictures

2009-10-28T20:17:00.013-07:00

We took the kids to get their pictures taken. They turned out really cute. Check em out!

Kennedy was easy, of course. I swear she is the most easy going kid I know. Not to mention, she loves the camera. :O) I guess that's ok when the camera loves you back. And it certainly loves her!

Caleb, on the other hand, is not easy going in the least. I had to force him to take the pictures, force him to smile, force him to listen to the photographer. (he is so much like his dad) But, it was worth it. We got some really good shots of him. Notice, by the way, that Caleb is not wearing glasses. He has contacts now. Did I mention that he is in high school now? Look out world!

So Handsome!! I love this picture!

And then there is Benny! He did a really good job. We had fun with him. Even Caleb was helping us get Benny to smile! It was fun.

1st Birthday Bash!

2009-10-22T11:48:00.009-07:00

What?!?!?!

It's only been 3 weeks!! ;o)

Oh well, here are some pictures from Benny's big day. We had such a good time. So many people came to celebrate with us. It was a great weekend. I still can't believe that it has come and gone. I am in DENIAL!!
But alas......He really is 1.

I was terrible about pictures. I ran around like a crazy person the whole time. I did not take one picture. I handed the camera off to people a couple of times, so I did have some pictures. But, most of the pictures I have were stolen from Paula Faye, Grandpa Michael and my friend Cheryl. Thank You very much!!!!

This was taken on Friday night, which was his actual birthday. He was opening his wagon from Grandma Paula and Grandpa Michael. He has barely been out of it since.

Gettin ready for the party with Grandma and Papa. Still in his pjs.

This is the pumpkin patch where kids got to go choose a pumpkin to paint. I think they liked it. It was really cute.

Benny had so much fun! He looked like this most of the day. :O)

Here is Benny and Reid in the wagon. Reid turned 1 two weeks after Benny. He is so stinkin cute! They are learning to play together. Well, it's really more tackling than playing right now, but they'll get the hang of it! :O)

Look Out Ladies!!!!!

More big smiles!!

And more.

He stole that cuppy from Reid, by the way.

When Benny gets out of the wagon, he goes to his car that he got from Gramps.

What's a boy without his wheels?

Presents! Presents Presents! Benny got so many cool things. He still turns in circles trying to figure out what to do first.

Notice all of the wardrobe changes. VIP treatment all the way!

Yes, the shirt says Godfather!! He IS italian, after all!!

And then there was cake!

He wasn't too sure what to do with it at first.

Papa Paul is in charge of 1st birthday cake quality inspection.

Now he's getting the hang of it. MMMMMM....

Who's so big? ;o)

This was the last picture before heading off to turn the bath tub orange. Yuck-eeeee!!!

He was pretty beat by the time the bath was over. He sat down to play his new drums for a few minutes, then sat with Lidia to have the bedtime baba. Ni Night!

Happy Birthday Benny Boo! We Love You!

Just a Quickie!

2009-10-19T09:16:00.002-07:00

I know that I need to get birthday pictures up. I have a bunch! I will work on that today, but I wanted to get this one up real quick. These two love the bean bag. Ash loves it so much that he will even permit Benny to share it with him. For a few minutes anyway. :O)

When My Brother and Sister Are Here....

2009-09-14T09:10:00.001-07:00

This Happens......

Monster in the Hallway

2009-09-13T19:46:00.002-07:00

Benny loves to go to the end of the hallway and just yell. He is learning to use his voice, and I think he really likes it. :O) He figured out that there is a really good echo in the hallway. That is fun for him! He has a few new tricks, too. He puts his hands up when you ask him who is so big. (well, when he feels like it.) He claps all the time. He said his first word other than mama, dada and baba. He said "ow!" :O) Yeah, he repeated Grandma Paula after he bit her. Oh, have I mentioned that new trick? Yep, he's a biter. I have no idea idea what to do about that. Anyway, he waves hi and bye, (again, when he feels like it), and he taps his fingertips together and says "mu." He is doing the sign for "more." He has said uh-oh a few times, too. It is amazing how fast he seems to be picking things up now. He is so much fun!

Just Some Pictures

2009-08-31T21:13:00.003-07:00

Sorry Aunties!! Here are some new pictures! :O)

Kennedy's Big Day

2009-08-12T20:18:00.003-07:00

So, the day that Kennedy has been waiting for finally came last night. She attended her first concert. And this was not just any concert, people. This was a Jonas Brothers concert!!! OMG!!!! And to make the night even more special, Andrea came out, too. They had so much fun!!!

Here we are getting ready to leave. Oh yeah...we had posters!!

I don't remember ever having waited in such a long line to get into a concert. And I've been to a lot of concerts. ;o) So many little girls!!! Wow!

Look how pretty these ones looked!!

Finally at our seats, we went through 1 1/2 hours of pre-show before the JBS took the stage. They liked it for a little while, but were starting to get impatient.

Finally!!!! There they are!!!

This is Nick, the youngest, and Kennedy's most favorite. It is blurry because we were super far away and above the stage. :O) But OH MY GOSH we were in the same room!!! We shared the same air!!!!

They sang the entire time!!!!!!

This was the scene in the back seat before we got out of the parking lot. :O) So sweet. They had a long, fun JBS filled day!

Getting Better!

2009-08-12T19:59:00.004-07:00

Benny is getting better at this walking thing pretty quickly. I can't believe that's my baby......

Please excuse the laundry pile. :O) It is laundry night!

I'm Walkin..Yes Indeed..I'm Walkin

2009-08-04T19:26:00.004-07:00

Ben is starting to get pretty good at walking these days. He can make it across the room. He still looks like he is drunk, but he's getting there. :O) If you listen closely, you can hear him blowing and sucking air in and out of his nose. That is his new thing right now. He does it almost constantly. It is so funny. He scrunches up his nose to do it. It's pretty cute.

Cruisin!!!!

2009-07-21T20:11:00.002-07:00

Look who is up and movin! Benny loves his push and walk toy. He takes 2 - 3 steps now on his own. he usually falls after 2, but is making it to 3 more and more often. Here is Kennedy helping him walk in circles with his walker toy. Good Stuff!! :O)

Benny had tubes put in his ears this morning. It was really fast and easy. Benny was a little crabby for a while, but was back to normal by the end of the night. Phew! I'm so glad that's over. Now maybe he can be ear infection free for a while!!!

Caged Beast

2009-07-06T19:56:00.002-07:00

Steve and I got tired of climbing over the furniture barricade built to control this beast. And really, it wasn't keeping him in anyway. So, we went and got this gate to keep him in. I don't think he minds it too much. He doesn't get mad when we are on the other side. He just shoves his head and face into it. See, if he can't get over or around something, he puts his head down and tries to push his way through. Benny brings the term "hard headed" to whole new level already. Oh well, at least we get pictures like these out of it. ;o)

Heart Smile!

2009-07-06T19:54:00.001-07:00

Seeing this in the morning makes my heart smile.

Happy 4th!!

2009-07-06T19:36:00.003-07:00

Happy Fourth of July!!!!

We spent Benny's first 4th of July at a place called Rustler's Roost. It is a restaurant at the top of South Mountain. It has an awesome view and you can see firework shows all over the valley.

Uncle Phil and Auntie Erika came and spent the weekend with us. We had fun with them.

These are our friends, Richard and Tamara. They came to dinner with us. If you look closely you can see Tamara's belly. Their first baby is due on July 13th.

That strip of light behind Phil is part of the view of the valley. The whole front side of the restaurant is windows. It's a neat place.

Benny likes to sip water from a straw.

Guess who fell asleep before the fireworks.

We did go outside for a while to watch all the firework shows. But, we didn't stay too long because it was about 187 degrees outside. We were full, and sweaty and miserable. We missed the storms that we had last year. That always cools things down a bit. I hope we get some storms soon. Word is that we will be seeing 116 degrees by the end of the week. Ugh.....Why do people live here???? ;o)

Another Long One!

2009-06-29T20:08:00.008-07:00

Just wanted to start with something funny. Have you seen What About Bob?

See a resemblance?

They're blurry, but check this out!

Oh my gosh, I can't stop laughing. I'm sure he'll love this when he's older! And just for the record, I have never met Bill Murray! ;o)

So, we took a quick trip home last weekend. We saw Gramps. (I am NOT responsible for the hair do in this picture. Way too neat and proper for me) :O)

Ahhhh.....that's more like it!! ;o)

......and Coco

....and Grandma Paula and Grandpa Michael

We went to celebrate Mike and Molly. Well, Molly really. :O) It was her bridal shower. She is marrying my cousin Mike. We all thank them both for this because we LOVE Molly!!! We happen to love Molly's family, too!!!

This is Molly and her sister, Kelly.

Molly with her new Mama. (in law) Yay for Aunt Barbara!!

The cousins. (the girls anyway)

Benny got to see his cousins and aunts and uncles. This is him with Kendall. He really loved Kendall. He got a huge smile every time he looked at her.

Auntie Paula Faye

BellaBoo

Auntie Nancy, Auntie Gina, Grandma Paula

I told you we love Molly and her family. Benny is no exception. He absolutely LOVED Molly's dad, Jack.

He stayed in Jack's lap until he fell asleep.

Nobody takes a nap without Gabriella!

Brian had to get in on that, too. See him on the couch.

Then it was off to more fun with the cousins. Here is Mike.

Mike took him in the pool.

Then he played with Brian.

Auntie Gina got a few minutes in.

He even got to touch a snake for the first time.

This is Brian's baby. He is 13 years old, I think. I can't remember his name right now, but he is a cool snake.

Auntie Nancy and Gab.

Auntie Gina and Kendall

We had a fun weekend. It went way too fast and I miss everyone already. Mike and Molly head off to Hawaii in August to get married. Then we will all meet again for their reception in September. I can hardly wait to be with everyone again. We love you guys.

Did we do it?

2009-06-29T20:02:00.002-07:00

NOPE!!!!

The locks are still firmly intact. We ran out of time!! :O) I guess we will just get to enjoy them until Grandma comes to visit.

Finally!

2009-06-25T18:45:00.014-07:00

Here are the vacation pictures I have been promising. There's a lot so be prepared.

We started off the fun at Grandma Paula's house. This is the only picture I took when I was there. I can't believe I did that. We had so much family over for Memorial Day. I could have had some great shots. What was I thinking????

Then it was off to Pismo to see the Oakleys. Moose was none too excited to his chinese cousins (the pugs) show up again. But he allowed us in anyway.

The day we arrived was just beautiful. It was chilly, but so pretty. We went to a very nice lunch where we got to see almost all the Oakleys. We missed the uncles Sam, Troy and Daniel though. :O( This is the view from our table. Needless to say, we stayed for a pretty long time. Who could leave?

Kennedy and Andrea were inseparable, of course. They love each other so much. I wish they lived closer to each other.

So handsome.

This guy was hang gliding right in front of us. It was fun to watch.

Guess who loves a good pickle??

He takes after his Bubby.

Then we walked right down to some tide pools. We had a great time down there. I love the ocean.
Steve, Uncle Ben, and Benny

Time for a quick nap. Thanks for the resting place Granddad!

These pictures are for you, Charity. I always love your pictures of the boys reading to Brad, so I took some myself. :O)

So, we were really bad parents and we forgot to put sunblock on Benny the first day. We weren't in direct sunlight for long, but it was long enough to burn his little cheeks.

Check out this outfit. I think she might be a designer one day. :O)

On the pier in Avila.

More beach. No idea where the scratch on his nose came from.

We went to Moro Bay. We love it there. There is plenty of wild life and more tide pools. Always a great time.

Can you see the jelly fish?

Super fat squirrels begging for food.Otter

Chipmunks???!!!! ;o)

Granddad took the kids and Steve out on the quads. I didn't go, so I don't have any pictures. I only have these of the girls when they climbed on them on the trailer.

All the Oakley grandkids together with Gam and Granddad.

Oops. Self portrait without checking the focus. ;o)

The flips.

Back to the Argento family. Benny with Grandma Jennie.

Benny with Uncle Phil.

Benny with Papa Paul.

It was fun. Now, it's been so long, I want to go back. Good thing I get to go tomorrow!!!! :O) We are going to celebrate Molly. Can't wait to see everyone!!

Just a Couple

2009-06-24T12:16:00.004-07:00

Still haven't made the time to put up any vacation pictures yet. But here are a couple that Kennedy took last week. Too cute. I took them off of her blog.

You Might Be a Redneck.....

2009-06-17T12:18:00.002-07:00

Steve wants to know if you are a redneck if your kid has a "rat tail". For the record, this is really a curl in the back that Steve has straightened out to look like a rat tail. He thinks he is so clever.

I will agree that he has a lot of different lengths back there. (and don't forget to notice the hurricane of hair at the top of his head. We call that Hurricane Benny) I am thinking about having Grandma trim it when we are at home next weekend. But, I am not convinced yet. Every time I make the decision to just do it, I almost start to hyperventilate!! ;o) No, I am NOT overreacting. I just think that once that curl is cut off, it's all gone. I don't think that he is going to have curly hair. I think this is just his first stage of hair, and I just don't know if I am ready for that to be over yet. Just typing that makes me want to cry. He is too big already. Nope, still not ready! Decision made! :O)

I do have another Benny story to share. Some of you have already heard this story, but it will be funny again. Steve got another update from daycare the other day. Apparently, Miss Vicki was sitting in a rocking chair feeding one of the little girls in the class. She said that she could not keep Ben from standing up at the chair and sucking on the little girl's feet. The little girl was not amused. But, I sure was!!! ;o)

I don't care if Ben has uneven curls and a thing for toe sucking. I think he is Fabulous!! Does that make me a redneck? ;o)

SUPER BENNY !!!!!!

2009-06-12T08:36:00.000-07:00

Really????

2009-06-08T16:30:00.001-07:00

Does this look the face of spoiled child to you?

Me either!!! :O)

Sweet Irony

2009-06-03T16:26:00.002-07:00

So, the funniest part about my last post, is what the girls at day care told Steve when he picked Benny up yesterday. Benny had to be moved to the room next door again. The big boy room. They had to take him out of his usual room because they just got a brand new 7 week old baby boy. They said that they had to move Benny to protect the baby! No, not joking. They said that Benny is just too curious, and loves to grab things. So, off he went to the big boy room. They also mentioned that Benny must have spent too much time with spoiling grandmas. Apparently, he has been throwing some pretty big fits last couple of days. They say that he screams louder than any of the other kids. So, thanks a lot GRANDMAS!!! Lord knows that I am NOT a spoiler. I do not spoil dogs, and I certainly do not spoil children!!!! ;o) (at least that is what we tell the day care girls!)
Ahhh...to be the mother of the monster, I mean, student of the month. I think that he is just getting it all out of his system now. This way, he is sure to be an easy, well mannered 2 year old! Yep, that's what's happening. He is having his terrible twos right now. See, he isn't spoiled. He is advanced! :O)
p.s. - I will have pictures up soon. I promise.

The Apple of My Eye!!!

2009-06-02T12:44:00.002-07:00

After a very nice vacation, (pictures to come), Steve took Benny back to daycare yesterday morning and this is what he found!!

If you can't read the bottom line, it says, "For good citizenship and helping others."

How funny is that?!?!? What a guy?!?! ;o)

So Pretty

2009-05-20T07:15:00.003-07:00

I feel pretty, oh so pretty

I feel pretty, and witty and bright.

And I pity any girl who isn't me tonight.

I feel charming, oh so charming

It's alarming how charming I feel

And so pretty that I hardly can believe I'm real

See the pretty girl in that mirror there?

Who can that attractive girl be?

Such a pretty face, such a pretty dress

Such a pretty smile, such a pretty me!

I feel stunning and entrancing

Feel like running and dancing for joy

For I'm loved by a pretty, wonderful boy!

See the pretty girl in that mirror there?

Who can that attractive girl be?

Such a pretty face, such a pretty dress

Such a pretty smile, such a pretty me!

I feel stunning and entrancing

Feel like running and dancing for joy

For I'm loved by a pretty, wonderful boy!

Slacker!!

2009-05-19T20:40:00.004-07:00

Wow, I have been such a slacker lately. Sorry Beck! ;o) Here are some pictures from about two weeks ago. Most of the pictures are courtesy of Kennedy. (hence the lack of pictures of Caleb) :O)

Oh the joys of having an older sister. I think he's gonna love you for this when he's older, KenKen! ;o)

Yay!! We're all laughing! This is so fun!!

Ok. Are we almost done with this?

No seriously, you're the only one laughing now.

Oh hello KenKen!

I need a break kid!

Steve and I took the kids over to our friends house for dinner. They have bright, fun colors everywhere. Kennedy had a great time with the camera.

And then they danced for a while. Notice the large horselike creature in the back. That's Milo. He's not really a horse. He's a dog. Yes, I'm sure. And he's a really good boy. He goes to the Childrens' Hospital here in Phoenix to visit the patients. He is very sweet.

Check this guy out!!!! What a good boy. Benny is a fan! And yes, his head really IS bigger than Benny's body. :O)

Go!!

2009-05-02T07:21:00.003-07:00

Um, excuse me, sir. Did you forget something?

No time, Mom. I gotta go! Catch me if you can!!!

Ben's blog

2009-04-25T11:06:00.001-07:00

Kennedy made ben a blog, if you would like to visit click HERE

Get Set....

2009-04-25T07:22:00.001-07:00

Check him out!

On Your Marks.....

2009-04-21T19:48:00.005-07:00

Oh Crap!!! Guess what Benny did at Daycare today. ;o) He stood up. dun dun dun dun.....
He pulled himself up on one of the swings they have in there. Then the swing came back his way and knocked him down. He is fine! Me, on the other hand, not so much! The boy is not even crawling yet! He is trying, but he hasn't quite mastered it yet. What the heck is going on here?!?!? I don't know if I am ready for this. Aunt Nancy, quick I need some Valium!!!! ;o) Man oh man!! Here he is in the back yard after the train show on Saturday. He just kept going and going. He rolls and spins and scoots. (and apparently, now stands)

(not quite crawling, but trying!)

I can't lay down! I need to get up!

Then it was fun time with Daddy. He threw him up in the air a couple of times. He loved it. These pictures make it look a lot higher than it really was. We were sitting on the ground. He was not roof level. ;o) Some of the pictures are blurry because he was moving, but you can still see.

I love his little flips!

Oh Gosh! I just can't believe how fast the time is flying. He is growing so fast. I love it and dread it all at the same time. I never knew that was possible. It is so fun and yet a little sad. But I am trying to enjoy and savor every moment of it. Benny has been such a good baby. We have been so lucky in that respect. But, I have a sneaking suspicion that he is about to give us a run for our money. So now that he is fast asleep, I sit here with my delicious Corona Light with lime, and enjoy the calm before my storm. Storm Benny that is. ;o)

Who Me?

The Last Week

2009-04-19T16:51:00.008-07:00

So, last week was Easter. The weekend started off cloudy and rainy! I LOVE THAT! It is so nice to have that kind of weather. Especially when we are only a few weeks away from nothing but 3 digit temperatures. ;o( Look how pretty!

Prepare for the rain! Thanks for letting me borrow your boots Ken!

We really didn't do much for Easter. The kids got a few things from the Easter bunny. And we colored eggs. That was the extent of our celebration. Poor kids.

Caleb was beside himself with excitement!

And then Caleb was threatened with taking many more pictures if he didn't give me a good smile. This is the best I got. He is so his father's child!!
This weekend Grandma and Grandpa came to town. There was big garden train show that Michael wanted to see. If you know Michael, you know that he is a big train fan. He has built a garden track in the yard at their house. He belongs to a club there in Santa Clarita. So, when he heard that another club here in Phoenx was having a tour, he decided to force my mom to come out. ;O) It was pretty neat. There were about 20 houses included in the tour. We went to 5 of them. Benny had a great time. We were outside most of the day. He Loves that! And there was so much to look at!

This morning we went to breakfast and then came back to take some picturs before Grandma and Grandpa had to leave. Daddy was making fun of Benny's hair. Benny does not approve!

Mommy is WAY better! ;o)

Be Careful What You Post!

2009-04-17T20:23:00.002-07:00

So, I had to delete my last post. I wrote about a law that I saw being discussed on TV the other night. I may have sent you an email about it. Anyway, I thought my blog would be a great place to tell other people about it. I do still believe in the law and hope that it is kept. But, I had two complete strangers leave comments for me telling me that I should be against the law and why. One of them is the mother of an "innocent" person who was effected by this law. They must have found my blog through a random internet search. While I can appreciate opposing view points, I do not want to bring complete strangers to my blog. Especially not when it has to do with that topic. The safety of my children is far too important. I don't even want to say the name of the law again for fear that a search will pick up the name again. I did not think about this happening at all before I posted on my family blog for my friends and family. That was really stupid of me. This is, after all, the world wide web. I will make sure to think about that before I make any other posts. Please do the same!

Brothers

2009-04-08T21:21:00.002-07:00

They melt my heart. I love it when all the kids are together. Benny loves it even more!!! ;o) Hmmm....Who looks happier? Ash or Benny? I think it's a toss up! :O) I did not stage this, by the way. I came out of the kitchen and saw this. I had to take pictures!

Kennedy Gets the Camera

2009-04-08T21:15:00.003-07:00

Kennedy loves to take the camera and go around taking pictures. She gets some really good ones. I am impressed!

The very lovely self portrait!

Very handsome Higgy Piggy.

Ashy. So cute.

What's he looking at?

Bennenny Benoo

Brother and Sister. Big sigh....

Benny at the park.

And here is where the camera battery died. Too bad. Kennedy had high hopes for photo ops at the park. I did, too. She does a really good job. I'll have to make sure that battery is all powered up next weekend!

More Grandma Paula

2009-04-08T20:47:00.002-07:00

We got to have Grandma Paula at our house last weekend. Benny got to spend Friday with her all by himself. I think he had a really good time. He loves being spoiled by his Grandma! :o) I'm not quite sure who enjoys it more. ;O)

Then the kids came on Friday. Finally!!! It felt like forever since we had seen them. We missed them!!! It was fun that Grandma Paula got to see them, too. It seems like she always ends up coming on the off weekends and she misses them. But this week worked out. It was a really short visit with Kennedy though. She and Steve had to head back down to Tucson on Saturday so that Kennedy could attend the opening ceremonies for her softball season. She also had her first game that her team won. Her team has nicknamed her Special K because she is so fast. She is very proud of this name. :O) Doesn't she look beautiful in her uniform? Great color!

Benny loves it when his Grandma is here.

I could only get Caleb to pose for a picture for a minute. And he had to wait for TWO cameras. OMG!!!!! The horror!!! He gets so annoyed with me and the camera sometimes. He gets that from his father! :O) At least I got one picture of him with Grandma. I think Grandma got a cute one on her camera, too. We got to spend most of Saturday with just Caleb and Benny. Caleb is such an awesome kid. And he is such a good big brother. I had so much fun with him.

Grandma actually had to leave on Saturday evening. So, that left me with my two boys. (and pugs of course) :O) Steve and Kennedy didn't get home until after 9. Caleb spent a lot of time playing video games while I was working through Benny's nightly routine. When Ben was asleep, Caleb and I watched the Karate Kid. He had never seen it. It was fun to watch it again. I hadn't seen it years. He thought it was weird. Too bad he will never understand the significance of Wax on Wax off

Three Minutes of Fun!

2009-04-01T20:25:00.003-07:00

Benny gets really giggly right before he gets really cranky when he is tired. Here is Daddy taking advantage of those few minutes before bottle and bed. He cracks me up! :O)

On the Move!

2009-03-29T20:01:00.003-07:00

Well, we are really out one infant boy. He is no where to be found. He is history. But, he has left us with THIS very handsome guy. His name is Big Boy Benny. And this one is MOBILE! Yep he is movin and shakin all over the place. His favorite mode of movement at this time is rolling. He can get from one side of the room to the other in no time. He is also dabbling in some scooting. This part is new to him, but he is very brave. He mostly scoots backwards at this point. He gets up on all fours, and teeter totters for a while. He did experience an unfortunate face plant, but he recovered quickly. He was back up and scooting backwards in no time. Too bad he only got as far as this couch! ;o)

Just Sittin'

2009-03-29T19:54:00.003-07:00

Have I mentioned that Benny LOVES to be outside? Well, he does. He can just sit out there for hours. Good thing Daddy likes it out there, too.

Resting Up!

2009-03-29T19:46:00.005-07:00

Ben had so much fun with his Aunties. They really tuckered him out! Now that he can roll over, he is a tummy sleeper. And he usually sticks that tushy straight up! So cute!

Oh would you just look at this hunk o leg?!?!?

Night Night Benny Boo!

My Aunties!

2009-03-29T18:25:00.007-07:00

My Aunties came to visit me and we had so much fun!! I love it when they come to visit!

Auntie Nancy and Me. I love my Auntie Nancy!

Auntie Gina and Me. I love my Auntie Gina!

Auntie Paula Faye and Me. I love my Auntie Paula Faye!

On Friday I got to stay home from Daycare and spend the day with Auntie Nancy and Auntie Gina. Do you know them? Those two are VERY funny. They make me laugh. They make my Mommy and Daddy laugh, too. We waited for Auntie Paula Faye to get here. Then we all went to Oregano's for dinner. I love it there. We get to sit outside for a really long time. I love outside!

We all had so much fun together. On Saturday we went to a hotel and I went swimming for the first time. Well, I really just bounced around a lot on the top step of the pool. But before we could get out to the pool, I had to have my clothes changed. Then everyone stood around and laughed and took pictures of me. I don't know what all the fuss was about.

Here I am in my swin trunks. Let's go swimmin!!!

Are we ever gonna make it to the pool???

Ok...now we're dressed again? Wait a minute, this shirt feels cool!! My mom says that it will keep me from getting sun burned.

You need a big hat to go swimming? My mom says that it will keep the sun out of my eyes.

And more picture taking.

At least you guys are funny!

Ahhh....finally! We are going to the pool. Hey, I thought there was supposed to be sun out here!

Oh well! Let's swim!

I swam for a while and then I got tired. Auntie Nancy warmed me up and let me snooze on her lap. Then she took me inside and let my Mommy relax for a while. That was nice, huh?

After my nap, my Mommy took me back home to my Daddy. He stayed with me while my Mommy and my Aunties went out for a girl's night. I think they had a really good time. My Mommy keeps talking about it.

The next morning my Daddy took me out to breakfast and we saw my Mommy and Aunties there. We ate together and then we had to bring them to the airport to go home. :O(

I guess it's true what they say. All good things must come to an end. I don't think I like that much!

A Benny Mish Mash!

2009-03-26T18:22:00.002-07:00

ummm...no thanks mom.

I'm not eating that mom.

I don't want it mom.

I am so big! I love to play on the floor!

Until I want to get up! Somebody get me!!!!

Wow!! What is it Daddy?

Hey you! Gimmee a kiss!!

Just another Day at the Park!

2009-03-18T21:56:00.004-07:00

First, I have to start by sending my apologies to Gecky for taking so long to put new pictures up. I know that I have totally fallen down on the job. I won't even give you excuses. I will try to be better. After all, there is homework at stake here! ;o)

Anyway, Saturday was such a beautiful day outside and we were all just sitting in the house doing nothing. So, we decided to take advantage of the weather and go to the park. It was a good idea. We had fun. The sun was shining brightly so we had to lather up the boy with sunscreen and put on the hat and glasses! He is such a trooper. He just goes right along with it. Hey, if he is outside, he is a happy camper!

KenKen getting Benny ready to leave. He LOVES Caleb and Kennedy.

Benny still loves to swing. We had to stick the blanket in behind him to keep him steady. I think is more comfortable for him, too. And these swings were a little on the older side, so they were pretty dirty. I had to cover it so that he would not put his mouth on it. Uhhhh...

I shutter at the thought. ;o)

We even brought the dogs. You can see Steve and Caleb with them in the background.

She tried! ;o)

Kennedy even tried taking Benny down the slide. We couldn't really tell what he tought of it. He didn't hate it, but we didn't think that he loved it either.

So, back to the swings we went.

After a while, we went for a little walk around the park with the beasts, and then settled down for a few to watch Daddy and Bubby play catch.

I think Caleb is getting more and more handsome every time I see him. He is just becoming so grown up. Such a teenager!

Funny Hair!

2009-03-11T09:46:00.003-07:00

I was getting ready to strip Benny down for his shower the other night, so I laid him down on the bed. I could not help but laugh as I was staring down at this. Sometimes his hair just cracks me up! And SOME people want to cut it off... the nerve... ;o)

A Swingin' Good Time

2009-03-07T21:51:00.002-07:00

Since we had such a good morning, we decided that we needed to follow it up with a fun afternoon. So, Benny and I headed out to meet Aimee and Reid at the park. We haven't seen them since before Christmas. These boys have grown and changed so much since then. They are even big enough for the swings now. And they absolutely LOVE them. We had to shove a blanket behind them so they wouldn't flop back and forth. It was so funny. Check 'em out!

Botanical Gardens

2009-03-07T18:04:00.005-07:00

This mornig we went to the Botanical Gardens to see the Chihuly Exhibit. Dale Chihuly is the glass sculptor who created the glass flowers that hang in the lobby of the Bellagio in Vegas. He is amazing. His work is beautiful, and is being displayed in the Botanical Gardens here by the Zoo. We had such a great time there this morning. Ben was great, as usual. He LOVES being outside. It was a really nice morning. Here are some pictures of the sculptures, the gardens and my boys.

Gramps

2009-03-04T19:17:00.003-07:00

We got an unexpected and much appreciated visit last weekend! Gramps came to stay with us. He hasn't seen Benny since Christmas. He's changed a bit. ;O) Gramps came in on Thursday night and he spent the day with Benny on Friday while Steve and I went to work. I think they had a really fun day together! :O) Benny was glad Gramps was here.

I think Ashy was glad, too!

Caleb and Kennedy came on Friday night. And on Saturday we went to the new Dodger/White Sox spring training stadium. Steve's company built the stadium, and invited the employees and their families to come out the day before spring training started. It is a beautiful stadium. More like a big pretty park. It was fun. And hot!! :O)

We had to put Kennedy next to this sign with her black eye, fat lip and bruised forehead. :O)

Then it was off to dinner at our favorite Pizza Place. We love Oregano's. And Benny loves sitting on shoulders and pulling hair! :O)

Thank you for coming Gramps. We had a really fun weekend! We love you.

And the Baseball Won!

2009-02-28T07:54:00.002-07:00

When we picked up Kennedy last night, this is what we saw!

No, she did not get in a fight. No, she has not taken up boxing. She has been playing basball! :O) It seems that she got too close to a swinging baseball bat on Wed. (eye) She did not give up the game, though. Nope, she kept on playin. Practice, practice, practice. After yesterday, I think she will be putting a lot more emphasis on practicing her catching! (mouth)

And the forehead, well, that was just an unfortunate run in with a brick! :O)

But, if you know Kennedy, it will be no surprise that she just keeps on smiling. She's a toughy. And she is always happy (and beautiful)! Even with a puffy rainbow colored face! :O)

More Daddy Lovin

2009-02-25T12:17:00.005-07:00

I always talk about the fact that my husband drives me right up a wall. There are permanent tire tracks running up and down almost every wall in my house. Ok, some tracks Might be his. But, I am a much easier person to live with. Just ask me! :O) Anyway, I also know a good Daddy when I see one. He deserves my praise and my appreciation in this department. I couldn't ask for a better daddy for my Benny! Even the ladies at Benny's daycare have taken notice. Steve goes there at least 3 times a week and feeds Ben, or just takes him outside to play for a while. The people always tell me how nice it is to see a Dad doing these things. I concur. This makes me smile!

At Play!

And at rest!

And this is just the Ben post. I will have more about Caleb and Kennedy, too. Even though he doesn't get to see them everyday, he tries really hard to be the best Dad to them, too. If ever they have a school project, scout project, dance or anything else, he drops everything to be there for them. Each deserve their own post. That will be next. I do not have the pictures with me that I want to add. I will take a rain check on those for right now.

Another Fun Weekend!

2009-02-24T12:29:00.006-07:00

I promised myself that I was going to be better with my camera the next time we had visitors. Well, by the end of this post I will have proven that I was, in fact, much better with my camera! :O) This might take a while.

So, G&G Paula and Michael, and G&G Jennie and Paul all came to see us last weekend. We had so much fun. I love waiting on the driveway for them to come driving down the street. So exciting.

After we had dinner on Friday night, Benny had a bath. He loves taking a bath!

Then he played on the floor for a while. We thought he might show off his new rolling skills, but he didn't.
He played for a while and then was ready for someone to pick him up. Can you imagine? This poor child had all these people around him, and no one was holding him. GASP..... Grandpa Michael to the rescue.

Now that's more like. He's being passed around like he is supposed to be. :O)

The next morning we tried to take some good group photos. Benny wasn't so into it. But, what a beautiful day it was. We tried.

Try to imagine two people standing in front of you making all kinds of stupid faces and noises. No one could keep a straight face, except for Ben. He was just not interested.

Oh how he loves to go outside and enjoy the day.

Wow! Picture taking is hard work!! Better catch a nap! :O)

Naptime Over!! Let's play!

Is he begging for some kissin or what!?!?

Time to get ready for bed.

He was happy then. But, boy did he get upset later. He actually cried and looked to me like he wanted only me. That was the first time he had ever done that. I almost felt bad, but I was too busy melting.

Sorry about the little dance I did guys. :O)

He felt better on Sunday.

At least until Everyone had to leave. We didn't want them to go.

We miss you. When are you coming back?

Getting Grandma Jennie!

2009-02-24T12:16:00.004-07:00

On Sunday morning Pappa Paul found a perfect seat for Benny. And Benny found a new toy! It was Grandma Jennie! :O) He played with (pulled on) her hair for a long time. It was so funny. Grandma was laughing so hard. Can you just hear her? There are a lot of pictures of this, but I had to put them all up so because it is so funny. And this is just from MY camera. There were a couple of other cameras, too. This went on for a while! :O)~

Are you having Grandma Josie flashbacks yet?

SsAaFfEeTtYy SAFTEY DANCE

2009-02-19T13:17:00.003-07:00

I am a little bit of a hypocondriac. Just a little. :O) So, when my weekly email from Parents.com came through with The 15 Biggest Safety Mistakes, I could hardly wait to tear in. Most of the items were pretty obvious. You know, tub safety, pool safety, cabinet locks and outlet covers. But there was one that I haven't thought of. I wanted to share it with my new/newish mommy friends. It is about firemen. Here is the paragragh:

Imagine how frightening a fire must be to a child. It's dark, and the smoke is like nothing he's ever seen or smelled before. Adding to his fear and confusion are the piercing smoke alarms and sirens of rescue vehicles. Then a stranger shows up looking like a space alien, wearing heavy bunker gear and a helmet and carrying an ax. Tragically, many child fire deaths occur because children run and hide from firefighters -- they are found dead in closets and under beds, says Mickalide.

I have never thought about this before. But I can see how this might be really scary!

Here is what it says to do:

Find a firefighter for your child to meet. Most community fire companies sponsor an open house at least once a year where firefighters stage safety demonstrations and allow kids to explore and try on their gear. (Your local fire department may also schedule demonstrations during Fire Prevention Week, usually the first or second week of October.)
Let the kids help you test the smoke alarms each month so they get used to hearing what they sound like. Don't just plan and talk about an escape route; if your kids are old enough, practice it, says Mickalide. Rehearse crawling through smoke, yelling "I'm over here," and getting to your outside meeting place.

I thought this was a really good thing to think about. I know that I worry about a lot of things that are beyond my control, but I want to know that I am doing everyting in my power to keep my family safe. In fact, I am thinking about bringing Benny to my local firestation every weekend for the next 5 years. ;o)

Daddy and Benny

2009-02-16T12:39:00.002-07:00

This cool guy really does love his daddy. He will give his dad a smile and a giggle no matter what. He LOVES being with him. Don't get me wrong, he loves his mommy, too. But, there's just something about that daddy of his. (We all think that, don't we?) :O)

It is so sweet to come out of the hallway to this. I can't help but smile. It almost makes me forget what a pain the you know what my husband is. I said ALMOST....

He was very patient with me on this particular photo shoot. I usually only have a minute or two before he starts losing patience and starts to get really crabby. Oh well, at least Ben is an easy subject to photograph. So patient and sweet. He gets that from me! :O)

Ahh..big sigh!!!

Even When He is Sick!

2009-02-13T13:49:00.003-07:00

This poor little boy of mine is STILL sick. It has been 3 weeks today. I feel so bad for him. I had to bring him to the doctor on Tuesday to get his 4 month shots. The Dr. said that his ears were red and had fluid in them. But, since he has been sick for so long, we weren't sure if he is getting over ear infections, or if he is just getting them. We didn't want to start antibiotics if we didn't have to, so she said to keep an eye on him and bring him back if he got worse. Well, the girls at daycare said that he cried almost all day yesterday and he wouldn't really eat. We sent him back today after giving him Tylenol and I called to check on him. They said that he was still crying and now he was pulling at his ears. And he still didn't really want to eat. So. I called the doctor, and Steve took him in. Here is the picture that I received from Steve while they were at the doctor's office. That man can even get this kid to smile and laugh when he doesn't feel good.

So, we had to start antibiotics anyway. Hopefully, we can finally get this boy well!!

The First Meal!

2009-02-11T12:05:00.009-07:00

Well, this big boy had his first taste of real food on Sunday. I made butternut squash for him. I think he liked it. This is his second try on Monday. He gets so excited in his big boy seat!

Hey Mom, what do have there? Is it for me?

Hmmm...it's that orange stuff again.

Ummm...Why are you clapping and talking funny?

Mmm..I don't know, but this orange stuff is pretty good!

Can I have some more of that orange stuff? It's finger lickin' good!!

Ah well, that was good. What's next?

Can we play now?

Ummm....Do you happen to have any of that orange stuff left for us?

Mmmm, mmmm, so good. Ashy likes the orange stuff.

The Higgy Piggy likes ANY stuff!!!!

Hi Roller!

2009-02-04T19:48:00.003-07:00

Guess what Benny did!!! He rolled over all by himself. What a big boy!!!!Check it out!

Happy Birthday KenKen!!

2009-02-01T14:16:00.005-07:00

Kennedy turned 10 years old yesterday! I can't believe it. I have now had her in my life for about 7 years. Wow!! It really doesn't seem like that long ago. But, when I first met her, she could barley talk. She said a whole lot, but most of it was still babble, or language that only mommy understands. One of my favorite Kennedy stories was before she could really talk. She had already moved to Washington, and had come home to visit her daddy. But, Steve had to work, so he asked me to watch her. I was so nervous, because Steve and I were only dating and this was the first time that I would be alone with her. I thought entrusting his daughter to me was a very big deal and I really wanted her to like me. So, I planned a lot of things to keep her attention. At the time, we were getting ready for Jamie's bridal shower. So, Kennedy and I went to Kim's house to help with centerpieces. Kim had so many toys and funs things to do at her house. Kennedy was completely occupied and had a ton of fun there. When we were finished, Kennedy and I headed back to my apartment. She was in the backseat in her carseat. She had her hand out the window, but it was getting too loud. I told her to bring her hand in so that I could roll up the window. And she did. But, when I turned around, she put her hand back out and I did not know it. I rolled up the window and she started crying. I looked back and she was holding her poor, pinched little finger. I felt so bad! And, of course, I could not get back there to comfort her because I was driving. So, I just kept talking to her and telling her that we would call daddy as soon as we got back, we were almost there. She said ok and stopped crying. Then my cell phone rang. It was a number that I had never seen. So, I answered expecting it to be a wrong number. Nope! It wasn't. It was Kennedy's mom, whom I had never met, and who had no idea that I was going to be watching Kennedy. Needless to say, she was not thrilled with Steve and she wanted to talk to Kennedy. I reached back and gave the phone the Kennedy. She started crying again and babbled a little bit. Then clear as day she said, "JUDI DID IT!!!" Oh yeah! That was the only part of the conversation that I could understand. I laugh about it now, but I pretty much wanted to crawl into hole at the time. :O) Now, she is this tall beautiful girl, that doesn't stop talking. I am so lucky that she is in my life. Oh, and I think she ha forgiven me for rolling her finger up in the window!! ;o)

Kennedy's choice of birthday activity was to go to a place called Amazing Jakes. It's kind of like Chuck E Cheese on steroids. The place is huge and it has a tons of things to do. They had a lot of fun. Even Benny loved it there. He didn't make a peep the whole night. There was too much to look at. We started at the buffet and Kennedy fed Benny after she was done eating.

There are some fun little rides to go on. Here is Kennedy on the first ride she went on.

Daddy and Ben were watching Kennedy bounce on that thing.

Kennedy tried to go on the teacups next, but someone threw up on it, so they had to close it for 15 minutes. She decided not to wait. She and Caleb went on the bumper cars.

Next, we headed over to the indoor miniature golf course. This was pretty funny. It is all done in a beach theme. There is even sand in there. Pretty cool!

All was going well, until we rounded the corner to hole 15. Ummmm.......

someone left a little surprise for the golfers to come. Yeeeaaaahhh....there was an actual turd laying on the greens. Yuck!!!! It was so gross. Someone had gone to get a worker. I swear there is no way those kids get paid enough for what they do. They have to clean up strangers' puke and poop!!! I don't think I could do it. Anyway, we just went right on past hole 15 and kept playing. Not before Caleb could take a picture of the poop though. But, I will spare you that lovely sight. Check out these ones instead.

After golfing, the kids went on go karts. The pictures didn't come out. They were too dark. Then they went and played lazer tag. It was so funny when they came out. Kennedy came out yelling, "I won and I was the only girl in there." I guess all the boys, who were all older than her, kept saying, "I can't believe that little girl beat us." This did include Caleb, by the way. Kennedy ended up with 3100 points. The closest score to hers was only 1500. Most were between 500 and 800. She was very proud!!

Caleb went on to rock climbing. He made it all the way to the top. Kennedy didn't want to do this.

Still hanging out, happy as can be!

Then we headed home for birthday cake and bedtime.

Kennedy got new bedding for her birthday. She picked these out a long time ago. But, she didn't know that she was getting them. We put them on this morning and she loves it!

All in all, I think it was a big birthday success. We all had a really fun night. We love you Kennedy!!!

I'm A Big Boy Now

2009-01-29T13:06:00.003-07:00

My little infant boy is going away. Yes, he is really growing, people. He has a couple new big boy chairs to sit in now. He is beginning to like his excersaucer more and more all the time. See, he doesn't like to lay down anymore. He can't see as much from down there. He likes to sit up and see the world. He is a Nosey Rosey! :O) Oh, but is he cute!?!?!? Man oh Man. I just can't get enough of this face!

Hmm..What is that thing?

Ahh Mom!!! More pictures!!!

Can you beleeeeve all this cool stuff????

Ben loves this little Bumbo chair. It helps him sit up so well.

Look at me, I'm so big, I'm so big, I'm so big.

Look at me I'm so big lala lala lala!!

What choo talkin bout Willis???

Wait, what Dad?

Oh yeah. GO DODGERS!

Talky Talky Talky

2009-01-26T19:14:00.003-07:00

This is Benny talking to us on Saturday night. He sure had a lot to say!

More Visitors Please!

2009-01-26T11:41:00.002-07:00

We got to have Grandma and Grandpa Sailor and Uncle Phil for the weekend! It was so nice to see them. It had been almost a whole month since we had been with any family. I was starting to have withdrawls. I was so happy to see my Mom and Michael pull up to the house. Phil flew in later. Benny was so excited to see them all. He had to take a little nap to prepare while he waited for Grandma and Grandpa to get there.

This baby always has his fingers in his mouth. I wonder how long it will be before he gets his first tooth. He is just chompin away on those fingers all the time. We have to get a new bib all time because he drools so much, they are always soaked. Yuck!! He is 4 months old now, so I guess they can come anytime in the next couple of months. No visible sign of them yet, though.

So, I am back to my old ways of forgetting to get my camera. Ugggg... I get so mad at myself. This is the only picture that I got of Benny with Grandma. I didn't get any with Grandpa. Booo. So, Ben was not feeling good all weekend. He is sick AGAIN. Gotta love daycare. The poor little guy has a pretty bad cough and stuffed up nose. It is hard for him to eat and breathe at the same time. Sometimes he can't keep his pacifier in because he can't breathe. This makes for a very unhappy BeNoodle. :O( Grandma did not seem to mind that she had to hold and snuggle him all weekend. She would put him to sleep and get him all comfy.

And then Uncle Phil happens. I swear, the man cannot stand to see him sleep. This is Ben in a VERY good mood after some Tylenol. I got video of this, too. I will get that up here later. He was talking up a storm.

He is growing so fast. I can't believe all the new things he is doing. He is so aware of what is going on around him. And he is super nosey now, too. He always needs to sit up and see what is going on. I have to follow his head with the bottle now when I feed him. If someone (or some pug) walks by, he has to watch to see where they are going. He is really working on rolling over. He hasn't gotten much floor time because our house is all tile. But, we just got some foam pads for him. So, we have been laying him on that. He is really trying, but he still only makes it halfway. It won't be long.

Daycare Visits

2009-01-16T13:04:00.002-07:00

Daddy stops in to visit Benny at daycare when he can during the day. Here are some snapshots courtesy of Steve's prized possesion. (iPhone)

This was taken on Wed. which was his first day back. He was sick on Mon. and Tues. He had been fussy all day, so Daddy went to cheer him up. He, of course, got some smiles!

This is today. Just hangin out with Dad.

Giggle Giggle!

2009-01-11T20:28:00.002-07:00

Guess who had the giggles tonight!! yep, my little Benny boy. But, he is really not so little anymore. He is growing so stinkin fast. Here he is laughing at his daddy. That Daddy is one funny guy. I hope this works. We are new at the video part. Let's se if we can do it! :O)

Steve & Steve

2009-01-09T10:01:00.004-07:00

So, here is the sequal to Sandy and Steve when he was 7 weeks old. This is Dad Steve with baby Steve at 7 weeks old. This totally looks like Nat with a big beard!!

Nat is on the left.

Hellooo

2009-01-09T09:59:00.002-07:00

Poor Benny!

Won't Anybody Play With Me?

2009-01-09T09:56:00.001-07:00

Poor Ashy!

Christmas In January

2009-01-09T09:09:00.003-07:00

We thought that it would be nice if everyone who got presents for Caleb and Kennedy actually saw them opening them up. Due to the incredible amount of gifts given by all who love them, the video is quite long.

Life After Daycare

2009-01-08T18:37:00.004-07:00

Well, we have almost made it through our first week of daycare. Ben is doing great. I think he really likes it. There are so many things for him to look at while he is there. I have decided that it is a really good idea for me to drop him off or pick him up whenever I can. I want to get to know the girls and I want them to know me. This is my early out week. I get off at 4, so I have picked him up everyday. I so look forward to getting there and talking to the girls and seeing what he is doing when I get there. Usually, he has just woken up and is getting ready to eat. (which makes for a lovely ride home) But, today he ate a little earlier and was happily sitting in a swing and smiling at nothing. Oh, I just love that face. I am really going to miss that next week. Daddy will be the picker upper next week. :O( I think that going back to work has made me appreciate Ben even more. I miss him so much during the day. So, when I finally get to him I don't want to do anything but spend time with him. I have had to bust out the crock pot so that Steve and I can eat dinner. Otherwise, we don't eat because I am too busy with my boy! :O) I think Daddy misses him, too.

This is after his first day. We came home, had some dinner and relaxed for a while.

I think he remembered us. And I don't think he was too mad at us! :O)

This is tonight. I walked around the corner and I found Steve sitting with this BIG BOY. I do not know how this has happened so quickly, but my boy is growing. And he's doing it fast!!

Oh...Could you just take a bite?!?!?

Welcome Back!?!?!?!?

2009-01-05T11:49:00.002-07:00

So, last Monday was my first day back to work. This is what I walked in to find.

My boss decided that he didn't want me to have to start working right away, so he thought that he would give me something to do for the first COUPLE HOURS of my day. He dumped two full recycle bins in my cube. He wrapped all my stuff in bubble wrap. He THREW office chairs in there. And then he blocked it off with a piece of stucco wall. Then he came in and laughed hysterically and told me how much they all missed me as he watched me clean it all up. What a guy!! :O)

It was a hard day, but not as hard as I expected. It actually got worse as the week went on though. My next door neighbor watched him last week. So, this morning was his first day at daycare. This was, by far, the hardest drive to work that I have ever made. I had a really hard time sleeping last night as the reality of leaving Ben with strangers was creeping closer and closer. Lucky for me, Steve had to be the one to drop him off. Or is it unlucky? I think I may have been more at ease if I got to talk to the girls in there and see him in the room. So, I have decided to pick him up. I am going to leave a little early so that I can go meet them and see my boy in his new environment. Hopefully that will make me feel better. Hopefully!

Even More

2009-01-04T13:14:00.004-07:00

The fun did not end yet. The next day we went to Phil and Erika's for more fun. That is where we were given some great news. My cousin Mike proposed to his girlfriend Molly!!! And she said Yes!! WooHoo!! We are all so excited for them. This has been quite a year for them. They purchased a new beautiful home together, and as you will see in the pictures, they have added Jake and Emma to the their little family, and now they have some planning to do for their new life together!! This is going to be some party for sure. After all, I don't call Molly, "A Party in a Dress" for nothin. :O) Congratulations!!! I can't wait to celebrate!!

Mike

Molly. Yay!! Welcome to family...officially!! :O)

Steve and Kendall. I love this picture.

Steve, Nolan, Kendall, and Gab. I love this picture. :O)

Molly

Gab

Paula Faye
And this is our cousin Brian. This is the first time Ben met him, too.

I was so amused while we were at Phil and Erika's. There were so many dogs there. It was like being at the Oakleys! :O) This is just a normal day with the Oakleys, but it is certainly a new chapter with this family. Who would have thought and Argento gathering would include all of these K-9 loves?

Mike and Molly brought their 2 new precious babies, Jake and Emma. We had our Beasts, Ash and Piggy. Phil and Erika have their little Louie. And the Dempseys brought their huge and super sweet Tucker. It was so funny to see this spectrum of dog sizes and personalities. Tucker is about 90 lbs and just as loveable as can be. He even gives hugs! Better plant your feet good though. He'll take ya down!! :O)
This is Jake and Emma close up. So cute!!

Helloooo!!!!

Christmas with the Argentos

2009-01-04T11:28:00.004-07:00

Christmas evening is spent at Grandma Jennie and Papa Paul's house. The whole fam gets together for a delicious pasta dinner. And don't forget the cutlets!! Yum!! We always have a lot of fun. This Christmas was great!! Benny finally got meet the Dempseys and Gabriella, too. Gab is now living in Massachusettes where she attends college at Amherst. She really loves it there. And she looks fantastic. She just looks so happy. I am so happy for her. I still can't believe that she is old enough for college, but it is certainly doing her right. I miss her though. I miss em all!!

Aunt Gina

Nolan and Kendall!I love how he is looking at her!

Kendall

Uncle Dave

Gabriella!

Gab and Uncle Phil

Yay for Paula Faye!!

Opening presents with Grandma Jennie.

Grandma Paula

Here I am with the girls and Uncle Joe and Benny.

We had such a great Christmas. I love being with you all so much!! I miss you. Thank you for making our Christmas special, as always!!

The Leafdale Christmas

2009-01-04T10:26:00.003-07:00

After we left Bakersfield, we went to spend the afternoon with Gramps and Coco. We had fun opening presents and relaxing. Uncle Phil and Auntie Erika were there, too.

An Oakley Christmas

2009-01-04T10:07:00.003-07:00

Christmas morning was spent at Gam and Granddad's house. "Little" Steve made some breakfast for us. And Gammy made a delicious turkey lunch/dinner with all of the good stuff. Mmmm, it was so good!! All the kids came over again. I was able to get some pictures.
Aunt Gecky

Andrea

Aunt Rachie

Leah

Uncle Nat and Aunt Trisha and Pumpkin :O)

Uncle Nat and Uncle TJ. Check out TJ's locks!! Hubba Hubba!! I love it!

Steve loves himself some Leelee. :O)

Phote ops. that I missed out on due to the missing camera:

Uncle Ben and Aunt Corey

Uncle Sam and Aunt Becky

Uncle TJ

Uncle Daniel

They were all there. They all held Ben, and the camera was MIA. I am sad about this. I guess I will have to glue the camera to my hand the next time we are together! :O) I didn't get any pictures with Gam and Granddad either. What the????

Christmas Eve

2009-01-04T09:26:00.004-07:00

I know this is a little late, but I haven't had a chance to put these pictures up until now.

Ben had a wonderful 1st Christmas. He thought it was so much fun, except that he missed his brother and sister. He told me! :O)

We left Phoenix on Tuesday afternoon when Steve got home from work. We had a really easy and quick drive. Ben did great. He didn't need to stop at all. We did stop and wake him up to feed him when we got to Grandpa Bob's in Montrose. He ate and played for a few minutes, then he went back to sleep and slept the rest of the way to Bakersfield. What a trooper!!!
He woke up on Christmas Eve to find his Gammy and Granddad. That was so fun. But, I of course do not have any pictures of them. (I still suck at this picture thing. But, I did try to get better. ) It wasn't long until Aunt Gecky came in and took control of this baby. She loves holding him. (I don't think that he minded a bit! ) Then Benny got to open his first Christmas present from Gam and Granddad. It was this super cute little outfit. He looks so cute in it. :O)

A little later in the day, Aunt Rachie and Leah came over. This was the first time Ben got to meet them. And Aunt Gecky had to give him up to Aunt Rachie. But Leah got to hold him for a minute, too. And that was long enough for her! :O) How cute is she??

After taking many pictures of her toy horse, I finally talked Leah into taking a picture of herself. She is so funny.
Later that night, we all went to Aunt Gecky's to celebrate Christmas Eve. We had tamales and tacos for dinner. This was the night that Benny finally met ALL of his Oakley aunts and uncles. Everyone was there. It was great. One thing that I noticed, is that every one of the Oakley boys keep getting better looking! It has been quite a while since I have seen them. Man, are they a handsome bunch!! Anyway, I did not get any pictures of that night because I could not find my camera. I was so mad at myself. There were so many Kodak moments. I tried to make up for it on Christmas day, but I still missed some people. Ugggg...

Sandy and Steve

2008-12-29T15:28:00.002-07:00

Ok. So, I know that I have a lot of posting to do about Christmas and our trip. But, I just received this picture from Granddad and I had to put it up for you all to see. I am so in love with it. This is Steve with his mom when he was 7 weeks old. So cute. This is where my Ben Ben came from!! :O)

The Sounds in My House Tonight!

2008-12-21T18:32:00.005-07:00

Oh what wonderful sounds are traveling through my little, tiny house!! Caleb is in his room teaching himself how to play his new harmonica. He is playing "When the Saints come Marching In." (Doing a very good job, I might add)

Or is that really Caleb? :O)

And then there is my little teenie bopper!! She is blasting "Love Bug" by the Jonas Brothers. She is in love with Nick. She told me that I have to write how wonderful he is in this post. :O) I think I will be singing this song in my sleep tonight.

And here in the front room are the fabulous oohs and ahhs from my little man. He is singing along with Mozart in his play gym. I love the sounds of a full house. Notice, there is one face missing. That does not mean that he is not making noise this evening. Oh no!! My husband is here and is being very Steve. As usual, he is sharing all of his thoughts and ideas!!! Would he be Steve if he wasn't? :O)

Tuckered Out!!

2008-12-14T20:07:00.005-07:00

What a weekend this has been. We have been busy!! It all started with some Christmas shopping on Thursday night. It is finally starting to get a little chilly outside at night. So we have to do a little bundling before we go out now. Not much though.

The kids came on Friday night. We had fun playing with Ben. He is smiling SO much now. And he coos and tries to laugh a little. He LOVES his brother and sister. He just stares at them and laughs at them. Kennedy and I stayed up until almost 11 with him on Friday night listening to him laugh. It was fun! Last night we went to the Mormon Temple in Mesa to see the Christmas lights. They decorate it so beautifully. I love Christmas lights. Nothing gets me in the spirit of the season more than Christmas lights. And there were plenty to look at. They were everywhere we looked, even in the ground. Ben loved looking at them, too. He is really starting to become aware of his surroundings. Especially if his surroundings are lit up!! :O) He was so cute. We got some pictures of all of the kids. You can kind of see the lights in the background, but of course, the pictures do not do it justice. And then there is my family. I tried so hard to get a good picture of the kids with their Dad. Well, you'll see what happened. I was able to get a couple of good ones, but not many. Good ones just aren't fun enough for these goofballs, I guess. :O)

Trying so hard to give me a "normal" face.

I love this picture. She is so pretty.

And here it begins.

So Cute!!

All bundled up. It was really cold and windy. He didn't seem to mind though. Such a good boy!!

This is what happened tonight after Caleb and Kennedy left. Crash and burn under the Christmas Tree. My favorite gift. :O)

Our Trip to CA.

2008-12-09T07:03:00.008-07:00

Ok. It has been a long time since I have added a new post. Well, I was in California last week, and I didn't get around to uploading any pictures. We had so much fun. Aunt Nancy flew down from Vegas so that she could help me fly with Ben for the first time. I know I am a huge wuss, but I was so scared to fly alone with him. I was afraid that he would scream the whole time and people would throw things at me. So, thank you, thank you Aunt Nancy for coming all the way to Phoenix to help us!! Ben was actually great on the plane. No screaming. But, he pooped both times. And let me tell ya, this kid can clear a room. With the recycled air in the plane, I'm sure the whole cabin was looking at the stranger next to them. :O) Any way he was really good both ways. Here is a picture of him on the way back. It is not technically his 1st plane ride, but the camera battery was dead for that one. :O(

He was a very good passenger. He even got to meet the pilot. We were the last ones off the plane. (easier that way) And I always love it when the pilot comes out when we are deboarding. I always love to be able to thank them for a safe flight. I am usually a little uneasy in the plane, and very thankful when we land!!!

We had a very busy week while we were there. Ben met a lot more of his family. I didn't get near as many pictures as I should have. No Gramps and Coco, no Grandma Paula, Grandpa Michael, Grandma Jennie, or Paula Faye. He even met some of my favorite girls, Tricia, Ashley and Kristin, but no pictures. I am really going to work on this picture taking thing at Christmas time when we are back. There are even more family members to meet. I am so excited!!

Playing with Uncle Phil

Uncle Ralph and Aunt Barbara

Uncle Joe

Another one of my favorite girls, Jamie.

What?!?! No one was holding this poor, ignored child?!?!?

WELLLLLL....... I guess we just better fix that!!!!

Aunt Nancy!!

Papa Paul

Uncle Phil and Auntie Erika

No, there was no lack of attention for the Noodle. I am amazed that he still allows me to put him down every once in a while. :O)

On a serious note, Grandpa Michael had a heart attack on Thursday night. We are so thankful that he is ok now. He had two stints put in his heart and he got to go home yesterday. He didn't get to spend much time with Ben, because he spent most of the week not feeling good. We are looking forward to seeing him. We might get a chance to see him next week. They may take a drive out here during his mandatory time off of work. I swear we might have to tie that man down. Rest and get well, Grandpa. We love you.

And then we came home, in time to go with Daddy to his work Holiday party. This was not a family event, like Steve told me, and no it was not a Halloween party. There were no other children there. But, there we were. Me and my baby, and this guy.....

See, this was the night that Movember moustaches were being judged. Ensemble mattered!! There were a few different categories. There was Best All Around Mo, Classiest Mo, oh I can't remember the others except for Trashiest Mo. This is the Mo that you would run away from if you faced it in a dark alley. This is the Mo that goes with Pabst Blue Ribbon and Wings in a restaurant with sawdust on the floor. Guess who won that category?!?!?

Bowchickabowwow!!!!

Oh, my husband in all his authentic Playboy shirt glory!! What a catch!!! :O) And now, he is off to pursue his career in adult films. No autographs, please!!! :O)