Andy's BIG day!!!


Our precious boy celebrated his first birthday (February 6th) with a trip to the Doctor thanks to a very nasty cold! So the next day we had a small party and he managed to have some fun, and even spoke his first words! (uh-oh and dada.)



We love our little baby so much. He truly is a sweetheart and we all adore him.

WATER BOY!!

I thought it would be a great idea one morning if during Charlie's shower I let Andy watch since he loves the water. I figured it would keep him entertained so I could get myself ready...

It wasn't long before I heard PLOP! "Oh no! Andy got in the shower with me!!"

This is what I found!

I think he was a fish in a previous life!! He loves the water!


OOooo why did you take me out of there?

Our little ski buddy!


Charlie started asking to go skiing with his Dad around the age of 3 or 4 and we always said when he was 5 he could go. That sounded like a LONG way away but it's here already!



I was nervous he'd fall a lot and give up and cry but I was wrong..
He was SO good and only fell a few times, he never gave up and he skied for over 4 hours! He did a green circle run twice at the end and was very good! I was so proud and I thought he just looked so cute in his gear!



In this picture Ben's friend from work Ann was coaching Charlie...She used to be a ski instructor and she and another friend skied with Charlie on both runs helping him out! He had some serious one on one attention from some experts that day... It was really nice of them!



Someday when he's winning the gold medal in the Olympics we'll show these pictures. Ha ha!
Actually it was just a really fun way to spend a winter day!
That little one tooth grin warms my heart!

In a world filled with darkness......

A world where innocent babies pull floor lamps over and almost bash their heads...

Only ONE man can save the day...

Who is that man? Well, the BENMAN of course!



Benman can fix anything and do everything! MY HERO!!!

Benman's one true love isn't helpless either! She's PaintGirl!!!

PaintGirl saves the kitchen from grayness.....


And turns it into a brighter and happier place.....





Our offspring also seems to have superpowers.....

Goodbye 2008!
We really did have a good year! It went by TOO fast. Somehow my newborn baby is now almost a one year old! How did this happen?

Andy got his first haircut last Friday!

Before:


After:

We had a nice Christmas at home this year and the weekends before and after we got together with our wonderful families!

The weekend before Christmas we spent in Manti.

Have you ever seen such fabulous wisemen before? You are welcome Laura, I know you are glad I posted this picture!
(My wiseman costume was inspired by Tina Turner and Michael Jackson.....)

Ben's Mom really loves the kids to act out the Christmas Story every year. Andy was a very wiggly Baby Jesus.

Two days after Christmas we headed to my parents.


Aunt Becky playing Don't Eat Pete with the kids.


My beautiful and suddenly very grown up niece Natalie. She has turned into such an accomplished and beautiful young lady.


Andy couldn't seem to close his mouth while cuddling with Aunt Lisa. She is jaw-droppingly beautiful...


We finished the evening with a little Rock Band of course!


We look forward to a fun filled 2009 with friends and family!

One of our little mundane moments that makes my life worthwhile....



Good morning sunshine!
Merry Christmas to all!

Count em! FIVE!

Charlie's birthday-December first!

His birthday party was on Saturday the sixth!

Some of the boys and my funny niece Alyx in the middle!


I really regret I didn't get ALL of the kids together in one shot! What was I thinking?
Starting with Charlie then heading to his left-Charlie, Connor, Ethan, Braden, Alyx, Max and Carter. Maddie, Kara, Daegan, Nash, Boston, Scout and Connor were also there but not in this picture!

I accidentally only put four candles on!


That's better!
Balloon fight! Max, Maddie and Charlie.


Random action shots!

Impromptu bbq for those who stayed..


I really want to thank everyone who came over last night! It was quite a drive for most of you and it really made Charlie's day to have everyone come. It really means a lot to us that you came to help Charlie celebrate. Thanks as well to grandparents who sent birthday cards and money. He kept saying how lucky he was! We are all lucky to have such great family in our lives. Love to you all!