Six!

I'm a bit behind on this post, but I want to post about Benjamin. 6 is the ultimate age for him. His usual introduction goes like this..."Hi, I'm Benjamin & I'm six!" He's in the 95th percentile for height. He loves EVERYTHING...books, soccer, tractors, racecars, helping in the kitchen, anything that involves being outside, etc. He is the first person to rush over & check on someone if they are hurt & has a tender heart. He is such a great big brother & is patient to wait his turn. Benjamin's teacher said he is a good student & is one of her "helpers". So...life is good for our big 6 year old. He can't wait to dress up as a pirate on Saturday for the Austin Suzuki Strings Concert.

Fountain Fun

Since having kids we look for lots of ways to have fun. Sarah, our great photographer, helped us out with this one. Story behind these pictures: We had family pictures taken this fall. It was 106 degrees at 8pm that evening. We were/are in the middle of a drought, but still found some water for splashing & beautiful scenery for our pictures. Sarah rewarded our kids for doing so well for the pictures by letting them play in the fountain on site. Oh my, they had fun! I love these pictures.

Grandpa Clarence

We'll miss this dear man. The boys & I enjoyed writing him letters & sending pictures. He didn't write much, but that was okay....we just wanted him to know we loved him even though we lived so far away.

Our time with him this summer was so special. He gave us a tour of where he lived and then we went to his room for a wonderful visit. Though he was frail, his mind was sharp...he told us about his cowboy spurs (that were sitting on display in his room), memories of old pictures, & his times in TX. He told me he remembered when he first met me; I remember the exact time too...I wasn't with Russell & it wasn't in Montana...so that fact that he remembered, really surprised me.

I'm so thankful we had the privilege of naming our first son after his special family. He was a little piece of Russell's mother who we miss so much. He loved the children (good thing! he had over 40 great grandchildren). He spoke softly & had such a tender smile. We'll miss him, but so glad he finished the race.

Great Grandpa with chunky monkey Benjamin - Thanksgiving '05

It's beginning to look like...

convention time! I had a great time one afternoon playing & helping the boys as they requested to have convention at our house. I'm making a greater effort to stop in the midst of my day and have time with the boys. Love it!

I love this smile!

No, he's not crying...he's praying.

Watching so closely

Looking foward to going to the real thing very soon!

a peek at the past...

I don't take the time to scan in pictures very often, but I HAD to do these. They come from Russell's baby scrapbook that I put together for him. This is proof!!! Our little man looks just like Russell. I think these are the most adorable pictures...such seriousness & so like Trevin.

Trevin at 2 years

Things about Trevin at 2 years:

-asks for 'lunch' multiple times a day (ie when waking at 6:45ish, when getting ready for bed)

-is always looking for the moon when outside

-loves trucks & ambulances/fire trucks

-waits patiently with me while in line to pick up Benjamin from school

-loves to color...will color on his hands & arms as much as the paper

-even the littlest 'owwie' should not be taken lightly

-sleeps great...unless he is sick - then forget about sleeping, Mommy

-wants to go to school just like Benjamin...dragging his little backpack around the house

-when requesting something, he'll answer for you (ie "Mommy, up please....'kay")

-Not sure if I've heard him say 'yes' much...it comes out as 'huh' with a quick nod

-He's doing really well sitting still in meeting...we're learning that less is better

-He plays by himself so well...in fact, I can be gone (ie work) for a few hours while Russell works from home some mornings/handles conference calls with Trevin playing.

-Loves to set up meeting with his lego people or animals [see photo]

-Doesn't sing the graces at the table...but covers his eyes & waits to eat until we're finished singing

-Requests his little bible in meetings

-weight in the 50-75th percentile, height in the 90th percentile