Thanksgiving

We were able to go to Salt Lake and Pocatello over Thanksgiving break.  We had a great time.  Here are some of the highlights-

-Driving to and from Phoenix with our friends- 5 people plus luggage packed into a 5 person car :)
-Amelia's 2nd birthday party, Andrew's 6th birthday party, & Peter's 40th or 42nd birthday party
-Trafalga fun center with Ali & Dave
-Visiting our old wards and old friends
-James surprised me and got a room at the Stein Erickson Lodge in Park City for a night!  It was so fancy.  I was completely surprised and had a great time.  We went out to dinner, shopped and enjoyed the beautiful hottub and spa at the lodge.    
-Chopping my hair- at least 6 in!
-Lots of great volleyball
-Lava Hot springs with old friends
-Thanksgiving Dinner with family
-Watching Twilight with the girls

James entertaining himself during the long drive

The beginning of the drive

The end of the drive

Mia's tootoo party

Benson trying to steal Mia's presents

Peter's party

Emptying out the cupboards;their favorite pass time

Benson having a blast with Eliza

Benson & Cameron really enjoy each other

Andrew's 6th birthday party

He was finally able to use his winter coat

Cami, Maddy, & Benson

Benson, Cami, Payden, McKay

changing Benson's poopy diaper

Halloween- 2011

Benson's pj's from Grandma Vicki

Adam, Eve, and Satan

Adam and Eve with their some of their posterity

Corn Maze

Benson getting in touch with his primate relatives

Benson's Birthday 10/22/11

 Jon and Vicki came into town over Benson's birthday.  Rather than just having friends over for cake, (which was the original plan) Vicki threw Benson a real party.     


                (James and I were playing frisbee while Vicki and John worked hard on the party)

                                
                              
                                  Benson opening Granny Ginny and Grandpa Larry's present

                                        

                                                   He loves it! Thanks Granny and Grandpa!!!

           Benson protecting his cake

Benson with Grandma & Grandpa Brown

Benson deciding what to wish for 

A few of the party animals

White Coat Ceremony- 10/21/2011

Although we're still not sure what the significance of the white coat ceremony is, were always up for the free cupcakes they hand out after!

 

(Benson accidently blinked)

Doctors in training

James getting 'white coated'

the proud parents

Highlights of Quarter 1 (Fall '11)

Right after Priesthood Session

Hottubing with the gang

~Benson's bout with Roseola- aka, a virus that most kids are exposed to between 6 months and 3 yrs of age.  First is a high fever, then a bad rash follows the fever.  By the time the rash comes, supposedly they aren't contageous and they aren't bothered by the rash at all.  Benson shared his Roseola with at least one friend that we know of.    

The rash apparently didn't bother him

~Benson found this scorpion on our bathroom floor; we found out later that the small tan ones are the most dangerous... that wasn't good news in this case.   

After the tail was cut off

 

~My sister (Jill) and my friend (Collin) inspired me to start drinking 'green smoothies'.  I try to drink one every day for breakfast and I feel SO great when I do.  It is a great way to get in the green leafy vegetables that are so important.  I used to just throw in whatever ingredients I had into it, but after having some really gross results, I've stuck with this recipe.  Despite the color, I actually really like the taste.  Try it and let me know what you think!   

-ice
-strawberries
-spinach
-kale
-banana


Blend the ice and strawberries together in the blender first.  Add a little water if you want to.  Then add the spinach, kale, and banana.  It will be really thick, so most blenders will have a difficult time.  I've actually broken one blender already when I didn't put the stuff in in the correct order.  It scared me so bad because it started smoking and I thought it would start of fire.

Benson & Mommy love green smoothies

Benson always wants me to share with him