Nana's Visit

My mom came over yesterday to spend some time with me and the boys.  Logan and I got to go to music class by ourselves while Nana watched Bennett at home.  It was so special!  As Logan and I were driving in the car to class, I realized it was the FIRST TIME since Bennett was born that I have gone out with just Logan.  It was some special Logan-Mommy time that was long overdue.  We had a great time at music class and sang all the way home in the car!

 

Bennett sure was happy to have some one-on-one time with Nana!

Logan is usually a bit of a "Nana-hog"!

I had a doctor appt and mom offered to keep both kiddos (brave!), so for about an hour and a half, it was just Nana and the boys!  I think it went great!  Bennett even entertained a bottle for a couple sips, which means there still may be hope!  Then after Logan's nap, Nana and Logan played so Bennett and I got to rest.  It was a great day and we're looking forward to more visits from Nana once the busyness dies down a little bit. 

playtime

 

Bennett just found his feet in the last couple weeks.  He loves to grab them and hold on, rocking from side to side!  I remember that phase from when Logan was this age!  So cute!

Here I think he was trying to get his toes...almost!

Thanks for the visit, Nana!

Teething? Yes, I think so!

I mentioned that Bennett was teething and I think these bubbles are all the proof you need!

 Bennett is a major bubble-blower.  I used to wonder what was wrong, but I think its just something special about my boy!  Its not uncommon to see him with these little bubbles hanging off his lips.

The Big Shower

Sunday we threw a huge shower for Amy and Andrew at my parents' house in Stillwater.  Both sets of parents and Kyle's wife, Ali, all helped me plan this fun couples shower.  We had tons of great food and got to see so many friends!  It was a great afternoon of celebrating A & A's upcoming wedding!

My Aunt Shirley and Uncle Myron are the first extended family to meet Bennett!  Of course, Bennett got lots of snuggles in!  Shirley and Myron came all the way from Minot, ND to be at Amy's shower!  It was wonderful to see them and spend some extra time with them on Sunday night and Monday morning.  We're looking forward to seeing more of the Thompson family in a month for Amy's big day!

Goofy Bennett having fun with Amy and our good friend, Jenna.

Andrew and the ladies!  Melissa and Jenna are both bridesmaids, so we'll be spending lots of time together prepping for the wedding.

To give all the parents the chance to visit with friends for the evening, we took over kitchen duties.  Kyle and John ran the grill (42 burgers and 20+ brats for this big party!) while Ali and I ran the indoor kitchen.

Nana never had both hands free - not with Logan around, no way!  He had to be in on the action with his Nana!

Nana even made time for a little baseball when Logan asked (more like demanded!).

Showing off his athleticism!

Logan and Andrew's little cousin, Lizzi, hanging out with the big girls...and loving it!

Ali and I made lots of desserts and Logan was happy to indulge!

Nana had a little time for Bennett, too!

Opening presents at a shower with 50 people in attendance is a big task, but Amy and Andrew did a great job (and had some good helpers, too!).

When Logan got tired of helping with gifts, Melissa read him a story (she's a teacher, can't you tell?!).  He hunkered right in for this good book.

Only one month to go!  We're all so excited!

Taking a break from the chaos and watching the game with Uncle Kyle.

We had so much fun seeing lots of old friends - many of my parents' friends who lived in Belgium at the same time as us were present, which is always a special treat!  Thanks to everyone for your help celebrating!

Busy Week!

This week was the kick off to all our fall activities!  It was super busy and a little bit of a change, but we did well and enjoyed seeing all our old friends and meeting new friends, too!  Playgroups, SAMmy's, and music class got us up and out of the house early most mornings.  Logan would have liked to keep playing in his pj's most mornings, but I think we all enjoyed the routine.  I can tell this fall is going to be VERY busy, but also very fun!  I'm excited for all that is to come!

After music class, which we're taking again with our friends Kelly and William, we went to the park together to enjoy the beautiful September weather!

 

William has gotten so big and independent!  

 

Logan has gotten really good at walking and running on the wobbly bridge!

 

 And he loves the slides...after the silde boycott of the early summer, he has mastered all slides!

 

"Wee!  Hold on!"

15 weeks!

Our little Benny Boy is 15 weeks!  Time sure is flying by!  A few of our most favorite things about B:
  - he sleeps 9 straight hours each night (sometimes 10!...and he's been doing this since about 6 weeks old)
  - he loooooooves to snuggle
  - he is so quick to smile...often just a touch on the toe or a glance his way sends him into giggles!
  - he knows and loves his big brother

Of course, there are a million more things to love about Benny.  I really think he is the sweetest baby ever.  He is really easy going and really happy all the time.  I think teething has begun because he is constantly drooling and bubbling at the mouth.  He would be right on track with Logan's teething schedule if that is the case. 

So serious!

Little smirk!

I just like this photo because it shows how long Bennett legs are!

Even smiling during tummy time.

Smiling for Mom

 I had John snap some photos of Bennett and I the other night because B was so smiley.  We were having so much fun singing and talking together.

 

Fix-it

We have quite the household of "fix-its" these days.  Logan loves to "fix-it" - pretty much anything.  So whenever John is working on a project, Logan has to be right by his side.  The most recent project was replacing the washer pump in the big car.

Assessing the problem

 Making the plan

"No, Daddy, I'll do it" - one of Logan's favorite sayings these days.

Partners.  Buddies.

I'm pleased to say the washer is working perfectly in the car now...thanks to my handy boys!  Logan is going to be a boy not afraid of a challenge after helping his day with so many projects.  Way to go!