My Jogging Buddies

Izzy - She is the best partner. She notices all the birds and hears all the crickets and is sure to tell me about everything she sees. If only she would forgo the practice of asking what every single one of her fruit snacks is shaped like, especially when we are going up a hill.

Wes - You couldn't ask for a better partner. He pretty much chills in his chair. His main goal is to get on Isabella's nerves by touching her and trying to steel her fruit snacks.

My double jogging stroller - For those of you who don't know, my exercise of choice is getting out for a jog. It has been increasingly hard to do since Wes was born. I'm super excited about this recent purchase. As the weather cools off, I'm hoping to do a lot more jogging.

P.S. I know it looks like my kids are dressed for colder weather. The outside thermometer said it was 60 degrees and for some reason that seemed "cold" to me. I dressed up Wes and then Izzy thought she needed her jogging clothes. Don't worry, Isabella's jogging outfit is a My Little Pony one. The ponies name is Pinkie Pie in case you didn't know.

Utah Peeps

We were able to visit with lots of people on our trip to Utah (I know we've been home nearly a month). I so wish I had pictures of everyone. If you are listed without a picture, sorry.

First it was great to see so much of my extended family at the weddings and Bennett reunion.

Grandma and Grandpa Shimer, Aunt Bobby and Jennica, Aunt Sharon, Aunt Nelda, Aunt Kim and kids were all there from my mom's side. Thanks so much for carrying Aubrey's wedding on while we were all so sick. It had been way too long since I had seen some of you. It was short, but great.

From my dad's side, Uncle Wade and Aunt Jana and all their kids+spouses and grand kids (loved hanging out with you guys), Uncle Steve and Aunt Karla and all their kids, Deon and Lisa (so glad that you came up from AZ, so sad:( your kids didn't), Uncle Dee and kids, Aunt Norma. What a great time! Loved our game of Nertz that we attempted to play.

All the Bennett Cousins at Aubrey's wedding

We were able to spend some time with Justin's family.

Sis, Amanda. Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to play hostess.

Nephew, Alex. He was so cute with Wes.

Nephew, Benjamin. I seriously wanted to bring this guy home with me. He is so stinkin' cute.

Justin's Grandpa and Grandma Wilson.
We also got to hang out with Justin's dad + girlfriend one evening. He set up this big bounce house for the kids and they made us dinner. It was great. We were able to go with Justin's mom and Lynn and see the Hill Air Force Base Museum. Thanks for the great idea Joann!

I really wish I had a picture, but I was able to go out to dinner with my former rommies, Tiffany and Emily. We had some great years together at Utah State. It was so fun seeing you guys and meeting your kids even though dinner was a little crazy. I love seeing you fulfill your role as mothers. I can't wait to see you again (Jensa, next time you better be there).

Finally, here are a few pictures of my family. Time went by way too quick while we were there. It always does when we get together. I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving.

Dad really wanted a picture with his "identical" grandsons.

My sis Amber and hubby Brian with Wes. Thanks Mamers for letting us stay at your house and watching my kids! I love you!

6 Months

I'm a little behind on posting, but I think it's important to acknowledge an important landmark in Wesley's life.

While we were in Utah, Wes hit 6 months old. His doctor's appointment was last week and here are the stats:

Height: 28 3/4 inches long (above the 95th percentile)

Weight: 18lbs 5 oz (about the 50th percentile)

In other news, Wes is a pro at rolling both directions, scooting in circles on his belly, and can sit up pretty well (although I still don't trust him alone). He has two little bottom teeth, and loves fruit. As for sleeping, I've resigned myself to the fact that he wakes up hungry somewhere between 2-4 a.m. I just feed him and then he usually goes back to sleep until 7:00. Other than that, he is the best kid anyone could ask for. I'm so crazy about him! He has a great way of distracting me from the world when he is awake. I love when he smiles and laughs at Izzy and me.

Two Weddings later...

I'm really disappointed because my memory card malfunctioned on my trip to Utah, so I didn't get many pictures. I'm counting on family and friends for some. We had an action packed trip, but I'm going to break up my posts.

I really need to tell the story of the Bennett Flu Epidemic. It all started Friday, July 10th, the day of Daniel and Ally's wedding. On the way to the temple I started feeling so sick and my sis, Amy said she wasn't feeling so hot. As the temple ceremony progressed I started eye-balling the door wondering if it would be terrible for me to run out and puke if I had to. Well, I made it through the ceremony and picture taking, got back to my parents house and puked for the next twelve hours. I felt terrible. I did not make it to the reception that night. My family got Izzy ready and took her with them.

Well, after pictures were taken, Isabella puked all over my sister. So, I'm laying in the floor in agony, trying to get up the energy to take care of my baby and my brother-in-law brings me a sick little girl dressed in a adult dress that is draped on her and tied up somehow. I started to try to get her changed and both of us to bed, but I had no energy. I seriously was praying that someone would come home and help me out. Someone came alright. My two sick sisters. Over the next few days, nearly everyone in my family was infected with this terrible flu bug. A few people went to the emergency room, it was so bad.

Aubrey and Steve were married on Saturday and they both got sick the night before. I think Steve puked all night. They could barely stand at their own wedding. The whole next week the phone was flooded with calls of others who had gotten sick. I pretty sure the Bennett flu was spread across the United States. Sorry if you got it.

Look who has a tooth! and Happy 4th of July!

I'm getting ready to head to Utah, so this is all I have time for. Enjoy!

Five days of Cousins

Last Wednesday my sis-in-law, Bonnie, drove down with her three kids from Ohio. She picked me and the two kiddos up and we headed down to Monroe, GA to Amy's beautiful new home. That means there were nine children (seven and under), three mommies, two big wolf spiders in the window, one daddy and a partridge in a pear tree chillin' for five days. It was pretty crazy, but we had such a great time and the cousins all played together so well. Thanks Measers for opening up your home to everyone and being a great hostess and feeding everyone. Can't wait to go to Utah with you!

I don't usually like to do slide shows, but I took a ton of picts and Grandparents want to see them all. Enjoy!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Carnival!

One of the greatest things about living in a small town, are the annual festivities. We have noticed the small carnival sponsored by the chamber of commerce before, but we never went. This year we thought Izzy would enjoy the smaller rides.

The rides were pretty rickety and none of the workers spoke English. It surprised me that Izzy didn't flip out when they picked her up and plopped her down in a ride. Most of the time she was the only one on the ride so they just let her keep on going around and around.

She may not have a joyous expression on her face, rest assured that she was anxious to get on the next ride. She talked about the carnival and the roller coaster for days.

Izzy's looking pretty nervous about this "roller coaster." Justin couldn't go with her because of the height restrictions. After the first turn she was holding on for dear life. I was a little nervous until both of her feet were safely on the ground. Even though she looks terrified, she did have a good experience and I think that she will be a roller coaster rider some day.

What about Wes? He was a pretty happy guy chillin' in his stroller, eating the straps.