Where Has It Gone?

Somewhere amidst everything else going on this little girl hit the four month mark! I could have sworn we just brought her home.

She is still as happy and easy going as ever. As you can tell she has found her hands and almost always has one of them in her mouth.

I think we will keep her around.

Our Views

The view from Ben's room...

The view from the family room...

(Plumbing is almost done and electric is being run. Drywall hopefully coming soon.)

We are excited to get closer to waking up to these views everyday.

A "Special Date"

  For over a week Bennett and I planned on letting Holland have a little bonding time with Grandma while we went on a "special date" to...

CARNIVAL!!!

                                

First on Bennett's agenda was the rides; specifically the "dragon" ride he had been eying from the street for the past week. He kept asking me if Hiccup was going to be there and I think he was a little disappointed at my failure to arrange an appearance.

                

As much as Bennett loved all the rides, I think his favorite was the helicopters. He kept telling me he wanted to touch the sky and while we were on the ride he had such a look of wonder.

Of course, there had to be cotton candy and cheap carnival prizes.

All in all it was a great "special date."

***Bennett has been referring to it as our special date since I first mentioned us going. I hope he thought it was special.***

Get the Camera

The other morning while I was getting ready I heard Bennett start calling for me to get the camera. Since lately he just wants to play with it I assumed that was the case. Then he started calling for me to get the camera and take a picture, so I decided to go see what the fuss was about. This is what I found:

I guess we need to stop grabbing the camera every time they are next to each other, so he doesn't think they are all Kodak moments!

The Best Time of Your Life?

While I have heard many remark that the best time of their life was when their kids were little, I hope sleepless nights and tantrums aren't as good as it gets. However, there are some pretty cute moments...

For instance, Holland in her first swimsuit. I might have to eat her.

                              

Bennett taking his first moped ride. I don't think his smile could have been any bigger.

Bennett discovering and mastering the potty. And then finding him sitting on the closed potty reading a magazine. Who knew it started this young?

Watching this sweet girl give huge grins and practice her laughing.

There are definitely moments where I can see why some might call this the best time in their life.

Progress

While the construction workers have been busy adding a second story, Ben has been busy with some "construction" of his own.

Who knew those scrub brushes could be so useful?

Happy Holidays Indeed

 Christmas Eve brought us a cute wise man who thought he was a shepherd...

...and a visit from Santa. 

This is quite possibly the closest Ben has been to Santa without completely losing it.

Christmas day was wonderful and relaxing and almost completely picture free.

While some spend New Year's Eve bundled up, drinking hot coco we decided to hit the beach!

                                                    

It made a kid (or two) quite happy.

Afterwards the real fun started, with yummy food, kids running around playing, BINGO and...

...sparklers!

Of course there was the usual crazy fireworks show thanks to all the neighbors.

New Year's Day the party continued...

(I promise no one was permanently injured)

There was even a visit from Cousin Itt.

And somewhere in the midst of all this fun this little girl turned two months...and started smiling.

(said smiling yet to be captured on film)