Handsome!

And so proud!

Practice Makes Perfect!

He is loving every minute in the spotlight! Let's just hope that the "real event" goes as well as the rehearsal!

Bennett & Bret

Bennett and Bret had a great time looking for eggs. Bret would point them out, Bennett would run to them, scream "EGG," grab it and open it up. The money would fall out, he would then scream "Money" and move on to the next egg.

Easter Eve

What a day! Filled with lots of fun, all too much sugar and so many great memories! The morning started off with a trip to Oakland Jr. High for the helicopter drop of Easter eggs. The registration was at 10:00 so I thought if we arrived close to that, we would be fine. The actual hunt portion was not until 11:15. Boy, was I wrong. We pulled in at 10:05 to cars lining Manning Avenue for MILES. ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ROAD. So, after the initial shock we drove around scoping things out. The line went on for over a mile near the school to register. Travis and I quickly came to the conclusion that Bennett would not be participating. We then made our way back and rolled down the window to ask if they would let us in the parking lot. We really just wanted to watch and they were happy to let us in. We pulled up to an open parking spot and sat back to wait. As the time got closer, we realized that this may not be the best place to see the chopper. So, I decided to scope things out. Upon walking down to the field one of the volunteers was talking to another and mentioned that they still had some openings - they had already sent home over 1500 kids. I ran back, told Trav to grab B and we all raced to the registration table. Walked right up B got one of the last bags and we waited about 15 minutes for this to arrive!

And Bennett's reaction was so worth the whole ordeal!

Then it was off to the Hudson Booster egg hunt. The same one that I went to every year when I was little. Bennett was way more interested in the playground then he was in looking for the candy.

Then after a nap, some dinner and watching planes land at the airport it was home to plant some jellybeans. Hopefully they will sprout into lollipops by tomorrow!

And then to end the night we headed inside to dye our eggs. Nothing like waiting until the last minute.

Happy Easter! We are looking forward to an awesome day tomorrow - Church, family lunch & dinner, egg hunt and so much excitement!

Bennett

12.

I can not believe that you are 12 years old. I think about how much has changed in 12 years. You were born in 1999. I remember coming to Atlanta in March for spring break and bringing a SUITCASE full of cloths for you and you had not even arrived. Then in early May after finals I made the flight to Atlanta to meet you and we spent two weeks together! Then when each of your sisters came into the world we were back together again for special celebrations. As the years passed you started to visit us, made a beautiful flower girl in our wedding and are such a loving cousin to Bennett!

I can not even begin to count all of the visits that I have made, all of the special memories that we have. Though we may not see each other as much now, I know that Bennett is going to look up to you, Allison and Isabella and all that you do! I am so proud to be your godmother!

I love you, Shelley Maria! Happy 12th Birthday!

April 15th - or 18th this year!

We made it past 9:15 pm on April 15th. Actually, this year tax day was April 18th, but we decided to celebrate a little earlier. Travis and I went to dinner together and B took in a movie with Nana & Papa! It was a great time for all, though we might wait a bit to take Bennett back to the movies. Right now he is not very willing to sit still. Somewhat critical for a movie!

Anyways, in this picture you would actually think that spring has arrive. WRONG! Very wrong, indeed. I just checked the forecast and they are predicting between 2 - 6 inches of snow in the next 48 hours. Yeah? for us! I guess this will just make summer that much sweeter once it does arrive! Happy Tax Day!

Taking Off!

Here are Papa & Jose getting in the airplane ready for the first take off!

Bennett and I watching and video taping!

We did not have the zoom lens, but here is the plane starting take off!

This was a picture before Papa headed out to the plane with Jose.

And here is how we passed the time until Papa went to the plane! Bennett is still asking to go back and fly his own plane!

Pride

Bennett is so proud of himself when he climbs over the fences at the farm all by himself. Here Megan is giving him a little help, but he can do it all on his own!

Sorry, I did not realize that if I took the video portrait, it would not convert!

Another day at the farm!

Bennett is in love with the farm. He loves everything about it. The animals, the chores, the hay loft, Jenny, Megan, his friends. EVERYTHING! But his newest love at the farm is being able to use scissors. He sat for 25 minutes cutting paper during his free time. Some pictures from our day...

Feeding Pepper the "big goat"

Pepper trying to grab the bucket from Bennett - he is pretty impatient and those poor animals just wait and wait for the kids during feeding time.

Bennett hugging the lambs on the farm. They are 5 weeks old!

Taking his pail back to the barn after feeding Pepper.

Getting ready to haul the hay over to the chicken coop.

Heading out on a hike to the big pond.

Coming back from the hike over the hill back to the farm.

Inside for some free time. Bennett is loving using the glue sticks and scissors.

So determined as he is cutting the magazine pages.

Jumper

Bennett got a new toy as a little present from his daddy! Kind of a tax season reward for B. To say that he loves it would be an understatement! It is awesome. He loves jumping, playing, sliding and having friends over to share in the fun.

At the Car Wash

Bennett has never been a huge fan of the car wash. When he was a baby, he would scream bloody murder - I think that he hated the sound. He prefers the car wash that you watch from the outside looking in! Especially while enjoying a sucker!

Nana is at it again!

I know it is blurry, but I had to get an action shot of her with Bennett on the "leash." I heard that she broke out the monkey leash while I was back at the hotel and they were at Disney. She even tied him to the fire hydrant with the leash! If only I had a picture!

My favorite book!

Gaming

Bennett and Nick playing golf on the PS3. Headphones and all!