Camping

We took Bennett camping for the first time on Memorial Day.  It was also the first time Lincoln and I have camped together, too.  After some tough early-going with swarming gnats, Bennett quickly recovered, and we all had a great time at our campsite at Kankakee River State Park doing typical camping stuff, exploring the woods and river, and hiking around Rock Creek.

Setting up our tent

Bennett found the ashes in the fire pit right away

Finding tinder and kindling for the fire

Exploring the river

We can't see a body of water without throwing rocks in it

Eating home made trail mix

Helping start a fire

Putting sticks on the fire

We got caught in a rain storm while exploring the other end of the state park

This is how Bennett entertained himself til the rain stopped (luckily the deluge lasted only about 20-30 minutes)

What do you do when it's raining and you want to eat s'mores? Build a fire anyway

Bennett's first time eating s'mores. He wasn't sold, he just wanted to eat non-roasted marshmallows

Letting the two year old poke the fire with sticks

Bacon for breakfast

Oh, and sausage too. Bennett was excited

Bennett helping to stow the camping gear

Obligatory insect shot

Playing in Rock Creek

Bennett loves water

The cave on the Rock Creek Trail (Bennett was convinced a bear lurked inside)

Bennett likes walking sticks

The Rock Creek "Waterfall"

Bennet's favorite part of the hike was the turtle

We had to stop for ice cream on the way home

One exhausted kid

Opening Presents

This was the first present Bennett opened. He was a little hesitant at first and when he saw something brown and fuzzy he was done.

After this he realized they were all toys for him and he was much more excited.

Bennett's 2nd Birthday

Bennett turned 2!! I can't believe it! He had a fun day playing with friends and his new toys.

This is the cereal we let him pick out. He was so excited to eat the marshmallows.

His birthday banner. Those are spiders and beetles hanging down.

Play group was at Chick Fil A, so he got to have lunch and play with all his friends.

Opening presents. He was a little hesitant, but once he realized they were toys he got excited.

New pieces to his train

This boy loves school buses. Every time we seen one he yells "It's a bus!"

I asked his if he liked his cake. I think that's a yes!

To end the day he took a bath which is normally one of is favorite things. But for some reason he picked his birthday as the day we would try pooping in the tub. Needless to say bath time ended quickly. Over all it was a really fun day and I can't wait to see what the 2's bring us!

Thanksgiving

Here is our Thanksgiving. (better late than never) This was the first year we were unable to be with family, so we invited the Gardners up from South Bend to join us.

This was my first turkey. Isn't it pretty!

Valentines Day

This year for Valentines we had lunch instead of dinner. It was ward temple night so we decided to eat early and get a sitter. Lincoln mad a Filipino Lamb Stew. It was yummy.

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The temple was wonderful and such a great way to spend Valentines Day

Cold Days

It's been so cold we are trying to stay as busy as possible. Here are some of the things we've been doing.

His helmet. I think he might be a lefty it's the only way he holds a bat.

Lincoln took Bennett to a local forest preserve. They were having some sort of winter day.

Going on a sleigh ride

There was an owl to see up close and smores to be made. I think there was even some geocaching you could do. We love going to community events.