Oliver the Elephant

This past weekend we packed up the car and headed to Oliver Winery for a lazy Sunday afternoon. We met my sister, brother-in-law and a couple of their friends in Bloomington. We found a nice sunny spot with a big shade tree, spread out our stadium blankets and enjoyed an afternoon picnic.

Here are few pictures for the past weekend.

Our Family!

Mommy and Bennett snuggling to keep warm. Even though the sun was out it was still a bit chilly.

Daddy and Bennett lounging on the blanket.

So sleepy after a long day

Amy and Sydney stayed the night with us on Friday night. They are always fun houseguests. Sydney runs around playing with the puppies and the dogs are always worn out when she leaves.

On a side note, Sydney has creatively named all of her stuff animals. While Graham and I are not that creative, we are working on naming Bennett's stuffed animals. He has a blue Eric Carle stuffed elephnat that we named Oliver, inspired by our trip to Oliver Winery. Any names that you would like to suggest? We still have a dozen or so animals that are nameless.

Sydney in Bennett's bed playing with his toys. "Sydney kept saying I'm in Bennett's bed." It was too cute.

She was counting to ten for me.

What a cutie... Just a random picture before we left on Sunday.

The Royal Treatment

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day. Graham and Bennett planned a wonderful Mother's Day for me it was actually an entire weekend of spoiling and pampering me. They truly made it an unforgettable first Mother's Day.

Below are some pictures from the wonderful weekend.

Why does Bennett have a blue foot?

Graham and Bennett surprised me with a trip to Pottery By You. A paint your own pottery shop where we made a family platter using our hand and footprints.

Graham washing off Bennett's blue foot. Both of their facial expressions are priceless.

The finished product before it's fired. We will get the piece back next weekend. I need to exercise my patience while I wait.


Look at those tiny footprints. When I was in college my sisters and friends painted pottery at a studio in West Lafayette. We always had a great time and I still have the pieces that I completed. The pieces are dishwasher/oven/microwave safe, which makes them great to use in the kitchen. I am sure this platter will be used at many family dinners.

Graham also coordinated with my sisters to have brunch at Woody's Library in Carmel. The food was delicious and we had great service.

The three of us outside of Woody's Library!

As most of you know Graham and I have diligently been working on our backyard landscaping for the last couple years. I will have to say it truly has been a family effort. My Dad, Amy and Brian helped us get our grass growing and Julie shoveled truck loads of rock and mulch. We are starting to work on the south side of our house and part of my mother's day gift was two cascading rose bushes and a blue spruce. A yellow rose bush for me and a pink rose bush to be planted in memory of my mom. We haven't planted them yet but once we do I am sure there will be pictures. We are also planning to start the patio in the next couple weeks. I really enjoy our backyard - it's filled with memories. Almost every plant, tree or shrub has a story or was planted for a reason. We have put so much effort and sweat into that yard and we have had a lot of help.

Graham and Bennett behind Bennett's tree. We planted this tree shortly after we found out we were expecting. So this is Bennett's tree and we will continue to take pictures with Bennett by it to see how much they are both growing.

Me and Bennett next to Bennett's tree

Me with my puppies. These were my first "kids." They got me a wonderful card and as always plenty of hugs and kisses.

Graham and Bennett finished out Mother's day with Godiva Chocolate, a homemade steak and veggie dinner, a walk through our neighborhood and a relaxing evening on the screened in porch.

Graham also took off work next Friday for me to spend the afternoon getting a haircut. I am sure he can work in a game of golf in the morning.

Mother's day always makes me miss my mom, but it also reminds me of how lucky I am to have a wonderful husband, family and now a son.

Happy Mother's Day to all!

Bald Is Beautiful...

Before monsoon season hit we had a couple of really warm days and Bennett had the opportunity to wear a couple of his new outfits. Bald is beautiful… this is one of my favorites. I actually purchased this as a gift to Graham, long before Bennett even existed.

The last couple weeks have been a whirlwind. We have been very busy but everyone is doing well. Bennett is growing like a weed and he is changing every day. He is constantly "talking" to us and we have even heard some giggles. He is quickly approaching his 3-month birthday. I can’t believe three months have already gone by. Time sure seems to fly by when you are having fun.

Enjoy some new pictures. We have a lot of great outings, trips and play dates planned for the month of May so check back!!!

Counting Sheep

He always sleeps with his mouth open

That smile melts my heart and those cheeks are so kissable

(that's probably why they are always red and chapped)