Stoney Creek Farms

What a great fall weekend! The air was crisp and cool and the sun was bright. We spent Saturday morning at Stoney Creek Farms. We did our annual pumpkin picking and this year Bennett was old enough to participate in some of their fun games and activities. Below are some of the pictures from our trip to Stoney Creek Farms.

This year we started out with a hay maze. This was a very kid-friendly hay maze and Bennett loved it.

What a happy kid!

Bennett was a bit reluctant at first to get down and walk the maze but he quickly warmed up and we followed his lead through the maze. We found a couple of dead ends but made it out with the help of our navigator.

Bennett and I stopped to pose for a quick photo.

After the hay maze, Bennett took a ride on the pumpkin train. He really enjoyed being pulled by the tractor. This kid is still crazy for trains, even pumpkin trains.

After Bennett's ride on the pumpkin train we made our way to the giant jumping pillow. This was the first year Bennett was old enough to jump on the pillow. He had a great time bouncing, falling, and sliding down the giant pillow.

Bennett had a hard time climbing up the side of the pillow without sliding back down. He finally ripped off his socks and crawled up the side.

Once he figured out how to climb up the side he had a great time bouncing. I was a bit nervous with the older kids but the attendants did a great job monitoring and allowing time for the little kids.

As you can tell Bennett had a great time and eventually we had to drag him off.

These two pictures are from Bennett's pony ride. He loved seeing the horses and at one point he told me he wanted to be a horse for Halloween. I paused and apparently gave him a look and he said "Nope I want to be an owl. Trick or Treat, hooty hoo!" Thank goodness because I have already started making an owl.

After the pony ride we boarded the tractor for our hay ride to find out perfect pumpkins.

Bennett and half of daddy's face posing for a picture on the hay ride. I promise there is a better picture of Bennett and Graham. (See below).

Bennett and Graham at the pumpkin patch.

Bennett and Mommy enjoying picking pumpkins.

Graham and I have one rule when picking pumpkins. You have to be able to carry it yourself. And while we have never really enforced this rule in years passed, this year it was in full effect. Bennett knows and understands this rule because as Graham and I were looking for our pumpkins he kept asking "Can you carry it, Mommy?" He tried picking this pumpkin up and finally said "it's too big!"

We had a fantastic day at the pumpkin patch. This is truly one of my favorite family traditions. Stay tuned for our pumpkin decorating/carving.

Apples

This past weekend we took advantage of the fall weather and spent Saturday morning at the apple orchard. Here are some pictures from our day.

Bennett riding on the trailing.

Bennett was impressed with all of the apples. He would say "oh, that's a good one!"

Posing for a picture with mommy!

Daddy and Bennett found the perfect apple.


Graham is bracing himself for the flying branch.

Proud of his apple!

Pretending to take a bite. No, we didn't let him eat it until we washed it.

Showing off his apple.

Bennett wanted the goose gourd.

The three B's!

Summer Fun!

This summer has flown by, I can't believe it is already July! Bennett's surgery/recovery occupied the first two weeks in June. We had a special visitor from Colorado and took a mini vacation to Michigan. (pictures to follow soon)

However, between the here are there of our busy summer, we have been able to enjoy some summer favorites.

Enjoying some time with Scott's. Bennett really enjoys Chloe (and all of her cool toys).

Playing outside and making time for impromptu playground stops, usually per Bennett's request.

This summer we have made some time for swimming pool and water parks. Bennett loves the water.


Enjoying some delicious ice cream!

A Little Lighter

This past week Bennett had his tonsil and adenoids removed, a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. About a year ago we started discussing this procedure with his Ears, Nose and Throat doctor. It was originally scheduled for early May but had to be rescheduled due to Bennett coming down with a really high fever.

Well, this past week Bennett finally had the surgery and he is a little lighter now. Thursday morning we packed our bags and made our way to the hospital. He went into surgery around 8:00 and was sent to the recovery room about an hour and half later.

The surgery went well and the report from the surgeon was that it was a good thing we did this procedure now. His adenoids were huge and tonsils were not in the best shape. We spent 24- hours in the hospital. Bennett had an amazing nurse who made him homemade milkshakes.

Friday afternoon we came home. We couldn't believe how well our little guy was doing. He was eating anything and everything you could think of. After nap time he was bouncing off the walls, and requesting to go to the mall and the zoo. We were pretty pleased with how well his recovery was going.

Sunday, Bennett's energy finally plateaued and his attitude and pain seemed to peak. These last couple days he has acted much more post-surgery-like. We have passed the time watching a ton of movies, coloring, reading books, playing with cars, and taking early morning wagon rides to avoid the heat.

Aunt Julie has been absolutely amazing. Just when we think he won't drink anymore or take his medicine, she has invented a funky new way and down it goes. She has a natural talent for taking care of people. Bennett has enjoyed her company and Graham and I both have appreciated her help.

Below are some pictures of Bennett's surgery day!

Bennett and Mommy passing the time before the surgery.

Bennett looking good in those hospital pjs.

Recovery!



Finally at home and in bed resting.

We are so thankful that everything went so well and that Bennett is recovering. Even though the last few days we have had sleepless nights and a cranky two year old we are glad we were able to get this done and have a healthy boy again.

I will say Bennett's potty training has taken the back seat this last week. It had been going so well and it was nice not having to change dirty diapers. I am hoping that when he is back to normal he will resume with the potty training. Cross your fingers!

The Graduate

It's official -I've graduated, and I must mention with a 4.0 grade point average. I have since felt a huge relief and sense of accomplishment. This past year has been a challegne to battle the demands of parenthood, teacher and student. However, with the help of family and friends, we did it, and yes I mean WE. Because without all of the help, support and encouragement I couldn't have done it.

Here are a few pictures from commencement and graduation day.

Cap, gown, hood and cords... Ready to get this show on the road.

The Patterson Family had a front row view. Thanks to Julie who arrived at commencement two hours early to save seats.

There's the proof. Master of Arts in Teaching Class of 2011!!

Dr. Beesley's class was one of the best classes I had.

Elizabeth, Maribeth and Kelly! Three amazing girls who went through the program with me. You definetly learn each others quirks when you spend endless hours with each other. These girls made the crazy hours and work load fun. I couldn't have done it without them.

The two best sisters in the world. I am so lucky to call these two my sisters and best friends. Between the late night phone calls saying I just couldn't do it anymore to picking up the slack and watching Bennett so I could study, these two really helped out in so many ways.

My support system!!! Without each one of you this wouldn't have been possible. A special thank you to my dad and Audrey for watching Bennett for a short timeweek so we could travel to Cancun during this crazy time. Marilyn and Doug for all the weekend babysitting so Graham and I could have study dates. Again, each one of you played such an important role this last year. I am grateful for everyone's support and help. Thank you for celebrating this special day with me.

Last but not least, Graham. He has been so supportive and encouraging. It is hard to put into words how much his support has meant to me. All I can say is that I have a wonderful husband.

Happy Saturday

Best Friends

This post is dedicated to my two wonderful sisters and my best friends!

Amy is such a wonderful Mom! I am always amazed at how much she juggles with raising such a sweet and smart little girl, work, book club and life in general!

Julie is one of the most caring and compassionate people I know. She is one of the people who have inspired me to become a teacher. She works so hard for her students and touches so many lives each day.

Birthday Party

We celebrated Bennett's 2nd Birthday with family and friends. We had a Mickey-themed party at our house and enjoyed Qdoba, cake and friendship! Below are a few pictures from that evening

Bennett's cake and cupcakes!

This year I had everyone sign a photo book that I had made to remember all that celebrated Bennett's 2nd Birthday. I am hoping that it will be a great keepsake to look back on in the years to come.

All the birthday wishes!

All of Bennett's buddies settling down after an evening of fun! Sydney, Chloe, Bennett, TJ, Parker and Maddie.

Bennett blowing out his birthday cupcake!

Two Year Old Pics

Here are a couple more pictures that we had taken of Bennett.

Don't let that picture fool you. He is not as innocent as he looks.

I can't believe how much he has changed over the last couple years.