finally... an update

Oh where do I begin... I'm so behind.

Well, after Ben's graduation we had a few days to play around Chicago with my mom who had come out before we headed to SLC. Ben's sister Caitlin was getting married and we were lucky enough to fly out for a week to be with her and the rest of the family. We didn't have a camera then so Ben took pics with his phone which I have yet to get from him. Those pics will have to wait. So I'll talk about that when I get around to it.

We drove back home in a 'new' (new to us) car that Ben's parents didn't need and we did since Ben was starting work as soon as we got back. Thanks, in laws!

July 1st Ben started his residency and has thus loved it. His hours aren't too bad, but I'm also used to long hours and seeing him here and there. He comes home with interesting stories and sad ones. Last week he had to 'pronounce' a patient for the 1st time =(

Fourth of July we had a BBQ here at our place with a bunch of friends and watched fireworks from our porch. Gosh, I hope I can find pictures of that.

Ben had his 28th birthday with the most amazing homemade carrot cake made my yours truly.

A week after his birthday (when we were all in WA) my parent's threw him a mini party to celebrate and took us out to eat. He was spoiled.

From me he opted out of presents and instead put money towards a trip for just the two of us we're planning for next year. I still got him something, but I completely forgot now what it was...

I'd share pictures of the cake and party but I didn't take any.

Story of my life.

Then at the end of July Charlotte and I flew to Seattle to visit my family. Well, first we flew to Kansas City, then Albuquerque, and THEN Seattle. You see, my parents usually fly us out and they're kind enough to always buy us direct flights. This time around we insisted we pay our way and couldn't afford direct. Charlotte was a champ - thank heavens she's a seasoned traveler.

We had a few days at my parents before Ben flew in and we drove down to Bend, Oregon for his family's reunion.

We headed to Alki Beach like last year. This kid is fearless of water.

"Ohhhhh so cooode" (cold)

We sat there and picked out our future house across the water.

With Claire.

With Gramo.

On our way down to Bend, Oregon.

This is officially Charlotte's first bike. The place we were staying at had a bunch of bikes to use and my father in law thought Charlotte needed one of her own. He went out that first afternoon and bought her this little radio flyer trike. She LOVED it.

It was so nice of Jeff to get it for her. He is one of the most giving/generous people I know.

Every afternoon she took HUGE naps because of all of the activities that were going on.

Ben, S.I.L. Jenna, attractive cousin Hailey, and F.I.L. Jeff

This kid fell in love with everyone in Ben's family.

I would have LOVED to have framed this picture of these two... unfortunately Jeff's BLASTED hand is in the way!

Okay, so at Caitlin's wedding we planned to prank another house by saran wrapping their entire kitchen.

S.I.L. Caitlin and Jenna

Every plate, bottle of wine, egg, leftover enchilada, coffee grains, cupboard doors... EVERYTHING was wrapped. It was awesome.

Charlotte loved her "nay nay" (Nathan). If we ever wanted a break or to take a nap he'd take over and watch her. She asked about him for days after the reunion.

The twins.

Charlotte and her entourage.

Samdaddy and Jackie finding their center in the woods.

This kid is obsessed with Toy Story. She finagled many a family member to watch it with her like Hans and Hailey. Thanks guys!

Other activities we did were golfing, swimming, hiking through some lava caves, biking around, fishing, and white water rafting (which I'm totally addicted to now). It was an AWESOME trip. Ben's extended family have these reunions every three years so it's wonderful catching up with so many people. I think close to 80 - 85 people attended!

I dropped Ben off at the Portland airport to head back to work and I headed back up to my parent's for a few weeks.

Now that she finally has her four molars she loves to brush her teeth.

She also loves getting into my makeup and applying it all over her face.

Newest member of the family: Adison.

Darling!

Eating a most delicious cupcake in one of the best antique-ing towns in WA - Snohomish.

My sister Carrie and Adie.

My other sister Laura enjoying the baked goods.

I'm sure she'll love this picture =)

Charlotte got to spend the night with Laura and have a play date with this little darling Cole (who she just asked about today).

She always is spoiled with her Auntie Laura and I got to sleep in until 10!

It was amazing.

This is my parent's dog Sophie who Charlotte called "Sosie". She either giggled and chased after her or ran after her kicking and saying "Go! Go!".

What would summer be like without running through the sprinklers?

We went camping at a place called Ensign Ranch which our church owns. It had free boating, a 100 foot long slip n slide, and $3 horse back riding.

Both babies enjoying a powdered donut. Charlotte looks like she was caught red handed.

Enjoying cherries.

Horse back riding with Claire.

Charlotte was SO excited to ride "Bullseye" (from Toy Story) until she got on and the horse moved. Then she was off in a flash and we walked next to it while she petted it.

"Down, Mommy, down!"

Hallie and my B.I.L. Dave.

Emma and Laura

Who poses like that on a horse?

Apparently Emma does.

We had so much fun with my family shopping, crafting (I made close to 30 hair bows), swimming, golfing, BBQ-ing, seeing late night movies, and eating delicious food usually prepared by my amazing sister Carrie or dad (no offense mom =)

My sister Laura and I also ran in a 5K (my first, her gazillionth) for colon cancer. We wore matching outfits, and put a huge heart on our arm with DAD written on the center. It was so much fun. I used to hate running. I associated it with getting in trouble because I'd miss a lay up or serve in bball and vball and had to run lines as a punishment. But the 5K was fun and a wee bit easy.

Side note: my dad was diagnosed while we were in Ireland. He since has had successful surgery and is receiving chemotherapy as a precaution until Christmas.

LOVE YOU DAD!

Okay okay, last Wednesday Charlotte and I finally headed home and have been spending lots of time with Ben. Yesterday Charlotte went potty in the toilet for the first time and we went downtown for ice cream to celebrate.

Now we're all together enjoying the last of summer, getting Charlotte used to a BIG GIRL BED (she hopped out of her crib too many times so we have successfully gotten her to sleep in a toddler bed for the past few days!), and planning a camping trip for this Labor Day weekend coming up. And I hate to admit this but I can't wait to break out the pumpkin spice candles for the FALL!

**I have a TON of pictures and videos on my phone and Ben's that I'll eventually get around to posting. I'm just thrilled to have this much finished... finally.