One, Two, Three Strikes You're Out!

It was a beautiful night for a ball game, and this year we got to take all three munchkins to the Ag Night Grizzlies game.  It was Ethan's first baseball game and he was beyond excited, and to top it off we got to sit with our cousins.  I think that Ethan would have been happy with the whole row in front of us.  He climbed down there and proceeded to explore and climb into each seat in the row, so proud every time he propped himself into the seat.  So cute!

Mikyla was attached to Cora, or was it Cora who was attached to Mikyla; I'm not sure but they were inseperatable, holding hands and having the best time.  When the cotten candy man came around she HAD to have some but after some convincing an ice cream cone was as good of a substitute as any.  We were having so much fun and before we knew it, it was 8:30 and we still hadn't rode any of the rides.  Oh, didn't I mention they have added a bunch of fair rides to one side of the park.

Aidan wasn't having anything to do with the normal mary-go-round, that was, "for babies!"  He wanted a spn on the faris wheel, so after waiting in line for what seemed like forever we were on.  Daddy, me the three munchkins and Cora.  Let me preface this with the fact that I am not afraid of hieghts but this ride had opening on either side of where we sat which seemed like they were just waiting for one of the little ones to fall out.  Needless to say, I was nervous beyond belief and it was probably because of this that the ride seemed to go on forever.  With every move that one of the kids made my heart skipped a beat!!!  We will NOT be doing that ride again, no discussion needed.  Even with the heart palpitations it was a great night with Uncle Matt, Aunty Brooke and the cousins, bring on the ball games!

Another Excuse For Love!

Happy Valentine's Day for the Beenes!  Some cynical people would say that this holiday is generated by the greeting card industry.  But really, it should be a reminder to spread the joy in your heart every day.  That feeling when you held your baby in your arms for the first time, when you bite into that perfect bite of chocolate cheesecake, that kiss on your wedding day knowing your could repeat it for a lifetime.  I need to remember that love should be shared year round, everyday, and never forget how precious it is to have.

Well, getting ready for this glorious day was important for Aidan.  You had a project from school to make a Valentine's box, and oh what a box it was.  It took me giving you some ideas, secretly I think I was more excited about the craft project than you were, but we made a great robot box.  You then got crack a lacking on your Valentines for all your classmates.  I love my little organizer, you are so funny to watch and see your mind working.  Everything has it's purpose and place with you, it makes me smile to see that little bit of Mommy coming out in you.

Working hard on those Valentines.

"Feed Me Valentines" Aidan's finished box!

This morning you got heart shaped pancakes for breakfast, and you found some Valentine's goodies left for you from Grandma and Nono and Mommy and Daddy, and a lovely card from Grammy and Papa.  We had a coffee klatch date at Miss Katie's house and Valentines for Jenna and Laura.  Aidan was so upset, as he always is when we go to Laura's house, but he complained even more today.  He heard me say that Mikyla wasn't going to get to have a snack at Laura's house without finishing her breakfast.  Aidan said, " That is sooo not fair, you get to have snacks too!  I never get to do anything fun."  I couldn't tell you if he realized that he was going to have a big Valentine's Day party at school with candy, cookies and all sorts of goodies.  Sometimes I think that it's just the idea of being left out of someone else's fun that makes us forget about the fun that will be coming our way!

Mikyla, Ethan, and Laura had to wait an extra long time to enjoy that oh so exciting snack (miniature cupcake with pink frosting) because Jenna was late in arriving.  The waiting was more than they could handle and at last had to have the cupcakes without the third musketeer.  But once Jenna arrived the playing was so much more fun, I love seeing the way that you three girls play together; built in best friends!

Laura, Jenna, Mikyla, and Ethan in their Valentine's best.

My Baby is Three!!!

I can not believe that three years have gone by since my last little munchkin came into this world.  I will never forget that day, and truly the best Valentine's present ever since he got to come home on Valentine's Day.  You have changed so much in those three years, and you have the cutest personality.  Right now you say "my" instead of "I", so it's, "My a good boy Mommy", or "My promise Mommy" or my favorite, "My big boy", and that you are.  I love our time together when the other two are at school and you're truly Mamma's boy, we have so much fun!  And I have to remind myself it's not going to last forever, so I really have to eat you up while you still will let me.  But I secretly hope that, in private, you always will let me snuggle and be my cuddle bug!

Caleb almost 5, Aidan 6 1/2yr, Ethan 3yr.

Cora 3yr., Mikyla almost 5, Adelaide almost 2.

Today was the day we celebrated you and the day we were blessed with you from God.  You wanted Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and since Mommy always tries to deliver...that's what you got!  I made a great cake, that you got the biggest kick out of.  When you saw it you said, "Ohhh wow!  What that say?"  And I said, "Ethan", your response was, "That's me!" as you pointed to yourself.  It was too cute!

You were so excited to have your cousins come to celebrate with you.  When I told you they were coming you asked, "Adelaide?"  You just love her so much and right now, unfortunately, she wants nothing to do with you; but I'm sure that will change.  You could hardly wait for ice cream and cake and loved blowing out the candles.  You actually tried to blow the candles farthest away from you before the closer ones, so we helped you out so you didn't catch your shirt on fire.  You were so tired from all the fun you were out like a light when everyone finally left, but all the fun before hand was worth it.

Mommy and Daddy celebrating with our little guy.



Snow White and Prince Charming!



Grandma and Nono with the birthday boy.

Cora and Ethan playing on the slide.

Loves with his Papa

Giving loves to G.G.

Adelaide, Grammy, and Ethan.

Crafts To Give!

There was so much preparation that went into the Christmas craft day this year, but it was well worth it!  This year we decided to do something different, since Christmas is about giving gifts we decided to make homemade gifts for others instead of ourselves. This was the first year to do this, but I'm sure that we will be doing this from now on; it just makes sense.

Ethan listening to the Christmas Hat told by Mr. Kelly

Enthralled by the story

Miss Patti with Addysen and Aidan

Ethan and Mommy with some Christmas goodies

Miss Terri helping Mikyla make one of her many bracelets

Everyone was in a frenzy once the story by Mr. Kelly was over to get going on their projects, and surprising enough it wasn't too overwhelming.  What was overwhelming to me was going around following the three of you and helping out where ever I was needed.  Aidan was so cute in the excitement of getting a present wrapped for each person in his life and writing a name tag for each one, you even made something for Mommy and Daddy.  I loved my cookie mix and Daddy's coffee warmer was perfect for him.  Mikyla on the other hand made two or three bracelets for different people as well a scarf and cookie jar mix but she was really into the bracelets; such a girly girl I have.  And for a three year old Ethan was a champ getting three presents made, such a big boy!

By the time the day was over we all let a big breath of relief out.  It's funny that every year so much prep for the day and then it's over in a flash and it seems to rush by in a frenzy of activity.  It was a truly uplifting day for everyone involved and a great start to the holiday season to come!

Daddy helping Mikyla with her cookie mix jar

Jenna and Mikyla enjoying the fun

Miss Lisa and the wrapping frenzy.

Mommy and Ethan making cookies in a jar.

Thank You For Thanksgiving!

I love the holidays and everything that comes with them, especially spending time with the family.  I have many memories of Thanksgiving mornings gone by, and they all involve that wonderful parade that commences the holiday season.  I can remember how much I wanted to be a Radio City Rockett when I was little. And now I love that my kids are glued to the television squeeling as they see the giant balloons and broadway singers...and of course those magnificent Rocketts!

It was a quiet day at Nono and Grandma's house and a great time with Zia Lauri!  So much food and then a surprise from Grandma.  She got us our very own Christmas Elf.  We first read the story of the elf on the shelf and then we had to name him...otherwise he wouldn't get his magic!  Then topped off by a classic holiday tradition or should I say obbsession with The Polar Express.  Grandma said that Aidan has been asking to watch it since Halloween.  Love, love, love the holdiays, so let them begin.


Reading Elf on the Shelf to you guys!



Zia had to have a picture showing that you are almost as tall as her!

An Early Thanksgiving

We were blessed to get to enjoy our family from Idaho for an early Thanksgiving.  Mikyla, Aidan, and Ethan were so excited to see their cousins; we've been skyping but it's just not the same as playing in person, and oh did they play!  Mikyla was glued to Aubrey and Courtney's side and Cora was glued to Mikyla's side...oh the love for the older cousin, it was so sweet.  And the boys, they were busy outside having walnut fights, jumping in and out of the walnut trailers; and getting a little banged up in the process. 

Then there was the food, lots of food, and the kids table was once again full!  It filled my heart to once again here the loud cries of everyone talking around the table.  And after dinner we were entertained by the play of all plays about none other than Santa Claus himself.  Directed by Clayton, and staring Aidan as Santa Claus.  Everyone was happy, except Mikyla and Cooper who didn't have a job or not the job they wanted!  Mikyla, with no nap, got pretty upset and almost missed the show all together; but was saved by her boosem buddy Aubrey.  Aubrey let Mikyla play the riendeer after she had a turn for a while, and all was right with the world once more.

Loved being with all the family even for a few days, now the countdown is on for Christmas and the next arrival from Idaho.