Morgan & Joanne...and their little guys.

One of my good friends from my Airforce days, Joanne, came back to visit at the end of September. Last December she had her first baby boy, Nathan and this was my first time meeting him. What a little cutie he is! If you wanna see more pictures, check out my post on my photography blog:

http://smittenphotographysw.blogspot.com/2009/10/some-close-friends.html

The Zoo with Uncle Jer

Back in October Uncle Jer came down for the weekend and we took a trip to the zoo. He got lots of great pictures of me with my boys!

Photography By Benny, Part 2

If you'll recall, I posted some of Ben's original photography work back in July. Well, this is his latest work. I actually find these pictures quite fascinating! These pictures are like a little window into what goes on in his head... the things that interest him, excite him... Well, see for yourself.

Daddy & Nicky from a "Ben's-eye view"
And some Daddy & Mommy action!
Cousin Kelly

His beloved "Bat-Ba" (Batman)

He spotted some deer out the window... back to the right of the tree.

His finger getting in the way (as usual), a cute Benny foot and one of his favorite dinosaurs... (I hate that thing... it looks like a basted turkey!)

The door knob to his bedroom...

His tractor.

His cow.

Some cute Benny toes and "Spidey" (Spiderman) toes.

His "cuh" (cup) and a "SiSaur!" (Dinosaur- formerly referred to as "Adee")

The thing I'm realizing as I go through these pictures is that I know for sure that these pictures were intentionally taken of his favorite things. Whenever we go anywhere, he has to gather up as many of his favorite items as possible (some not shown here such as his "Big Shark" & "Baby Shark" & "Snake") and he totes them around everywhere... the doctor's office, the dentist, the grocery store, Target... Gosh, the things that make a little boy happy!

A Play Date with Little Liam

We've had play dates since this one (which I will get around to posting pics from those soon) from back in August but these were too cute not to share as well! We had some fun at the park and then some good old-fashioned playtime in the water!

Wildwater Kingdom

(I didn't realize how far behind I was getting on my blog! Hopefully I can get some motivation over the next few days and update like crazy!!)

Way back now in August, when we brought Kelly home from her time with us, as a grand finale of sorts, we all went to Wildwater Kingdom. We'd never brought the boys there and thought they might just have a blast there -and they did! It was such a nice family day for us and having Kelly there was a big bonus! When Sam was off playing with a boy -or 2- I got some quality girl time with the coolest cousin there is! :-)

Ben trying some COLD Dippin' Dots -a Dorney classic. Gotta love 'em!

He was absolutely pooped after a day in the water & sun! We can't wait to go again next year!

Nicholas, The Drama King

First up is an accurate representation of one of Mr. Nicky's fake temper tantrums. He can turn it off and on with a moments notice. He's such a "drama king"!!

A Cookout With My Highschool Gal-Pals

I have been friends with these girls for over 10 years! We were able to get together again for a fun little cookout in August. We missed anyone who couldn't make it!

Over the past few years I have come to realize -more than ever- how important it is to have good friends by your side. I am blessed that these girls have chosen me as their friend. Each one of them is special in their own way. We've all had our ups & downs but I wouldn't trade them for anything. It's so interesting to me how we're all able to remain such good friends... After all, I believe we're all quite different in many ways but I guess it's what we have in common that keeps us close! Either that or just a mutual respect for and acceptance of each other. I wouldn't be who or where I am today without each of their influences... big or small. I just want them to know that I love and appreciate them very much! (and that goes for anyone not pictured as well!)

My 26th Birthday-Party

I was able to celebrate my birthday with my family again this year. We headed over to the Denora's for a cookout and, if the rain hadn't gotten in the way, some pool fun.

These are the cupcakes that Kelly and I had made together!
We got Mikey & Caitlyn a little engagement gift -complete with a mushy card. It was due time that Caitlyn be inducted into our Mattson/Denora/Shumway/Walter Family traditon of reading mushy-gushy cards out loud! Do I detect a tear?? ;-)

Aunt Lois had a belated birthday gift waiting for her from us.

I think it got a little wet...

Now it's my turn for the mushy-gushy card reading (notice Mikey and Caitlyn in the backround offering no remorse! haha...)

Jer's card put that tickle in my throat and I let it loose with Mom's!

...as you can see...

Once the rain started outside, we headed inside for some Rock Band. LOTS OF FUN there! Ben even got all pumped up for some rock guitar playin'!

Chris wasn't able to be at my party (hard workin' guy) so we met up with him at a local diner once he got out of work. Ben was in heaven sitting right in between 2 of his favorite uncles!!