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!!

My 26th Birthday-Day

So, now I'm 1 year closer to being old like Sam, um- I mean 30. ;-) We celebrated by enjoying an icecream cake and, earlier in the evening, Kelly watched the boys while we got a bite to eat and I got a mani/pedicure!! Wowza, what a treat!

Sam got me the most beautiful white roses. I just had to take some pretty pictures of them.

Kelly's Visit

My dear, sweet cousin Kelly came down to our house again this summer. You don't know how much I look forward to her visit every year. I hope we didn't scare her away with our crazy toddler-filled house this year!

We had fun "skype-ing" with my brother, Jer... (and posing for a quick pic)

As always we had a blast cooking/baking together! We always have something to learn from each other.
Making my birthday cupcakes... home-made strawberry cupcakes! Kelly made this delectable meal for us! Parmesan crusted pork chops with roasted zucchini/squash.

YUM-O!
We had a fun night out at the Japanese restaurant.
Sam brought in one of our HUGE melon's from the garden. Ben was so proud of what he and Daddy grew in the garden together!
It was massive... unfortunately it was all rind and really hollow. We got about the same amount of melon you'd normally get... if not less! Still quite impressive though, right?
You can always count on some silliness at our house... We all took turns balancing it on our heads.

Leave it to Sam to give us the silliest picture.

I just wanted to finish this post by saying just how much I adore my cousin. Being that neither of us have sisters, this girl IS my sister! We're more than just cousins. Heavenly Father just knew that our parents couldn't handle both of us in the same immediate family -at the same time- so he gave us the second best spot! I became a Shumway and Kelly became a Denora... making us cousins forever!!

While Kelly's known for her classic "eye roll" and sarcastic tone (one way we are not alike, haha) she also has a sweet, nurturing side to her. I respect the young woman she is becoming and I know she has so much to offer anyone who has the pleasure of knowing her.

Kelly, you are so very important to me and I love you so so much!!