MERRY CHRISTMAS

We just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Much has happened this year. Benjamin is growing so fast. It's hard to believe that earlier this year he was just starting to eat solids and not even crawling. Now he is eating like a champion and walking like a pro. We are so blessed to have him in our lives. We love his little personality and enjoy watching him as he discovers how to do new things. Jon has been busy with school this year. He took the boards earlier in the summer. We are so proud of him and that he worked so hard to do well. He also has started his third year. My how the years have flown by. I remember starting our first year thinking the end was so far away, now in about 18 months we will be moving and starting a new adventure. In his third year Jon has started doing rotations. It has given him an opportunity to see what he likes and dislikes. So it's been nice to rule out some of the options he has. I've been busy staying home with Ben. I get to go out and work a couple Saturday's a month at the dental office. It's a nice break from "Mommy World" and helps bring in a little cash. I've also been taking a couple online classes to help towards my dental hygiene degree. I know it's kinda cheesy to do our family Christmas card on our blog but I thought it would be a nice chance for everyone to take a look at and see what's going on. We hope that you all have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful year ahead of you.
Love, Jon, Aimee, and Benjamin

Curls-Who did he inherit them from?

When Benjamin's hair is dry we usually don't get to see his curls. The top of his head straightens out when he sleeps on it, wears a hat, or you just brush it down. The back of his head usually does a frizzy curl--which he probably got from me(his mom). But when you get his hair wet, you can usually get a good curl. It doesn't last very long so after grooming his hair I took a picture to capture the cute curls which he has. Growing up I always hated my curls, but as the years have gone by I've learned to embrace them. There's probably a high chance that Ben will have curls for the rest of his life since both Jon and I have curly hair. It'll be fun to see how his hair changes over the years.

Let it Snow!

It has been snowing quiet a bit this week. It's a bitter sweet kind of thing. It was nice having it warm outside for so long and now that it's starting to snow it's also fun. I have always enjoyed the snowy weather. I love the look it gives outside when it has freshly snowed and there are no footprints in the snow. Plus, it's fun to play in. Benjamin has discovered the snow and LOVES it. We can't walk to the car without him wanting to touch or play in it so I usually end up carrying him to the car. Now that he is over 25 pounds it can be exhausting at times. Grandma Christensen bought Ben a snowsuit while she was out here visiting and Grandma Andreas bought Ben some snow boots while we were out visiting her so we have had lots of opportunities to play in the snow. We try and get out everyday for at least 30 minutes or so. It depends on how cold it is and whether Ben can handle it or not. Thank you to both Grandma's for making it possible for us to enjoy the great outdoors in the winter without freezing to death!

Thanksgiving Trip

This year for Thanksgiving we headed out to New Hampshire. We stayed with Jon's mom and had a wonderful time. It was a great time filled with food, fun, shopping, sleeping, and more eating. Jon had to head back early for school, but Ben and I got to stay out for an extra week. Lark spoiled us while we were out there. I didn't have to cook, do any dishes, make my bed or do any cleaning. It was a great break for Aimee. Ben was a great sport while we did a lot of shopping. We went to North Conway 3 times, but Aimee went a fourth time without Ben. She thought it would be nice to give her little boy a break. He enjoyed playing with the dogs of the house, Casey and Sam, I think he enjoyed feeding them most. We also got to visit with Grandpa Wood and Carolyn a few times when they got back from their trip to California. It was a great get a way. Thanks for having us Grandma and Grandpa Andreas!

Our Morning Walks

Since June in the mornings Benjamin and I go walking with the "Whipple Park Walkers" Monday through Friday. There are roughly 4 to 7 moms, strollers ranging from 4 singles, 2 doubles and 1 triple stroller. I have been told it is quiet a sight to see. But it's great to have a group encouraging you to go out every morning, especially in the winter when it would be nice to stay in our warm homes. Ben is usually well behaved but asking to play with a toy, leaf, stick, something to eat, or have something to drink. However, when an hour goes by and we are almost home and I haven't heard a peep out of him I begin to wonder...and this is what I find. A tired little boy who didn't get enough sleep the night before.

Halloween!

Our little Simba! This was the first year that we actually took Benjamin Trick-or-Treating. I don't think he quiet understood what was going on, but if he had a sucker in hand and mouth he was perfectly happy going from house to house. We didn't make a big deal out of it this year. We borrowed the costume from a friend in the ward and then we went to the Trunk-or-Treat at the church on the Tuesday. The young women put on a carnival and had activities for all the kids. Ben attempted to color and enjoyed his donut and cider. Grandma Christensen then took him car to car for candy while I handed out candy. Jon had to work, too bad. Then on the actual Halloween I took him to a couple other townhouses in our complex. He would lift his head and give a big smile to the people at the door and then we would move on. It will be fun next year to see how he will react and maybe we'll get him to say "Trick-or-Treat!"

Grandma Came To Visit

A little over a week ago Grandma Christensen came to visit. We don't get many visitors from the west so it was nice to have her around. Benjamin loved having a friend 24/7 playing with him. We got to do a lot of fun activities while Grandma was out here. We went shopping, canned pears, made curtains for Ben's room, Trunk-or-Treating, went to the Strong Museum of Play, and went to Palmyra. Thanks for coming out Mom it was great having you here. We love you!

Fall

Fall is here and I have finally gotten the courage to start a blog. It's taken awhile to try and figure it out, but with a little playing around on the computer I think I have it somewhat figured out. I have tons of friends in Whipple Park who are willing to show me the ropes if I get confused. Anyway, I thought it would be great for everyone to see how we are especially since we are so far away from everyone. Even with us moving around a lot with the Army in the near future it will be nice for all of you to see how Benjamin and our little family is growing. I will try my best to keep the posts updated on a regular basis. My goal right now is once a week. Maybe it will by my new Sunday activity.