Tuesdays

Every Tuesday I pick Alivia up from school and she spends the afternoon with us. Today she had early release and got out of school at 12:30pm so Ben and I picked her up as usual but since there was so much of the afternoon left we went to Wendy's to get lunch and had a picnic at the park. After lunch, Ben and Alivia played for a while and had fun swinging, sliding, and teeter-tottering. When we got sick of that, we walked to the duck pond up on campus. Alivia fed the ducks as Ben and I watched. This was Ben's first time seeing ducks up close and he thought they were pretty neat and wanted so badly to pet them - but being the mean momma I am I didn't let him. I could just picture these ravenous ducks trying to pluck off his little fingers to devour like a piece of bread. I kid you not, these things can get a little crazy about food! In any case, here are some fun pictures of our afternoon. 

Little Friends- and no, do not say Ben's little girlfriend or vise versa... That drives me NUTS!!

So, as many of you know, Ben and Maggie were born 9 days apart and Maggie and her family live right next to us and are very good friends so the kids get to play quite frequently. Here are a couple photos of the two having fun last week. Pretty cute kids if I do say so myself!

The Wedding

Ok - thanks to Dad & Mom Gauthier I was able to get my hands on some photos of Chris & Aubrey's wedding. Enjoy!

Dad & his girls.

"Humph..." She says, "I'm not so sure about this."

I think Chris's heart must have stopped when he saw her walking down the isle - she is so stunningly beautiful!

The fishermen!

Father giving away the bride - a bittersweet moment.

The long awaited kiss.

Ben finally getting his dinner at the reception.

The wedding party

The cakes

First Dance

Father - Daughter Dance

Don't Know What You Call It Dance

Another Father-Daughter Dance

Aubrey & our cousin Thomas hitting the dance floor.

Ben & Grandpa G. at the end of the night.

A Lovely Afternoon

Yesterday afternoon Ben and I went to the park to get a little fresh air before nap time. The park we went to isn't just any old park... It's the new dinosaur park! Let me just tell you that if I were a kid I'd really have a ball at this park. There's all kinds of playground equipment including entrances to slides that seem maze-like and a few large sandboxes in which you are challenged to dig up dinosaur bones. There's a toddler section of the park as well with activities specifically designed with them in mind. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't necessarily buy all the stuff that scientists claim to be the truth about dinosaurs, but it's still a fun time. There are also a couple ponds right next to the park with walking trails so it makes for good enjoyable exercise, too! In any case, we had a nice afternoon. Ben particularly enjoyed the swings so I've posted a video to include you in our fun.

And here are a few photos, too...

I Love My Papa Because...

He gives me baths.

He takes naps with me.

He takes me for walks.

He keeps me safe and warm.

He takes me for rides.

He takes me to the park.

He takes me on trips.

He makes me feel big and tall.

He snuggles with me.

He leads me in the way I should go.

I am so thankful for my Papa!

Getting Ready for the Big Day

Here are some photos of the rehearsal dinner and prep time before Chris & Aubrey's wedding. I hope to have actual wedding photos coming soon but we'll see if I can get my hands on any. The weather turned out to be perfect for an outdoor wedding (except for a little wind that proved to be a bit of a menace) and it was a successful day. It was fun to see them finally get hitched!

Setting up the dance floor.

My beautiful mom and sister.

Ben and Auntie Livie trying to stay out of trouble.

The bride and groom at the rehearsal dinner.

Brian and I at the rehearsal dinner.

Ben playing in the grass while Momma and Papa try to get things done.

Snuggles with Grandpa G.

Me and Mom right before the wedding. Yes, I was the Matron of Honor and Holy Cow checkout how low that dress is! I have some pretty nice tan lines, too!

 Oh, the things you'll do for someone you love. ;)

Beautiful Big Eyed Bugger Nosed Boy

The Poor Boy Just Can't Get Away from All the Women

A couple weekends ago we (meaning myself, Ben, Grandma Mary, Mom, and Liv) all went to Billings to celebrate the second of Aubrey's two bridal showers and the first and only of her Bachelorette parties. It was fun being able to celebrate with her and it was also nice to meet all of her friends that we've heard so much about over the years. You know, the whole putting a face to a name thing. Anyway, we drove over Saturday morning and got things set up for the shower just in the nick of time. Everything went really well... we ate some good food, played some fun games, and blessed Aubrey with some great gifts. Later that evening we enjoyed a tasty dinner at the Olive Garden which was the kick-off to her bachelorette party. Grandma, Ben, and I all drove home together after dinner choosing not to hit the bars with the wild women. ;) I hear they had a good time and I know we were very tired once we finally made it home that night. Poor Benjamin had to spend the whole day surrounded by girls - that seems to be a common theme in this boys life! 

In any case, it's pretty hard to believe that my lil' sis is getting married this weekend. That's right - the wedding is this Saturday! It will be with great pleasure that we watch her tie the knot to the man she's been dating for 4 years. Can't wait to show you all pictures of this glorious occasion!

Grandma Mary feeding Ben lunch as Mom and I scramble to get things ready for the shower.

The Beautiful Bride with one of her friends.

Livie and Ben having a grand 'ol time. 

Notice the carrot still hanging out of Ben's mouth... that was a tasty lunch!

The towel cake (center) and delicious food that was provided by her loving friends and family.

Benjamin rummaging through his diaper bag. You just never know what you might find in Momma's bag full of treasures!