A Few Milestones

So the last few weeks have been quite full for our family. Not just because of our move but also because of a few major milestones that have been passed by our little boys. A few weeks ago Cedric took his first steps and since then has been practicing very hard to improve in his newfound skill. Below is a video from a couple weeks ago when he was trying to get things figured out. Since then he has improved quite a bit and now travels all over the place without falling over! Crazy how quickly they catch on once they figure out the basic steps. Here he is strutting his stuff:

Ben has also passed his own milestone recently. I'll not explain it in words but rather let you see for yourself... enjoy!

We are so proud of both our boys!

A Little Update

For those of you wondering, we've moved into our new home and have begun the whole settling in process. Nearly all boxes are unpacked and we're in the middle of arranging and putting things away. It seems a little daunting at times but we've made a lot of progress and feel as though this house suites us very well. The kids are adjusting wonderfully and in recent days have enjoyed our acre of land to run, play, and dig. Ben has discovered the fun of pulling Cedric in a wagon and does it much of the time spent outside. Cedric does not yet like the feel of grass so is quite content sitting in the wagon as long as Ben is around to pull it! We have been thoroughly enjoying the amazing views from our house particularly at night when the landscaped lights of the city twinkle into our windows. We have a lot of work to do this summer with fencing, landscaping, and and building a deck, but we are looking forward to the tasks ahead of us and already feel "at home". I am continuously blown away by how utterly gracious and generous God is.

Looking off our front porch:

Looking off the back porch:

The boys at play:

A Birthday Splash

This weekend we drove to Bozeman for Alivia's 11th birthday party. Mom took everyone swimming and Ben was quite pleased to be included in the fun. Auntie Aubrey drove over from Billings for the occasion and was Ben's swimming buddy for the day... He had a LOT of fun with his Auntie!

"Happy Birthday to you..."

Auntie Livvi and Ben before jumping into the water.

Mom and Ricky hanging out on the poolside.

GrandMary also came along for the fun. We couldn't talk her into jumping into the water, though!

"I'm gonna get you with my wet hands, Momma!"

"Look at me swimming... This is so much fun!!"

"I love my Auntie Aubrey so much!"

Our Lives This Week

Here are some pics of the boys from this last week. I do believe it will be a bit of a transition for them after we move out of Grandpa and Grandma's and into our new house next week. Ben is always so excited to see them at the beginning and end of each day and he has gotten used to his bedroom here. We close on the house this coming Tuesday and after cleaning and whatnot will get to move into it on Thursday... We are VERY excited!!! Will keep you updated and let you know how things go.

Grandpa's Helpers.

We celebrated Grandpa's birthday yesterday and the boys were eager to help him open gifts this morning.

Packed up and ready to be shipped!

Wouldn't this be a sweet package to receive?!

The boys were looking for Papa to come home at the end of the day. They like to talk to him through the window. Ben's newfound joy is to walk around the house in his diaper - pretty cute!

Camping in winter!

They've had this tent set-up since we got here. Both Ben and Ricky have fun climbing around in it and like to pretend to be camping with Grandpa.

Ricky likes to stand on his own more and more. He's getting quite good at it and his balance is getting better and better. I have a feeling things will be getting quite busy for me rather soon!

Both boys LOVE playing the piano with Grandma. It's really fun to watch them all tinkling around on the keys.

A Good Big Brother

Here's a sweet little happening from yesterday. Moments like these are good reminders that Ben not only loves his little brother but also enjoys having him around.

Out of the Mouths of Babes

We went out to dinner last night and were trying to figure out what to order for Ben to eat. He had been munching on some appetizer chips and salsa (which he loves) and was sitting right between Grandpa and Grandma so was pretty content. After looking over the quite extensive children's menu I asked Ben what he wanted to eat. This was the conversation:

Momma: "Hey buddy, what do you want to eat?"

Ben (thinking hard): "Hmmmmm......... Beer!"

I think he's doomed!

In Recent Days

Here are a few glimpses of the fun we've had in the last few days...

Grandma brought home this hat for Ben in celebration of Dr. Seuss's birthday this week. Thought this shot was pretty priceless.

Grandma and Ben built this great snowman in the backyard earlier this week. He and Grandma have lots of fun playing outside nearly every day (when the weather permits).

"Nice Snowman... Good Snowman!"

He's got the groove: