Testosterone!

A man and his gun, truly nothing like it! It was raining and freezing but nothing comes between a man and his weapon! ;)

Dad giving a little assistance

Proof that I was on this expedition!

Ben with his new rifle that Papa gave him

"Can you feel the power???"

A boy and his dog, one of my faves!

Boys just want to have fun

This year Ben requested a BBQ, flag football, baseball, and swimming party. That I can do :)

Are you ready to rumble???

Love this pic! Nothing like a friendly game of football to start things off. And please look at the weather can I just insert how cold it was???

Finding shelter

Had to take our candles into a 'shack' due to high winds lol

The weather thankfully didn't seem to put a damper on their fun

It truly was a great day and a birthday celebration to be remembered!

4 months later....Ben's bday recap!

Man 11 years go by so quickly! What I wouldn't give to just freeze time.

So it appears here that he might not be so into posing with his bday banner! But he humors me which I appreciate ;)

Let the gift opening begin!

His favorite player hands down so he was stoked about this shirt!

And what did my 11-yr-old want from us??? A build a bear!!! Oh how it thrilled me to take him in there, It shaved years off him being 11 ;) All until I said that the girl he likes had just walked into the store and I saw the panic take place and then he was 11 again :)

His 22 rifle from his Papa, such an amazing gift for my boy!

As I took this picture I had tears in my eyes. Not because my baby was holding a deadly weapon but because I just can't believe what a wonderful young man he is becoming :) I love you Ben with my whole heart!

End of school

The end of our homeschooling year Ben's only request...please take me fishing. So bright and early in the freezing cold we headed to the lake! I was in awe as I watched my boy fish by himself. Putting on lures, walking along the shore line, and casting like he's done this forever. Where has the time gone?

Makenna's one request at the end of our preschool year....swing me! That I can do :)

ok...ok....ok

So this is why I suck at blogging! It's been since June and now I'm going back to tell you about the summer for the first time! It's overwhelming all that has taken place and all I need to blog about but here we go!.......

The kids first dip in the lake for the season.....FREEZING!

I love how Brayden is using Makenna as a warmth device!

But fun all the same :)

Love this pic of my girl :)

Our son Ben

Brandon named our first born Benjamin which means "son of my right hand". I was struck this year as we celebrated his 11th birthday that he really upholds his name. Everything you could ever want or hope for in a child Ben possess. He is good, kind, funny, athletic, intelligent, even tempered, giving....I could go on and on. But beyond all of these character traits he truly has a heart after God. Which makes the bible verse for his name ring even more true, "You have given me your shield of victory, Your right hand supports me; your help has made me great." Ps 18:35. Ben, continue to cling to God for your support as He continues to develop and mold you into a man after His own heart. You make us so very proud each and every day! And we can't wait to see the life God has in store for you unfold before us! Happy Birthday sweet boy xoxoxo

Ben age 11

Its all about baseball!

Words honestly can't describe how much our lives are about this great American past time! 4 nights a week we are at the ball fields! I love each and every moment of this! These are pics from our bball tournament weekend. Dodgers took 2nd...who hoo!! And my 'little B' played with the big dogs, 11-13 year olds, and totally held his own! My boys couldn't make me more proud on and off the field! I cherish this time watching my boys and can't imagine any place I'd rather be than in the stands cheering them on!