The Benedicts: May 2014

We didn't venture far from home this month, but that doesn't mean there weren't things going on! We had another cold snap... -40 again.... but, in Great Falls they don't call it a "Polar Vortex" like the rest of the country. Nope, it's just a "bit chilly." So, cold or not, life carries on as usual.

Read on to see which babies we welcomed this month, and other, less exciting things that happened...

Staying cozy inspite of the cold temps

Kristi and Brandon Trent welcomed their sweet daughter, Camrie, on the 5th. She was born with a full head of dark hair - and she is just about the cutest ever. I love her already, and it's so fun to see Kristi as a mom! Congratulations, Trent family!

Camrie

I had two Valentines this year - getting kisses from one of them!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Yes, the Seahawks won the Super Bowl, and yes, I got the sweatshirt!

Lexie with her duckies

No matter what toys I give her, she likes playing with baby wipes the most!

We finished the bathroom!!! With all the cold weather, it was a great opportunity to complete some projects around the house that have been dragging on... and on and on. I finally decided on a vanity and sink so we could finish things up. What do you think of the improvements?!

Finally finished!

Remember this before pic?!

We have a shower!

Old bathtub - before

New sink and vanity

Sink and vanity - before

Kristi came up to Great Falls one day, and I left work for a couple hours and went to meet her at the hotel... and I got to meet/hold Camrie for the first time. She is still so tiny! I still think of Lexie as my tiny baby, but it was amazing to see how big she is next to a newborn.

Lexie checking out her new friend

On the 25th, Sue and Jason welcomed their baby boy - precious little Tyce Bentley - weighing in at only 5 lbs, 15 oz. It was really hard to be so far away, but I was getting lots of updates on the labor and delivery, and even some pictures. I'm so proud of Sue's strength! Congratulations, you three!

Tyce is already looking straight up at his mama!

Sue and Jewls with brand new baby Tyce. Seriously, who looks this good after giving birth?!

Tyce, Tyce, baby.

Hey everybody! I have a new cousin!

Still winter...

...but these smiles are keeping our home and hearts plenty warm!

2014 is here and it's off to a great start! The Seahawks are killing it (1/2 of our family is excited), Lexie is seven months old (!), and we are forging through a frigid winter with the second cold snap hitting this month - temps down to -40... without the wind chill factor. Glad to have a warm home, and a husband who is handy enough to replace the boiler that went out (bad timing) with a brand new furnace and central air system. One thing about buying an old house - they generally come with old hardware. We knew the boiler wasn't in the best shape, but were hoping it would last through the winter. I LOVE hot water heat - it's so efficient and cozy, and keeps a nice humidity in the air. We researched boilers, though, and decided it wasn't practical to replace, but we (Hubby) should install a new furnace/air conditioner/central air system instead. One benefit is the extra space in all the rooms where we can cut out the old radiators. Although, they were somewhat charming!

Here are some photos of what we were up to this month...

Chillin' in her Seahawks hat

Good times with Logger

And NOT so good times with Logger... training a puppy can be a bit irritating. Coming home at lunch to find this makes him "Chance's dog" really quickly. :)

All bundled up - and not too happy about it!

Big girl drinking water in her sippy cup

Sue had her baby shower in Waterville, thrown by Trese (thank you!). I love that babies fly free, and tickets are affordable from Great Falls to Wenatchee, so Lexie and I hopped on a plane again! She is a great flier, and it's so much faster and safer for winter travel!

Flying over the picturesque Rocky Mountains

Coming into a foggy Seattle at Sunrise

The "Clink" - Century Link Field, home of the Super Bowl bound Seattle Seahawks!

Hanging out at SeaTac during our quick layover - waiting to board for Wenatchee

Lexie was popular with the flight crew!

Doing the pre-flight safety announcement with the Stewardess - Lexie actually unplugged her intercom at one point!

Jewls and Leah picked us up at the airport, and then we headed to Jason's office to meet up with auntie Sue. She had an ultrasound scheduled that morning, so we all got to tag along. I think the tech was a little annoyed with the room full of people, but it was so fun to get a sneak peek at the soon to arrive baby boy Barnes!

Lunch with Auntie Sue

Sorry, sis, I know your eyes are closed but you still look adorable!

We headed up the canyon to Waterville, and the next day went to Sue's baby shower. Trese threw the party in her beautiful home - it was so adorable, and so fun! Thank you, Trese, for taking such good care of her!

Mama to be - 8 months pregnant and so adorable!

Auntie Karol

Mandy and mom drove over from Thompson Falls

Soon to be Dad even made an appearance! Jason B. and Sarah S.

Jewls and Brooklyn

Guest of Honor and Hostess - Sisters-in-law!

Auntie Sue bought the girls matching sailor girl outfits - so cute!

Mom and Auntie Karol - best friends

Auntie Sue playing with Lexie's "piggies" - and Brooklyn making sure she's not hurting her friend.

Lexie and Brooklyn - first bath together! Lexie - 7 months, Brooklyn - 19 months

Auntie Jewls

Another layover... on the way home.

The end of January we "babysat" Joey and Leann's dogs for a week while they took a trip to New York City. We had a blast with them, and it was good for Logger to be around some other dogs. They are several years older, however, and have mellowed out quite a bit. Most of the time Logger wanted to play, and they wanted to be left alone! It was a lesson in compromise for them all.

Hubby wrangling all three puppies!

Elvis and Priscilla

I got a new camera for Christmas, and have been enjoying learning how to use it! I love going outside in the morning light and playing with different features. Logger loves to come along, hopping and chasing whatever moves. I'm not really a dog person, but I have to admit these are the times when he's really fun!

Little Logger buns.... exploring in the snow.

Tugging on my robe - c'mon mom, let's go play!

Our sweet workers came for a visit - and Lexie just ate up all the attention. We love them so much!

Lexie outgrew her baby bath! I had to take pictures of her last bath in her little pink tub. She loves "splish splashing" in the bath, and her little yellow rubber duckie is her favorite toy - in and out of the water! We play a game where I make a "Quack!" noise, and she looks around with her head on a swivel to see where her duckie is hiding. I'm sure we look and sound crazy most of the time, but Hubs and I will make any face or noise just to see her smile and hear her giggle. We love being parents!