He really likes his Johnny Jump Up...

I guess it was time for his nap. Last night was the first night I let him cry through one of his normal feeding times (the 1am one), so I guess this morning he thought it was no use fussing to tell me he was tired. Poor kid...

Ready to go camping...or hiking, or hunting!

Max got a new backpack from Cabela's...he thought he'd test it out...40 lbs is about right.

Cuteness

The kids with their baby bro...

New Deck Cover

In order to still eat outside and keep the rain off, Max replaced the slats on the awning with plywood and shingles to match the roof of our house. Much cheaper than a retractable awning.

Ribbons

I realized just how much ribbon I had when the kids started unraveling it all and decorating themselves with it. Normally I do not allow them to play with my sewing/project materials, but they were too cute and colorful to stop them. This started when they were "helping" me wind all my ribbon back on their ribbon wheels. Oh well...

New Toy

Look what mom made for me!

I have been on a "taggie blanket" kick for the past several days. I started making them about a year ago. I made a couple of the pink variety for two little baby girls of friends last weekend. The one that Benaiah is sporting is just for him. I can make one of these in about 1.5-3 hours and they are really fun to put together. I think it is a good toy/blankie for him at this stage because he can really get his arms around it and attempt to lick or chew or suck on the ribbons. I've noticed that babies love to play with or chew on the tags (laundry instruction or brand name tags) on toys, so I thought this would be a great baby gift.

Fun in the Backyard

Thanks to Grampa Larry, we had some nice mowed grass to play on in the backyard. Not having a yard to mow in the city, my dad was happy to use the riding mower and trimmer around our house. Thanks Dad!

"Are we having fun yet?"

Benaiah has had a lot of "firsts" lately. This is his first time in the outdoor swing. He never really acts like he has a blast in the swing, he usually just appears relaxed in it.

Evening Swing

This swing was my birthday present from Max. It is out by the swing set/fort, so that I can swing and sit in the shade with Benaiah if the kids are playing outside.

Oh boy, this is fun!

Flying Benaiah

Benaiah tried out his "Johnny Jump-Up" for the first time while the Boston grandparents were here. He seems to like it, but hasn't really figured out the jumping thing yet. I think he mainly likes being upright. It's very tempting for JB to swing him in it or bounce him so these actions are off-limits...oh, and no spinning either! Can babies get dizzy?

Gloria and her "Dancing Dresses"

Here's a couple of pics of "Super Gloria" in her "dancing dresses" (this is what she calls any dress of hers and is all she wants to wear lately). Gloria finally got her own fishing pole! Thanks Gramma Lois!

Gramps and Babe

Happy

Serious

Tough guys

Boston Grandparents!

Benaiah became ticklish about the time that Gramma Lois and Grampa Larry showed up...or maybe I just never thought to tickle him this young. He also laughs when you say "boo" and other sounds that are too difficult to repeat in typing. I'll have to remember to enter into his babybook record that he laughed at 2.5 months. Actually, the first time I heard him laugh was a few weeks ago when I held him while exercising on the elliptical and he thought the bouncing was pretty funny.