Benjamin 15 months

It's been a while since I have done a post just about Ben. He is ENERGETIC. We hear that comment a lot from strangers, but I like it that way. Constantly moving, exploring his world. He has no fear. He climbs onto everything-the counters, the table, pushing his high chair to do so. He is extremely social so much that we need to have some stranger danger talks. He will go to anyone and be completely content sitting with them. He especially loves older kids and trying to keep up. He loves dogs. He loves this dog printed bag we have an lights up when he sees it. 

He babbles constantly and I know he understands. One time I was talking about how Ben danced and when I said "dance" he started moving around (he is quite the skilled dancer). And I randomly said clap and he started clapping. It's a weird thing to see him respond so clearly. He loves his Papa's guitar. He loves to be doing what we are doing. He loves all balls-footballs, soccer balls. We were at the park and he ran past the toys to the soccer practice that was going on. He really wanted to join in. At his last appointment he didn't gain any weight (20 lbs), so he will be eating more calories. He burns off a lot. He is still a mama's boy when he is tired or wants something, go figure. We love him to death and love to see him explore at this stage.

running with Manolo

Manolo giving him a hug/tackle

Orchard Photos

We love the orchards here! It is so fun to drive by them when they are in bloom. This may become an annual thing. We will see how much patience I will have as Ben gets older. It is much harder to get a decent picture these days. But I'm glad I have my two assistants to help. 

These were taken a few weeks ago. The blossoms are all gone now. And it is GREEN here from all the extra rain.

Easter

I really should call this Easter Ben's first Easter since last year he had no idea what was going on. We stopped by the Walmart parking lot egg hunt in Eagle Point and it lasted less than 10 mins. Basically it was a free for all with kids carrying huge baskets of all the eggs they could carry. Ben was a little overwhelmed and didn't get the point. It's much more fun to take the eggs OUT than to put them in the basket.

Then we headed to our branch party egg hunt and piñata party. A sister asked me and another girl to put it on last minute and it turned out really nice I think. We had food, eggs, and 3 piñatas (including our homemade one). Ben had the most fun with his friends. 

Post general conference fire

He is a raccoon: finding all the goodies

Little E.T. 

His favorite spot. Not mine

my first crocheting project

the remains of the walmart egg hunt

had to stop inside for some supplies

spiritual message for the primary kids

mooching off everyone

Jamir playing chase...Ben is loved by all the older kids. He gets held by everyone

more interested in candy than eggs

how nice that we are next to the temple!

sheep!

Ben really liked being able to hit freely without being told no

our nighbor is in a classic rock band. we went to hear him...it was a lot of old people.

thought dad would like the name of the band. our neighbor is second from left 

Easter basket Sunday morning

went straight for the book

loved the corn at Easter dinner

he was eyeing the salt all dinner...and when our backs were turned he pounced

new Mexican sandals from some friends...he actually loves them and he usually hates shoes

our tree will bloom soon!

shovels are the best

I see this picture often.