Rochester: Part One

Bryan has had August off as a paternity month. We wanted to do something fun his last week off, so we decided to go visit our good friends, the Mickelsens, who just moved to Rochester, NY. We had so much fun staying with them and the girls had so much fun playing with Addi and Macie. The drive was about six and a half hours from our house. Bryan and I were a little nervous about making the long drive with three kids, but they did awesome!! We stopped only two times and there were no fits!
The first day we were there we went to the Children's Museum. The kids had a great time there. We could spend a whole day there and they wouldn't get bored. There was so much to do. Bennett didn't even mind all the noise from the crowd. I think he's used to noise having two sisters around! Who says that children museums are only for kids?! Notice Bryan playing with the blocks all by himself.

Niah selling quilts in the Berenstein Bear's quilt shop.

The girls loved playing in all the store/restaurant exhibits.

Riding the Choo-Choo train.

Playing some games in the video arcade.

If you ever go to Rochester you should go to this museum. It was great and the kids loved it!

Stay tuned for Rochester: Part Two.

Bennett's Blessing Day

Since we were going to have family in town, we decided to bless Bennett while they were here. It was so great to have family here with us on his special day (We missed you Forbes family). Bryan did a great job and Bennett must like his name because he didn't make a peep during the blessing!
Bennett with Grandpa Mason. Grandma Mason got sick and wasn't able to come to the blessing. I felt really bad that she was sick so far from home. Hanging out in the hotel room all alone was probably not that fun.

Four generation picture. Bryan, Bennett, Grandma RueLeen, and Bryan's mom- Shannon.

Here is our sweet boy. Shannon made his blessing outfit. She made both of my girls' blessing dresses too. I think it's so special that they all have one made by their grandma. She is so talented!!

Grandma RueLeen and Bennett.

Grandma and Grandpa with the baby.

Family picture- we are all looking at the camera! It's a miracle.

Our little man showing off his outfit on his big day.

The proud mom and dad!

I took this picture yesterday and I had to post it because I thought it was so sweet. Chloe loves to read books and yesterday Bennett was a little tired and fussy. Chloe sat down on the floor next to him and read him one of her Book of Mormon books and he fell fast asleep. What a precious moment! He loves his big sisters. He isn't happy when they aren't around. He likes all the noise they make!


The blessing day was wonderful. Bennett was blessed with a desire to do missionary work and the ability to be a friend to everyone. I can't remember everything that was said, but those are the things that stood out in my mind. It's so great to have a husband who has the priesthood and who can bless our children. I am a lucky girl to have such a special man and three beautiful, happy, and healthy children.

Visit From The Family

We were lucky enough this past weekend to get a visit from Bryan's family. We had a great time and we are so glad that they were able to come for a few days. We stayed plenty busy while they were here. We went to the granite quarries, the Ben and Jerry's Factory, Shelburne Inn for breakfast, toured a covered bridge, blessed the baby, visited the birthplace of Joseph Smith, and hung out with each other and had lots of fun. Niah got to showoff her baseball skills and Chloe got to show them her bubbles. She LOVES bubbles.

This is the covered bridge we saw...

Bennett was such a good boy. We took him so many places and he just hung out and didn't seem to mind at all.

We went to breakfast at the Shelburne Inn. I loved it! The Inn is set up to be like it was in the old days. It's very quaint and old fashioned, I think that's why I love it. I can only imagine the carriages driving around and the ladies walking around in their fancy dresses!

Niah and Chloe actually let me get a decent picture of them together!

This is our view from the dining room. It was such a pretty day. Lake Champlain looked beautiful.

Touring the gardens...

Bryan's sister Shaylie, isn't she cute?!!

Grandma and Grandpa Mason taking it easy.

Sadly, I forgot my camera two out of the three days. I guess I'm not used to gathering everything for three children AND the camera yet!! We were all sad to see the family leave. My girls are having grandma and aunt withdrawal. Thanks Mason family for showing us a good time and for traveling so far from home too see us. We love you all and miss you!

Three Weeks and Sisters

Not much has been happening at our house. We are just enjoying our new baby boy and Bryan has the whole month of August off as a paternity month! He finished his Step 2 board exam on Friday. Way to go B! Bennett is three weeks old, as of yesterday. He is changing so much every day and he is getting so big. He already weighs 10 lbs! He's a chunker! Here are some new pictures of him.

Niah and Chloe are loving being big sisters. They are so sweet with the baby. I often feel like I can't give them enough attention. They seem to all want my attention at once- Niah wants to play checkers, Chloe wants to read a book, and Bennett wants to eat! Considering all the change, they have done pretty well. The girls are best buds. The other night, I went to lay Bennett in his bed and I found the girls asleep on my bed. I have no idea when they went in there! I had to take a picture of them. They looked so cute and they fell asleep with their heads together. A couple nights ago, I went in and they were in my bed again wearing only their undies! I'm glad they have each other so they can play together while I am taking care of the baby.

Bryan's family is coming to visit this weekend and we are blessing Brother. Next week I'll have lots to blog about!

Life With Three

Little Bennett is two weeks old today. The time is flying by. I'm sad that he isn't as little now as he was a week or two ago. He's getting big already! He is such a sweet, good baby. He has been sleeping 3 to 4 hours straight at night, he's eating well, and he has a lot of patience with his big sisters. They love to hold him, help change him and just love him. Chloe and Niah have been taking very good care of their babies. They have to do everything mom does to Bennett with their baby dolls. Bryan and I have had a few panic moments when we see the baby swing going too high and then we realize it's not Bennett swinging out of control but one of the girls' babies!

Life with three has been a little chaotic at moments, but we are adjusting pretty well. At times I have felt a little out numbered! The girls are testing their parents' patience a little, but overall they are great helpers. I feel like Bennett has been here forever, I really can't remember what it was like without him. He's such a precious baby. We are so lucky to have him as part of our family.