we don't have enough time

Ever since the move we have felt completely guilty about not taking pictures of the kids or even doing much but packing and searching for a place to live.  Sunday we decided to take a small break and go to Denver.  We wanted to meet up with Erik and Amie and go to Bass Pro to enjoy there winter wonderland for kids.

First we arrived around two and were informed that the next time available to see Santa was 7.  What!?!?  Wow, that is Madison's bedtime.  Check that off the list, here we come Mall Santa.  We did enjoy the carousel, shooting ducks, and craft corners around the store instead.  P.S. I had a sushi style tuna steak that was amazing!

We then went and spent a couple of hours at Erik's.  They had a little puppy that would jump on Madison like crazy.  Madison is an observer so this was a little much for her.

Last stop was a quick trip to Ikea. We bought nothing but had fun looking :)

Kisses for the snowman

thankful for our wonderful family

Thanksgiving was another great holiday spent together in Rapid City.

Recap:

Ryan, Nick, Ben and I enjoyed some fun playing Jenga.  Ryan likes to win and Nick likes to watch it fall.  Perfect combination until Ryan realizes Nick is doing this on purpose and proceeds to politely lecturing Nick.

Madison loves observing her crazy cousins and also gives them the "No, no, no" when they get too rowdy.

My grandma Benson came to visit from MN and met Carson for the first time.  He gave her lots of smiles and a few coos.  

The Benson family picture was a success with lots of entertainment in order to get the kids to look and hopefully smile a few times.  Daddy hitting himself, grandma jumping up and down and great grandma saying "I am going to appreciate these pictures a little more knowing what you have to do to get a good one."

Great weekend with wonderful people!

you will hate it

"You are going to hate it there."

"You will be back in only a few months"

"You will melt away it is so hot there"

"Ugh, I hate Texas"

"I'm sorry"

"What a dump to live in"

All these are the initial reaction statements to our move to Texas.  But guess what, we are still excited!

At first I took these statements to heart.  I hated this perception people had.  Yet when I asked them if they had been there, 90% said no.  So why so negative when you have no real idea!

Don't get me wrong.  When Ben and I were first presented with this opportunity we were stunned, shocked, surprised, worried, sad, excited and every other possible emotion.  We had established a great group of friends in CO and were close to family.  Now, TEXAS.  That is a plane trip away to anyone we even know! 

After a weekend of deliberation we had decided this was a great opportunity for growth for Ben and we needed to seize the moment.  Maybe we will love it.  Next to the ocean, great family activities and 12 months of warmer weather!

Then these statements (plus about 20 more) started coming from everyone.  I struggled with that.  Why such hatred toward a state you have never stepped in.  Then I decided to forget about what people thought about it and realize that the trip we took I really enjoyed the gorgeous weather and beautiful green grass. 

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers while we make this transition but I am sure there will soon be an abundance of beach pictures coming up very soon!!

this really happened

8:23 - Madison has completed breakfast and now its Carson's turn

 

8:32 - Carson is nursing and Madison walks out smiling, lipstick in one hand and a blush brush in the other.

 

Welcome to Motherhood

 

 

no, no, no

We talked about riding the train all the way there.  Madison kept saying, "choo, choo" and would get a huge smile across her face...until we actually were at the choo, choo.  Then came "no, no, no."  What a mood swing.  She was hesitant to get on the train that runs around the Chapel Hills Mall but we finally coaxed her in.  And then came the excitement, with Miss America waving to all the passing people.  The entire time to follow she would hear the horn and her eyebrows would raise, a grin would spread across her face and lots of pointing trying to find the choo choo ensued.  After all that excitement we then went Glow Golf.

Yes, our expectations were low, knowing Madison would want to run around but we figured we could squeeze a few holes in.  Well, we were miscalculated.  We had a total of zero holes played.  Madison loved running around this huge open area and looking at the glowing monkeys and animals on the wall. 

To top this day off we also were able to visit Santa and get a free cell phone picture out of it.  Apparently their camera was broken and they were just allowing kids to chat it up with Santa.  Madison, the hesitant girl she is, enjoyed him from afar and was happy as long as either Mommy or Daddy were by her side.  I just can't wait to try and actually get a picture with Carson and Madison.  That will be interesting.  I have a feeling I may have two crying babies ;)

the best of friends

My really good friend Ali took pictures of our sweet Carson when he was just 1 month old.  She did SUCH an amazing job!!!   I love this pictures beyond words.  She too posted a blog about it and also the story of us.  I love her and her beautiful words so please click on the blue link as well as enjoying these pictures.