Ch-ch-ch-changes

Isn't it amazing how life goes along in a same-old, same-old way and then all of a sudden a lot of things start changing all at once? Well, within 2 days I found out that Dillon's very far-sighted and that it was time for Emily to get braces (although I knew that one was coming). Here's Dillon sporting his new glasses....

They weren't my favorite frames he tried on, but he liked these the best and they were the most comfortable for him. The lenses are so thick. :( I picked them up right before he was done with preschool, and the whole ride home he kept saying things like, "Hey, I can see those trees now!" "I can see that house now." "Lilly has more hair!" It's really amazing. I'm so glad he has a few months to adjust to them before Kindergarten starts. I think he looks so cute!

Emily just got her braces today! Sore but kind of cool and exciting at the same time. :)

Lilly is also talking away! Her language is exploding and I couldn't be happier after experiencing toddler/preschool life with 2 boys who didn't have this explosion so early. I love hearing her talk! She can now say Emily, Cameron, Dillon, and Lilly clearly. That's a lot of L's to pronounce. She called Emily "Emmay" and Dillon "Di Di" for a long time. She never really attempted Cameron or Lilly. Every day there is something new she says. "I love you" is my favorite.

Cameron is our only constant around here. I can't think of any big changes for him. Just has his infectious smile and non-stop energy still. He did get daddy to cut a semi-mohawk the last time he got his haircut.

Speaking of changes, I'm 37 weeks and getting close. Our life is about to really change!!! I'm so anxious to find out if this is a boy or girl now.

Dillon's Star Wars Birthday Party...a little late!

Dillon turned 5 earlier in January and we had a fun Star Wars birthday party. His birthday comes at a strange time. We've just cleaned up from Christmas and my motivation to plan anything is low. However, then I realize I just have to get to work. He's been wanting a Star Wars party for a while. Thanks to the wonderful ideas on the Internet, he had quite a fun themed party. Happy #5 Dillon!!! Coloring our Star Wars favorites

Darth Vader cupcakes with a surprise inside

Star Wars Bingo

Build your own Star Wars Lego ship

Make your own R2D2 - a BIG hit!

Treats like "Yoda Soda" and red/blue chocolate covered pretzel rods to be Lightsabers - another big hit!

Lots of Star Wars-loving friends!

SNOW!

This is Lilly getting ready for the snow. She was puttting on winter hats and saying, "Ho, ho, ho!"

While most of it will be sleet today, we got about 3 inches last night I'd guess. My parents got 6-7. Everyone is bundled up and enjoying the sledding down a big hill in the neighborhood. Here's a quick video I got of the kids sledding down our driveway on our big sled from RI. It was a big hit with the neighborhood kids. Cameron is even "snowboarding" on an old skateboard missing its wheels. I didn't take many pictures because the wind and sleet was picking up.

An Unexpected Visit!

On Tuesday morning I walked in from doing some errands to find the phone ringing. It was Joe's mom telling me that Jonny had been calling. He was driving down to FL and was in VA! It was a last minute trip and he hoped to make a detour and pit stop at our house. I quickly called Joe and miraculously in the middle of a very busy week he was able to come home early to see Jonny in the few hours he would be here. Dillon and Lilly were excited as we got ready for our visitor. It cracks me up that Dillon calls him "Unkie" Jonny instead of Uncle. So he kept asking me, "When is Unkie Jonny going to be here?"

Joe and Jonny greeted Emily and Cameron at the bus stop which was quite a surprise and different from their normal routine.

The kids enjoyed showing off and playing with their Christmas toys and the Wii with Jonny and his friends. A quick bite of pizza, some rest, and a shower and they were off on their drive. At the end of the day I still couldn't believe we had just gotten to see Jon. Usually we see them once a year. What a great treat!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Benoit Family 2009

Joe, Laura, Emily, Cameron, Dillon, and Lilly

And a few more fun photos from photo day:

Lilly catching a ride from G-daddy

Cameron

Emily

Dillon (always carrying a stick or leaf or other treasure)

How old are you?

Lilly flirting with the camera

Some pictures with Nana and G-daddy

Best buddies, looking at the pond

Lilly with Daddy

Even Lilly's worn out!!!

Did November really just pass by without me posting anything? We are alive and enjoying many holiday related goings-on. Emily was in the Apex Christmas parade and survived a very cold/wet night. Cameron and Emily will be singing in our Stake Children's Choir at out church's nativity. It's an amazing event going on this weekend. Check it out at http://www.apexnativity.org/. We're excited because Emily's school chorus teacher is attending and many neighbors attended last year and hopefully will again. I'll enjoy playing the piano as background for the event--something I always save room for because I love it!


I've been busily folding my Moravian stars and am grateful for this little side business. I have bigger plans for next year, but it will require me making a good supply of stars in the coming year. Hopefully I can do it. I'm up to 14 dozen stars ordered and made and expect the next week to be pretty busy.


I'm feeling well and am 26 1/2 weeks along. The baby moves so much it almost startles me out of my seat sometimes. I'm measuring perfect, blood pressure is low, and all is going smooth. I felt the baby have hiccups for the first time about a week ago. That is always the funniest feeling.

Lilly has been busy crafting away. She and Dillon spend most of their day creating, coloring, drawing, cutting, gluing, and glittering. Apparently, all that craftiness has worn her out because I just found this:




She was working hard!!!

Etsy Giveaway Winner Announced

Thanks to all of you who entered my Moravian Stars giveaway. We put all of the names of those who entered in a bowl, and Joe chose the winner tonight. One of my friends who entered on Facebook won the giveaway: Jill Remund Rucker, a friend of mine from GA.