Monster Jam

Over the past few weeks all Hampton has talked about are monster trucks. They are the current happy meal toy (yes we eat at the golden arches from time to time). And while Sweetie was here taking care of all of us when we had the flu, she let him watch YouTube videos which opened a whole new realm of monster truck obsession. Some of our best friends were able to get several tickets to Monster Jam when it was in town, so Saturday night Ben took Hampton. Can you tell he was a bit excited!

Two boys thrilled to be there together. After Sweetie's visit, I asked Hampton if he would like to go to a monster truck rally. Of course he was pumped. Then I asked him who he would want him to go with him. Without hesitation he enthusiastically replied, "DADDY!!!" I wanted to go too (just to see his excitement), but I knew it would be a special time for them...and someone had to love on L and R :).

Hannah, Wes and Connor

DESTROYER

Ninja Turtle - Hampton's least favorite

Hampton's favorite monster truck was Gravedigger, who made a very short appearance before he broke his rear axle. We don't have any pictures of him, but

It was a late night and I was already asleep when they came in. He was WIRED and far tooexcited to tell me all about it to let me sleep. I was beyond excited to hear all about it. He showed me pictures, videos and told me every detail he could remember about their special night. It was so much fun to see the excitement in both Ben and Hampton after their boy's night. They are such a blessing to me!

Thank you Engrams for using your mad connections to bless my boys! We are thankful for your friendship!

I have videos to post, but blogger isn't letting me right now.

Workin'

A friend of ours gave us a bunch of firewood (THANKS Spencer!!!) and the boys couldn't wait to help Daddy unload it. Hampton was super excited to use his work gloves and eagerly helped even though he was super cold.

After all the heavy lifting we all enjoyed a warm fire and some entertainment...Ben sang for us :).

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Snow with Daddy

She's happy with Daddy, but not a fan of a moving sled!

Reid on the other hand loves adventure.

Clearly ready to go inside

We're Not in Texas Anymore!

On Christmas Eve, it snowed 4-6 inches here. So when we got back from TN, there was still a lot of snow on the ground and Hampton was dying to sled and make a snowman. It was so cold that there was absolutely no moisture in the snow, so it wouldn't stick together enough to make a snowman. We did sled down our very slightly inclined driveway a few times...enough to satisfy Hampton's craving. He got cold and gave up pretty quickly.

A few days into January, we got another 5-6 inches. It was still super, super cold for a week or two, again leaving us with non-sticking snow. Finally on Monday the temp climbed all the way to 32 degrees, which felt like a heatwave. I was convinced that I didn't even need a coat b/c it was so warm. Monday afternoon was the first time since we returned from TN that I could see the pavement on our street. Wednesday the temperature climbed all the way into the 40's which provided some major meltage :). Ben called from work to tell me that Hampton and I could finally make a great snowman; however, that would require missing nap, so I didn't even mention it to Hampton. For fear of all the snow melting, we made a snowman in the dark after dinner Wednesday evening. It was great. It was warm enough that I wore a cotton jacket and a scarf, and Hampton didn't get too cold too fast. We had a great time and Hampton was so proud of the snowman that he and Daddy made.

Reid was asleep, but Lucy watched from the kitchen window.

A face only the creator could love.

Jeep Fun!!!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!!!

We were so thankful go have Gran here for Ben's birthday. It was her first visit to our new home and we had a great time. We missed Poppy though. We invited Kelly and David and their girls over for a dinner celebration. It wasn't a surprise, but we avoided telling Ben. He was excited to spend his special day with a yummy home cooked meal (roast w/ potatoes and carrots, spinach salad, green bean casserole, Sister Shubert rolls and applesauce...the applesauce was for the kids, but I noticed Ben enjoying a serving as well :)) September is the end of peach season, but we managed to find some good ones to make Cookeville Peach Pie...another of Ben's favorites. Hampton really enjoyed helping Gran make the pie. He is really into baking and helping in the kitchen. Ben's birthday gifts from us were VERY practical, white undershirts (something I f-i-n-a-l-l-y remembered to purchase, so I wrapped them as a joke) and a lawnmower. He acted really excited about both. Since we moved to KS, we have been paying Tyler to mow our yard. It was nice not to mess w/ the yard, but not so great paying him. Our mower was broken and I found this one for less than half price at an estate sale...and its only 3 years old and very well cared for! We love to beat the system :) I love to celebrate birthdays and while this year we didn't go all out, Ben enjoyed his day.

Helping Gran make Daddy's birthday pie.

One of my favorite parts of baking...surprisingly, fun for H, but not his favorite part. He just loved all of Gran's attention :)

Smashing the Ritz for the crust...why not with your feet?

He had so much fun and was so proud of making this surprise for his daddy!

THE PARTY

Who has this reaction to such a practical gift? I love this man!

Hampton and Daddy giving the new "toy" a test run. H loves to help Ben mow...or do anything for that matter.

WE LOVE YOU, DADDY!!!

And are so thankful you were born.