Kate Has an Announcement to Make

We're thrilled to share the news that there's a baby Benefield on the way. E.T.A., early January. :-)

Kitchen Fun

Kate's really enjoying her new kitchen--a birthday present from us.

I think it has sparked her interest in cooking, so now nearly everytime I set out to make dinner, she wants to help. She pushes a chair over to the counter and hops up, expecting to whip up something delicious. The other day she watched me slice onions and got her first teary onion eye. Not a fan. Other than that, she's in love with the kitchen.

Photo Session

A friend of a friend is starting a photography business and generously offered to take some complimentary photos to plus up her portfolio. We meet her last weekend at a local park, where we quickly discovered Kate was way too interested in the ducks and geese to actually stop and smile at the camera. Despite that challenge, Erin still took some great pictures. Check out the preview she's posted on her blog. We think she has a great eye for photography. Good luck with your new career, Erin!

Asleep at the Meal

Some kids can plow right through the day without a nap, but my child is not one of them. This is result of a skipped nap on Sunday. She made it all the way to dinner . . .

Kate's Second Birthday!

Our sweet pea is now two years old! So hard to believe. Family and friends gathered at our house on Saturday to celebrate with us. We feel incomprehensibly blessed by these last two years. Kate is a joy to be around, and we can't imagine our lives with out her. Happy Birthday, Kate! We love you so!

Trip to California

The week before Kate's birthday, we flew to California to visit Josh's mom. Josh grew up in Hesperia, which is in the California High Desert about an hour and a half northeast of Los Angeles. The landscape is gorgeous--sandy desert and Joshua trees with huge mountains in the backdrop. In fact, we were able to spend a day up in the mountains and found a few snow drifts left. Kate got to play in the snow for the very first time! We also drove down to San Diego and spent a day at the zoo, which was amazing. Kate had so much fun and was so well behaved for the entire trip...even on the way home when our flight from DFW was delayed for 3 hours. She was a real trooper (probably in a better mood than mom and dad at that point) and we were so proud. Here's some snapshops from our trip.

Kate and "Oma":

Playing in the snow on Big Bear Mountain:

In the Sky Tram at the San Diego Zoo. Kate was fearless and loved being so high.

I don't know what was going on here...either a hug or trying to steal some food out of his buddy's mouth:

We were told to talk quietly in the panda viewing area, because this female panda is potentially expecting and they didn't want her to be startled. Of course, that didn't keep Kate from excitedly yelling, "Panda!"

Kate's Week with the Grandparents (a.k.a. My Spring Break!)

Over the week of Spring Break, my mom and dad offered to watch Kate and give Josh and I a little stay-at-home vacation. It was wonderful! Kate spent a fun-filled week in the country, while I had a productive and relaxing week at home. I slept in every day, completed my entire to-do list (everything from spring yard clean up to finishing Kate's baby book), Josh and I ate out multiple times that week with no kiddo in tow (think of it!), and I even had time for some pampering for myself. Now, I've felt a little guilty sharing my wonderful spring break with some other stay-at-home moms, who--whether they admit it or not--tend to have a glazed look of envy when they hear about my week. So, if you're thinking the only pampering you know involves diaper cream and wipes...forgive me, I just had to share. :)


Here are some snapshots that my parents took during Kate's week with them:

Sitting on Grandpa's tractor:

Checking out the bunnies & chicks at their local co-op:

At the Tyler Zoo:

Helping Grandma clean up:

Ah, fresh country air!