Anniversary Trip to Phoenix, AZ

Benny and I went out to Phoenix August 13th-17th. September 3rd is our 5th anniversary, but we thought that'd be a little late to travel (and Benny has already started preseason for soccer).

Our first night in town, we stayed with Benny's older brother Shaun at his new house. We loved getting to see his beautiful home, and we always love time with him!
We keep trying to convince him to move back to the midwest, so buying a house out there was a step in the wrong direction. :)

The classic pose Benny and his brothers strike when I say "okay, time for a picture." Silly boys...


Then I always make them try again...


Me and Shaun.


Me and my awesome hubby!


Saturday night Shaun dropped us off at our resort. We found out about this resort from Chris and Sarah Boddy's blog, and we loved it!!! It was called the Point Hilton Squaw Peak Resort. It's a great place for couples, and would also be a fun place for the whole family.
We had dinner each night at one of the resort restaurants. This one was our favorite!


The resort was beautiful! Here, we're standing on the other side of one of the pools, and next to one of the restaurants.


This was the quiet, peaceful pool we relaxed at Sunday and Monday. It was right behind the fitness center, so both mornings we worked out, spent a couple of hours at the pool, went in to eat lunch and then went back to the pool. You'll notice in the bottom right hand corner a blue raft in the pool, on which I spent a lot of time. (It's hard to lay out on your belly when you're eight months pregnant!)



Benny working on his tan.


Reading and getting a tan...fabulous.


The resort also had an awesome lazy river!


Our last night in town, before dinner.


Shaun came out to the resort and joined us for dinner!


For a couple of years, Shaun has been telling us about this mexican drink called "horchata," which is best described as cinnamon-y milk. He was really excited for us to try it, so we drove around after dinner Monday night and finally found a place that served it. Here's Benny taking his first sip:


It actually was pretty good!! Thanks for culturing us, Shaun!


We most definitely had an AWESOME time on our vacation. While we were gone, I asked Benny, "when do you think the next time will be that we'll take a vacation like this without kids?" We both agreed it would probably be a while.

Getting Ready for Andrew

That's right...we decided on a name for our little boy!! His name is Andrew Caden Bennison!

Some pics from 30 weeks (taken 7/27/10)





Benny putting together Andrew's crib. (He was amazing, and also put together his dresser and changer dresser.)


Saturday, August 7th we attended a prenatal class at the hospital where I work. Benny looked fabulous in the empathy belly! :)






We're so excited for Andrew to be here, but are definitely still enjoying our time with just the two of us!

Baby Shower In Columbia, MO

Saturday, July 31st my awesome friend Liz Horn hosted an awesome baby shower for me in Columbia! I was totally blessed with amazing gifts, and loved getting to see family and friends.


The beautiful table and yummy cake!


Opening presents!











Liz's beautiful little girls, Charlotte and Riley. They are precious and SO much fun!!


Tiffany and Joey. SUCH a blessing to see these awesome ladies!!


Me and Liz.


Liz, thanks so much for blessing us with this shower, and thanks to everyone who attended/sent gifts!! We REALLY appreciate you!!

Fourth of July Weekend

Last Friday night (July 2nd) we had dinner with Adam and Leslie Galema, then went back to their house and hung out with them, their kiddos, Matt and Jen Gaylor.
Benny with Ryleigh Galema:


On Saturday (July 3rd), we spent the day at Mounds State Park with some friends. First we walked around the park on the trails, then we went swimming at the Park's public pool. We ended the evening with some grilling out, baggo and washers.
Andrew and Joy:


Troy and Ian:


The fellas grilling:


Andrew and Benny:


Me and Joy:


Me and the best husband in the world (Benny :)



Somehow we didn't get any pics from the Fourth (we watched fireworks with the Fridley Family)! We had an absolutely wonderful weekend!!

26 Weeks!!

Only 14 weeks to go!








So once again these are posted a little late :) I had my 27 week doctor's appointment today, and thankfully everything is going well (Blood pressure is good, no swelling, his heartrate sounded great, and he's moving a ton!) Praise the Lord!

Road Trip To Ruston, LA

Last weekend, Benny and I made the trek down to Ruston for the weekend. As always, we were blessed and encouraged by the incredible people there, and were sad we couldn't stay longer!

Our first stop in Ruston was with the Skinners. Benny and James: (James is one of the pastors Benny worked with at Crossroads Church)


Me and Kelli. Kelli mentored me while we were in Ruston (and still does now). She is an INCREDIBLE woman of the Lord!


We were blessed to stay with the Burnett family while we were in town. Friday night they hosted a get-together/pool party.
Benny with the Burnett's youngest boy, Jake:


Saturday morning was amazing. A group of women (led by Ellie Blackburn) hosted a Baby "Open House" for us at Susie Leonard's house (We didn't call it a Baby "Shower" because it was open to women and men to attend! Such a fun idea!)

The beautiful table of yummy snacks:


Ellie put together an adorable board of pictures from our childhood along with the character qualities we're praying for this little boy.


Wade Burnett and Jeff Peshoff


Jeremy and Emory Pendergrass, Karen Hanchey and Erica Kordsmeier.


Drew Blackburn with Nelson and Allison:


Amy and Taylor Burnett, Alicia Boudreaux


A few of the girls from the student ministry: Katelyn, Sarah, Emily and Mary. (Katelyn, Sarah and Emily were in my small group.)


Benny and me opening presents!


Polly Smith and Susie Leonard:


We loved the fun Louisiana attire we received for our little boy! This is an LSU onsie, and we also got a New Orleans Saints polo! We can't wait for him to support these Louisiana teams!


Me and Carol Ann (One of my coworkers from the hospital)


Ellie, Natosha, Alicia and me.


Me and Katelyn.


Saturday evening I met up with a group of girls for dinner at a fun local restaurant named "Dawg House" and dessert at Maggie Moos. Amy, Alicia, Natosha and Addie (Not pictured: Erica and Amy Burnett)


We loved being at Crossroads on Sunday morning to worship alongside our friends and to see more fabulous faces! Benny with some of the student ministry fellas: Jacob, Eli, Nathan, Will and Nick.


After church we had lunch at a new Ruston restaurant with the Peshoff Family. Benny with Jeff and John Clark.


Me with Mary, Sarah and Hannah.


Benny and Wade (back at their house).



Me and Amy


Before we left Ruston, we got to stop by the Kordsmeier's new, beautiful house! Below are Benny, James, Alicia, Amy, me, Natosha and Erica.



On our way back to Anderson, we stopped in Memphis and had dessert with Benny's younger brother, Kyle.




We are SO blessed by these AMAZING people, and can't wait to see them again soon!!