Crawling, soccer games, parks and beautiful views!

Andrew had been doing the "army crawl" thing for about a month and a half, but just a week or two ago decided to get up on his hands and knees and go for the "real thing!"

Andrew and I really enjoy going to watch soccer games!! The team is now 3-2!!  (They had only won 3 games in the last two years combined before Benny took over!)

 We found a really neat park in Harrisonburg (the town that's about 8 minutes up the road.) called "A Dream Come True."  A girl scout troop wanted to create a park where kids with special needs could easily and safely play in the same place as kids without special needs.  Andrew already loves it!

120 College View Drive!  You are welcome to visit any time!! :)

The view from our walk tonight...

Sixth Anniversary!

I have the most amazing husband in the world.  Benny was going to be out of town all day on September 3rd (our 6th anniversary) so he had some BEAUTIFUL flowers sent to the house!

Andrew is 11 months old!

Andrew turned 11 months old on September 4th!!  I can't believe that in less than a month, he'll be ONE!!!

Since the little man is getting much more mobile, these plate pics are getting tricky! 

Life in Bridgewater...

We were SOOOO thankful that my parents were able to come out here to help us move and get settled!!  It usually doesn't take us long to get boxes unpacked, but it's always a process to meet people, get used to the area, etc.  We're getting there...in all areas :)  I have to say...God, you did a fantastic job creating this part of the country.  Wow.  Here's what we see just driving down one of the roads in town.  I love mountains!!!

Benny got RIGHT into coaching after we were in town.  Here he is addressing his team at the end of a training session.

Huddle!

One thing that I love about my husband is that no matter how much he has to do with work he will ALWAYS make time for me and Andrew.  We're walking around in one of Bridgewater's MANY beautiful parks!

Andrew and his Daddy.  It's SO fun to watch him light up and clap and swing his arms when Benny gets home in the evening...evidence of the special relationship they have!

Andrew loves to swing!

Bridgewater's first game!!  The field is beautiful (and the coach is SO handsome! :)

Andrew, intently watching the game....

just like his Daddy!

Benny and Andrew working on math problems after dinner. :)

Talking about guy stuff while watching a Bridgewater girl's soccer game.  

I love these two so much!!

Saying goodbye to friends in Anderson

After Benny was hired on August 3rd, he drove back to Anderson and we quickly began packing up all of our belongings!  (They wanted him to START his new job by August 15th, so we needed to leave Anderson by the 11th!) We were really glad that  I had already given my two weeks notice at work (BEFORE he went to campus for the interview...crazy, I know).  We were thankful to get some time with people before we had to go.  One of my dear friends from St. Johns- Jacole- who had her little boy Jett about 10 days after Andrew was born and her sister stopped by one afternoon. They brought this AWESOME t-shirt that says "Dad's assistant coach" and is the right color for Bridgewater College!

Andrew and Jett... deep in conversation, I'm sure.

One last get together with our small group (we missed you, Canfields!).  We can't tell you all how much we love you and will miss the your sweet fellowship and sharing yummy meals together.  Andrew loving on his Sara M.

Andrew and Jonah.

Andrew with the Hornings.

Andrew and Matty.  Matty is the soccer player who lived across the street from us.  He spent LOTS of time with us over the past two years, and has such a sweet, special relationship with Andrew.  We really feel like he's part of our family.  We love you so much Matty.

It worked out that the Hanlons were in town from Florida the week we were moving, so they came by with the Daughertys and Canfields to hang out for a bit while we were loading up the UHaul!  How precious are these kids?!  Ian Canfield, Owen Daugherty, Andrew, Briley and Mabry Hanlon, and Aden Daugherty.

Such sweet friends!! 

We're so thankful the Galemas drove up to see us as well.  Such a godly, precious and FUNNY family!!

 

A New Job for Benny!!!

The last month + a week or so have been CRAZY for the Bennison family!  Towards the end of July, Benny sent his resume to Bridgwater College in Virginiafor a head coaching position.  To make a long story short, he was phoned a few days later to set up a phone interview, had the interview, went to campus on August 3rd and was offered the position!  This journey the Lord has taken us on through waiting for Him to provide a job has been something...sometimes very difficult, sometimes overwhelmed by the peace he provided during such an uncertain time.  But, I was most definitely ALWAYS humbled by the incredible leadership that my husband provided during this time.  Never once did I see him depressed, discouraged or passive.  He expectantly and hopefully awaited for the Lord to provide, never doubting for a moment that He could and WOULD provide for us.  I am so thankful to be led by such a wonderful man of God.  I love you, Benny! 

Here's the press release they wrote about Benny on the college's website!
Ryan Bennison begins his first season as head coach of the Bridgewater College men's soccer program
Bennison takes over the Eagles program after serving three years as the top assistant coach at Anderson University, a member of the Division III Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference. While at Anderson, he helped lead the team into the upper half of the conference standings. The Ravens finished the 2009 season with a third-place finish in the conference standings. A year later, the team turned in one of the best seasons in Anderson history with a second-place finish in both the regular season and conference tournament. Bennison recruited the conference freshman of the year in 2009 and 2010.
Bennison adds head coaching experience at both the club and high school levels. He coached three years at Ruston (La.) High School winning a district title in 2008 and finishing with a three-year record of 30-9-2. He was named the District 2-5A Louisiana Coach of the Year in 2008. He also served as head coach of the Hoosier FC Club U-16 Boys Premier Team for two seasons. He is a member of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and has earned the national diploma, goalkeeping certificate and professional development certificate.
Bennison also served three years as director of student ministries at Crossroads Church. While there he started a youth program at the church and CrossOver, an inner city outreach program.
As a player, Bennison played four years of collegiate soccer at Anderson University where he was a starter each season. He was named the Heartland Conference Player of the Year in 2000 and was a two-time all-conference first-team selection. He was team captain twice, helping lead the Ravens to their two best seasons in school history.
Bennison graduated from Anderson with a bachelor of science in family science. He graduated summa cum laude from John Brown University with a master's degree in ministry with an emphasis in leadership and higher education.

July 2011

Fun things from the month of July!

Me and Andrew hanging out!

Our silly boy!

Bath Time!!

.  Benny, Andrew, Travis Daugherty and Eric Huer at Kirsten Collete's wedding in the middle of July.  This was a really fun wedding because we were able to see lots of Benny's friends from college!

Andrew with his handsome daddy.

Benny, Andrew, Jess Daugherty, Angie Danner, Grayson Gossett and Sheila Gossett.

Benny and Andrew with the beautiful bride (Kirsten) and groom (Michael).

We were so blessed to spend lots of time in Lafayette this summer with Benny's family.  They are such wonderful, kind people!!  Here is Andrew with Grammy (Benny's mom), and Uncle John.

Out to eat at one of our favorite places in Lafayette, Potbelly's.  Andrew was obviously enjoying himself!

Hanging out with Daddy before bed.

Swimming in Benny's dad's pool!

The water was a little cool, but Andrew definitely LOVES the water!!

With Grandma and Grandpa Bennison!

More fun at Potbelly's!

Family photo!  Kathy came in town for an evening so that Benny and I could go out to dinner with the Reiffs (I mentored Betsy Reiff while she was at AU).

Andrew loves his Grammy!

We are SO blessed that this sweet little man is a fantastic sleeper.  Praise the Lord!!  (The little green blanket is his "Rusche", named after one of Benny's AU players whose mom made those for him!)

One of our last get togethers with our small group. Andrew and Bailey Horning are just hanging out...

All of the kiddos!  Eyla, Ian, Bailey and Andrew.

Andrew playing with Petey, the Canfield's dog.

Andrew loves to sit on our shoulders!

The guys (plus Eyla): Jason, Jonah, Benny, Andrew, Ian and Troy.

The Ladies (minus Eyla) Katrina, Bailey, Cherilyn, and Sara.

Our awesome little dude.