And we're back.

Since I know you're wondering, no I did not in fact die.  I realize that this must be the only explanation for going three weeks without blogging, but in reality Ben's parents came into town for two weeks and we also lost internet.  So prepare yourself for some serious blog binging.  You're about to witness some serious picture overload.

The Castle Completed

Remember this post?  So a year and a half ago Ben built what we call "The Castle" and later mudded it, primed it, and left it alone.  But then the Macbeths came into town a couple of weeks ago and  Ben's dad finished it and made it look FANTASTIC.  Like, beyond our wildest dreams.  He painted it, installed carpet on the stairs and upper level, and even added trim to the bottom to really make it look professional.  It was only fitting to put our Macbeth sign up on it since it was a true labor of love for the Macbeths by the Macbeths.  Thank you Ben and Dad for all your hard work.  This has always been the kids' favorite place in the whole house and now it is even better.  It will be a truly wonderful memory for the kids.

Mum and Dad's Visit

Ben's parents' visit was FABULOUS.  They stayed with us for two whole weeks and we loved every moment of it.  Best trip ever.  We had lots of fun and lots of bonding.  The kids especially loved this special time with Grandmum and Pop Pop.

 

 

Finding animals in the clouds.  Brownie points to Mum who patiently laid in that bermuda grass.  During the summer it feels like walking on upright needles.

 

Reading with Pop Pop.

 

This is a multiple time a day/everyday occurance.  My girls are already tight.  It's been quite a wonderful thing to witness a newborn and a 4 year-old become best friends.  Note: check out the difference in skin tones.  Poor Ella has inherited my unfortunate skin color.

 

Who is the only person  who looks good in this picture?  I'll give you a hint: this person is older than 4.

 

I Love You a Bushel and Peck.  Then spin around and say, "Wheee!!!"

 

Just a Pop Pop and Ella conversation.  These two are close.

 

Oh, you know.  Just brushing his teeth while wrapped in his blankie.

 

 

Becca -- Mum said that this picture of Lily looks like you.  What do you think?

 

Pop Pop and Skyler building a lego tower.  Which turned into....

This.

 

My hottie.  And my little angel.

 

The girls.

 

Best picture ever?  I think yes.

 

Mum and Dad celebrated their 41st anniversary on the 18th.  So Ben and I put this up when we all went to bed at about 11:45.  It was so loud with the painter's plastic and squeaky balloons that we decided to turn on the bathroom fan, water from the sink, and air conditioning to cover up the noise.  We could only imagine what they thought we were doing out in the hallway.  Luckily they didn't hear anything and when Mum opened the door the next morning she got showered in balloons.

 

 

Making smile cookies.  Please, Lily.  Control your emotions.

 

 

 

I am constantly frustrated that all pictures of Ella never really look like her.  But this one is the real deal.  Isn't she adorable? 

 

Need another look?  I thought so.

 

 

Making banana candles out of a pineapple ring, banana, and a cherry.

 

This visit was so fun.  We will always remember how great this was for the whole family.  We can't wait until we get to see Mum and Dad again next year, and hopefully also get to visit them in St. George next year for Christmas!

Ella's Blessing

Ella was blessed on September 16th.  We were grateful that both sets of grandparents could be there as well as most of our friends.  After hearing the blessing, and hearing some other impressions that Ben felt during it, we know that this little lady is a special one.  We're glad she ended up in our home. 

 

 Ben's parents.

 

 

My parents.

And us.  Ella's hair was doing some amazing things that day -- both literally and sarcastically.  And whenever I see this picture of Skyler I always imagine him saying, "Sup."

Krispey Kreme Pirates

 

This past week we got to celebrate one of my favorite weird holidays: National Talk Like a Pirate Day.  And since Krispy Kreme gives you a free donut just for saying a pirate phrase ("Er, Matey!" according to Skyler), or a free DOZEN for dressing up, we opted to dress up all three of the kids so that we could gobble up our share of unhealthy goodness.  We put together some outfits from what they alreeady had, made some paper hats and eye patches, gave Lily jewelry, and covered Skyler in a liquid eyeliner beard.  The kiddos even stole toilet paper tubes from the trash can and used them as telescopes. 

 

Isn't Krispey Kreme amazing?  I guess that's Raleigh's claim to fame.  It did all start in this city, you know.

 

With the combination of three dressed up kids and six people saying pirate phrases, we ended up scoring 42 free donuts.  Suh-weet.  Literally.

 

And in case you're wondering, we did eat all the donuts.  No need to comment about it.

Pullen Park

Now I don't want to sound all me-me-me, but Pullen Park is a magical part of my childhood.  When Ben and I moved back to NC it was being remodeled and I was slightly depressed that we couldn't take the kids there.  But now it's open and the magic is still there.  There are still the paddle boats, the 100 year-old carousel, and best of all -- the train. 

 

We loved it so much that we had to go two nights while Ben's parents were in town.  We brought a picnic for dinner (while discouraging the kiddos from feeding the ducks NC BBQ.... sorry if we killed any of them....) and enjoyed the time together.  Here are some pictures:

 

 

 

 

 

 This picture cracks me up.  I love how Mum's face is hidden behind Lily and so it looks like Ben's wearing capris and a Samoan shirt.  Love it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Things I Love

 

Things I Love

 

Babies who grin when they're drinking a bottle and have milk oozing out the sides of their mouth.

 

How Lily calls me "Little Mama" when she's happy with me and "Mommy Macbeth" when she's mad.

 

Chocolate.  Lots and lots of chocolate.  Especially chocolate moose tracks ice cream.

 

When I'm cold in Sacrament Meeting and ask Ben if I can hold Ella and he gives me the "I don't want to share" look.

 

That with the new video monitors we have set up in both kids rooms, I can also talk to them through the camera.  When we first set it up we watched as Skyler got out of bed.  I turned on the mic and said, "Skyler, get back in bed."  He freaked out and said, "Okaaaay!!!!  Where are you???"  It's nice to know that I can scare my kids every now and then.  :)

 

Fun get togethers with fun friends.

 

That Ben loves his new job.

 

That Ella has four rolls on each thigh.  Yum.

 

Discovering fun new books.

 

When Ben brings home surprise flowers, just because.

 

That I actually let myself believe that all calories consumed during night feedings don't actually count.

 

Witnessing touching moments with my Primary kids.

 

Having paid off Ben's student loans making our house our only debt.  Woot!

 

Having the three cutest kids on the planet.  Seriously, what are the odds?  ;)