August

 (But first a few July pre-Bennett pictures I forgot to post!)

Rob took the boys on a Father/Son campout at the field behind our Stake Center. He said they all had lots of fun sleeping in the tent and eating breakfast in the morning!

Morning pajama snuggles are the best.

Grandma and Grandpa came with Lindsey and her kids the week before Bennett was born. We went to the zoo together, went to a movie, and went swimming at their motel. I took no pictures except these ones of the silly string fight they had in the backyard. 

And now on to August after Bennett came home from the hospital!

We were so spoiled to have family visiting the first three weeks home from the hospital. We still can't believe that my sisters and parents were willing to travel to help take care of us all. They made us food (better than anything I usually make!), let me get out of the house, let me sleep, and helped with the big boys who were a little extra crazy with everything going on. It really made our first few weeks home a lot easier, and helped me to focus on Bennett. 

If I can end up getting Lindsey's pictures of her family while they were here, I'll add them. I didn't take many when Danielle or my parents were here either. I don't know what I would have done without help those first weeks. Bennett had a couple of appointments, I was recovering and spending a lot of time nursing, and Lindsey, then Danielle, then my parents pretty much took care of everything else. I was also really glad the boys got a chance to spend time with their aunts, grandparents, and some cousins. It was also nice that the boys got to get out a few times. Danielle took them to a movie one day, my parents took them to a beach and the Children's Museum, along with some park trips. Another highlight from when my parents were here was the chance for Rob and I to go on dates almost every night! We brought Bennett of course, but he pretty much slept the whole time. We went to Red Robin one night, walked around the mall and got a Cinnabon one night, and went to Yeti Yogurt another night. At Yeti, when we went to pay, the cashier told us that the woman who had just left had bought us a $10 gift card, for being "new parents." :) So nice!

Matching stripes

We got to see Meagan and Spencer before they flew out! 

Danielle was the baby whisperer.

Collin asked to hold Bennett whenever he got the chance.

Tummy time for everyone

Truman and Bennett

I don't remember what it was that I put on top of the fridge that Elliott wanted, but I was amused by his determination in trying to get it. 

Dogpile! (I think that's Elliott on the bottom)

This baby is just the sweetest! He has been an amazing nighttime sleeper since day one, and hardly cries.

Bennett was blessed by Rob on August 23rd. It was a special day and a wonderful blessing. We were glad so many family members and friends were able to come for it! In the circle were Bennett's dad, Grandpa Grothaus, Grandpa Grimmer, Uncle Reuben, Great Uncle Ron Berg, Nathan Otto, and Matt McMullin, and Trevor Dyer from the bishopric.

Our family with G&G Grimmer

Grimmers and Ottos

With Reuben, Dana, and baby cousin Sam

Beautiful baby boy

First family picture

G&G Grothaus

After blessing day, eveyone left and we started our first week without help. We kept things simple, didn't really make plans to go anywhere, and enjoyed getting back into real life with our new baby.

Collin is such a great helper. I took this picture one day when I asked him to sit by Bennett while I took a quick shower. He pulled up a chair and watched him the whole time. He takes his protective big brother role seriously and just adores Bennett!

Rob turned the big 30 on August 27th! He worked all day, but we celebrated in the evening with homemade biscuits and gravy for dinner and a key lime coconut cake that the boys helped me decorate. 

C,E,T

Truman and Bennett

Had to use up Rob's birthday coupon to Cold Stone! These three sure love ice cream.