Brad, Alycia, Kailyn and Ryleigh Bensen

January 2012

2012-01-29T13:03:00.000-08:00

2012 has started with its ups and downs. Though we are looking forward as a family to what God has in store for us this year! Brad and Kailyn got to start off the year with a date night to a hockey game. Kailyn's first question was if there was going to be popcorn there and then graciously agreed to go to the Hokie game with daddy.

Kailyn munching on her popcorn!
What else might a daughter and daddy do at a hockey game but take sweet pictures!

Kailyn is copying Brad's expression, too cute!

Of course our greatest joy to start out the year is looking forward to a new addition to our family. Somewhere around July 19th, we will be looking to welcoming a new little one in our family!!!

Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze

2011-10-28T13:35:00.000-07:00

A few weekends we took a family trip to the pumpkin patch and corn maze at Page Farms near our house. Kailyn had a great time leading us through the corn maze. We were able to pick out pumpkins right out of the field. There was only one other family there at the time we went so we had the run of the place. It was nice not to be too crowded and Kailyn could be a bit freer.

Kailyn picking out her pumpkin!

The family before entering the corn maze!

Kailyn put all of our pumpkins on the porch just so!

This is a random picture of Brad and Kailyn at the Panther Creek Homecoming Football game. We have had lots of fun attending games this year and it is a great free outing for us!

More of Kailyn looking for that just right pumpkin!

Cape Charles, VA

2011-09-17T19:51:00.000-07:00

Brad's cousin came to the east coast this summer to visit us. We decided to do a short trip to Cape Charles on the Eastern shore of VA. It is a quaint town on the Chesapeake Bay. We had a great time and look forward to going back sometime.

This is the house we rented. It may look run down on the outside but it was updated on the inside and meet our needs of sleep and eating!

Kailyn loved playing in the sand making sand cakes. Yummy!

The evenings were great for sunsets and splashing in the water! We made this a nightly tradition!

Kailyn loved the sand, she was overed head to toe everyday!

Another beautiful sunset!

July 4th fun!

2011-09-17T19:30:00.000-07:00

We decided to skip the City of Raleigh fireworks and go the day before to Brier Creek and watch them. Here is Kailyn already in her fireworks dress. She liked the fireworks but thought they were loud. On July 4th we went to Rocky Mount and saw their fireworks too. Kailyn ended up in the car to watch the fireworks. After the fireworks were over she asked how she was going to sleep with all the noise. Don't worry the fireworks will not go off all night.

July is always a great time of the year for biking rtding and Kailyn goes in style with her doggie and milk!

Kailyn's 2nd Birthday

2011-09-17T13:13:00.000-07:00

I have fallen behind on writing on our blog so here we go with trying to do an overview of major events in our spring and summer.

May 2011 Kailyn's 2nd Birthday

Kailyn sitting by some of her gifts.

It's the birthday girl!

Riding my tricycle!

Eatting dinner with friends at my party!

My birthday hat!

Spring is Here!

2011-03-20T13:12:00.000-07:00

The Bensen family has been enjoying the coming of spring! We have been outside enjoying very minute. From bike rides to tossing around the football, we are excited to be outside enjoying the nature that God has created for us! Here are some photos of us!

Kailyn always enjoys a bike ride! She gets to sit there and enjoy the ride without all the work!
Any type of ball is her favorite! You can fill in your own interpretation but I think an airplane was the reason for the pointing!
What toddler doesn't like getting down and dirty!?
Flowers are our favorite to touch and pick!
Happy to be outside enjoying the weather!

Fall Update!

2010-12-09T11:51:00.000-08:00

Here is an update for the fall season! We have been so busy with many activites, so this is just the shoet version starting most recent adventures! Here is Kailyn all bundled up in her new hat and gloves ready to take a walk with Ryleigh. Later in the day we had our first snow of the season. It did not stick around long though:(

We the opportunity to take in several Panther Creek HS Footaball games! Kailyn enjoyed watching the marching band the most! They had a a great season and almost went to the state championship game! Go Catamounts!

For Halloween Kailyn was TInkerbell! She was so cute! Her favorite part was going to the Fall Festival at our church and riding on the ponies! SHe acted like she was a natural, what out dad she might have a pony on her wish list soon!

In October we went to Hill Ridge Farms to pick out a pumkin! Kailyn had lots of fun, walking through a maze, playing in a huge sand box, and she enjoyed the hayride! There were plenty of pumpkins to pick from and we were able to get a couple great ones for our porch!

Before going to the farm, Kailyn went to Washington DC to visit Aunt Amanda. Mommy, grandma and grandpa Gibson and Kailyn had a great time with Amanda and visiting all the sights!

Touchdown!

2010-08-27T18:09:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at the Panthers game last weekend. Here are a few pictures of all the fun that we had. Go Panthers!

Kailyn is ready for football season!

Kailyn Walking and Beach Pictures!

2010-08-21T04:59:00.000-07:00

We had a great time in Surf City this past weekend! Kailyn really had a blast at the beach, playing in the sand and was not afraid of the water. She loved sitting onthe beach and playing in the surf. Daddy even took her out a bit further and she loved jumping the waves as they hit the beach! Lots of smiles and laughing! She even made some friends on the beach to make sandcastles.

Here is Ryleigh and Kailyn sharing a snack at the beach house!

Uncle Eric and Aunt Dena and Cousin Alex, Brad's brother's family, joined us at the beach! It was great to spend some time with them. Even though they were unser the weather, we were still able to have a good time. They brought their blow up pool and the kids had s great time playing in it!

Kailyn and Alex waiting for the water to warm up a bit!

Kailyn loved playing with her shovel at the beach!

Kailyn hated the hat because it kept getting in her way of seeing but she was a trooper and wore it most of the time despite her frustration!

Here is a short video that Brad took of Kailyn walking!

When we returned from the beach Kailyn decided it was time to walk so here she is taking some of her first steps!

Disney Vacation

2010-06-27T12:46:00.000-07:00

Here are some snapshots of our recent Orlando, FL vacation!

Mommy and Kailyn getting to take off!

Daddy, and Kailyn with Donald Duck. Soon after this picture was taken she got scared and started to scream.

Napping on the safari ride at Animal Kingdom.

Kailyn and daddy by the tiger. Kailyn seems interested in the tiger.

Here is mommy and Kailyn hanging out in the pool. Kailyn is enjoying a cold bottle of milk while floating around!

We started out at the Magic Kingdom on the Dumbo ride. Kailyn really had fun!

Here is Brad showing off his driving skills at the speedway. Too cool in the orange convertable!

Spring is on the way!

2010-03-09T16:16:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I have not updated the blog since the end of January! I guess February was quite busy. Here are some updates, Kailyn is crawling everywhere and is pulling up and walking along the couch. She has a great laugh and smile. She has had a runny nose and recently is getting over a bit of an ear infection. Kailyn has reached the 15lb mark, looking forward to seeing her to continue to grow. No teeth yet though, so not interested in eating an finger foods. Brad has started rehearshal for his musical this year. Hope to have some pictures to post soon!!! We are enjoying the warm weather and looking forward to being outside more!

January Snow!

2010-01-30T06:51:00.000-08:00

Here is our first snowfall of the year. It looks like about 5 or 6 inches this morning. Here is Kailyn looking out the window, ready to get out there and enjoy the snow!

Ryleigh and Kailyn enjoying the view together!

Christmas in Richmond

2010-01-16T20:17:00.000-08:00

Here are some more pictures of our time spent in Richmond over Christmas.
This first picture is a framed calendar for Joan Brad's mom. The dog in the picture is her dog Quest. Isn't he a handsome fellow?

Here is mommy and Kailyn hanging out on the couch next to Grandma, Brad's mom.

Uncle Eric and Alex

Dena, Alex, Kailyn and Alycia posing for a picture, who knows what the kids are really looking at.

Here are the boys, Eric, Alex, Kailyn, and Brad

It was a great visit but sad to see all the snow mostly melted except for the huge piles of it in the parking lots and here and there.

Happy 2010!

2010-01-16T19:41:00.001-08:00

After a long absence I am going to get some pictures up from Christmas. Kailyn's first Christmas was great and she enjoyed all of her gifts that she got this year. Here she is in front of our tree in Raleigh.

Here Kailyn and Aunt Amanda are playing with some Christmas gifts!

Kailyn and cousin Alex are posing for a picture by the tree!

Kailyn investigating her gifts.

Four generations from the left Alycia, Kailyn, Grandma, Great Grandma, and Aunt Amanda

December Pictures

2009-12-20T18:34:00.001-08:00

Here is Ryleigh, Kailyn and mom hanging out by the first fire of the year. Even though you can't see the fire it is there just to the right. I think these pictures will catch us up with Kailyn. She is getting to be a big girl and is starting to want to sit up in the high chair and in the grocery cart. She is such a joy in our lives and can't wait to spend her first Christmas together!
Mommy and Kailyn in her new outfit that a co-worker had given me a few days before the concert. She looked quite cute!
This is our family photo at the chorus concert.
Here is daddy and Kailyn after his Christmas Concert.
I had Kailyn on my bed and I was watching her while I was getting ready in the bathroom and I looked over to see her and Ryleigh hanging out together. I grabbed my camera to get a shot of this sweet moment!

Catching up for November

2009-11-20T16:44:00.000-08:00

Where has the month of November gone? I feel like it was the beginning of November a few days ago. Here are some updates with what we have been doing. Here is where I spent my day raking up our back and front yards getting ready for the leaf guys to come and suck them up. Kailyn was great to take a long nap this afternoon.

My Winter Village table centerpiece. Holidays fit for a King was great and I enjoyed learning some new ideas about Christmas and Children and Cooking for a crowd. I feel ready to entertain a large group of 20.

Kailyn had her 6 month checkup, she is doing good 12lbs 9.5 oz. She is still in the 10th percentile but is growing great! She seems to be healthy. She is trying to sit up and wants to be on the move but is only moving her arms and legs with her tummy keeping her still.

Halloween 2009

2009-10-31T19:08:00.000-07:00

We took Kailyn and Ryleigh out for a walk to check out the neighboehood! Kailyn was the cutest butterfly in the neighborhood!

Kailyn and Ryleigh ready to go out for a walk!

We went to our church's fall festival to have some fun as a family! Mommy and daddy took Kailyn down the big blow-up slide and we watched the ponies!

Four years of marriage!

2009-10-24T14:08:00.000-07:00

Brad and I celebrated 4 years of marriage on Thursday October 22. We were able to go out for dinner and spend some great time with Kailyn. We all went to McCorrmick and Schmick's at Crabtree and it was great. I had the salmon and Brad had the trout. It is a pricey place but nice for a special occassion. The food and the service was top notch. We had desert too! Brad gave me a used Ipod to replace mine that got ruined by some soda over the summer and I gave him a gift card for a massage. We are so thankful for the years that the Lord has given to us to share this life together and look forward to what He has in store for us in the future.

Kailyn is eating cereal!

2009-10-19T16:53:00.000-07:00

Kailyn is eating cereal and it is a great adventure! She is starting to figure it out. She is growing and changing so much. She is starting to play in her exersaucer and pushing buttons and grasping some of the toys on it. She is very inquisitive and checking things out. Here are some pictures of her as she is getting bigger. Passing the 5 month mark and looking forward to the changes that are ahead at 6 months!

Eating cereal for the first time!

She is eating some peas now too! Those pictures are coming soon!

Kailyn Pictures

2009-09-22T17:23:00.001-07:00

Here are some recent pictures of Kailyn hanging out on her rainforest mat. She has great control of her head. She is rolling over onto her stomach now. She is getting so big!

More Panthers pictures

2009-09-19T11:41:00.001-07:00

Ready for bed!

Jake and the offensive line.

Aunt Sarah and Kailyn

She says "Go Panthers!"

Carolina Panthers Game

2009-09-19T11:35:00.001-07:00

After going to Beth Moore my mom and I headed to Charlotte to meet the rest of the family to see the Panthers play. We had great seats 50 yard line 12 rows up from the field. Kailyn enjoyed it in her cheerleading outfit. She did make on the Jumbotron for only a few seconds before they went back to the game. She was exhaused by the end of the night but grandma and grandpa took her back to the hotel early. It was a great time!

Beth Moore Simulcast

2009-09-19T11:09:00.000-07:00

My mom and I attended the Beth Moore Simulcast back in August. It was a great event and the Lord used it to spur on my desire to delight in him.

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4

This was the main text but she also pulled out several verses throughout this chapter. Here are some of my notes and thoughts that I have learned.

1. Nothing dictates our lives like our desires

We have to have a sustatined longing, not be swayed by our emotions from one thing to the next.

2. Beneath the desires of our hearts is the heart of our desire.

3. Delighting in God adapts our desires into inevitabilities

Grant me a heart Lord that delights in You.

4. Nothing external can steal our right to delight

What is taking a bite out of your delight, delight is your right!

Jealousy

Anger

Worry

5. To make room for delight, we've got to commit

You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.

Micah 7:18b

6. Nothing is passive about patiently waiting for desire to turn into delight.

We need to stop and listen to Him. Praise Him while waiting.

7. Till faith becomes sight trust God and do good.

Dwell in the land that God had given to us.

They feast on the abundance of your house, you give them drink from your river of delights. Psalm 36:8

What is going on in our world?

2009-08-26T17:31:00.000-07:00

The Bensen's are doing good. I have no pictures with this post but Kailyn is having a great time next door with Mrs. Johnson and Nadia. I need to take my camera over and get a picture of the two of them together. Kailyn seems to be enjoying watching her dance and play. They both conk out for long afternoon naps. Brad started back at school and things seem to be going good this semester so far! I am surviving being away from my sweet girl but miss her like crazy. You can be praying that God will give me peace and contentment where I am in my life right now. I certainly am looking for God to fill me very day and to show me opportunities at work. Ryleigh still loves Kailyn is always excited to see her when we get home at night. We went to Atlantic Beach last weekend and Kailyn was at Grandma and Grandpa Gibson's house. We enjoyed our time away at the beach. Being looking for a post to come when we head to the Panthers game on Saturday night. Kailyn is going to wear her Panthers cheerleader outfit. She will be the cutest baby at the game!

Summertime '09

2009-08-11T17:59:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of Kailyn from the summer. She is getting bigger everyday. I have gone back to work so Brad has been Mr. Mom and doing a great job. I miss her so much during the day but appreciate the time that I have with her. This past Sunday Kailyn spent the night with grandma and grandpa Gibson. It gave Brad and I a chance to go to a movie.

She enjoys lifting her head to look around the room.

I was able to go to a Deeper Still Conference July 31-August 1. Kay Arthur, Beth Moore and Prisilla Shirer were the speakers. The Word was brought to the hearts of all of us. The nuggets that I received and taken with me,

1. Don't put God in a box because

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever, Amen. Eph. 3:20-21

God is able!

Encouraging me to allow the power of God to work through me to do what God has called me to do and that he will provide all that I need to do this. Just excited what God has in store for me in the future and what adventures we will be embarking on in the coming years.

2. There is a difference between religion and a relationship. That we need to have a realtionship with Christ and getting to know Him above being concerned about the details of a religion.

3. God's presence is always with us. He provides for our every need. Ex. 16:30-36

Indiana here we come!

2009-07-30T13:54:00.000-07:00

We decided to head to Muncie, IN to visit family. We loaded up the baby and the dog for the eleven hour drive. They both did great! Brad and I rotated driving while the other sat in the back and watched a movie. Here Kailyn and Uncle Joe are enjoying the sounds and smells of her first trip to Pizza King, a local favorite, there is one on every cornor and every small town.

Great-grandma Syphers, mom, and Kailyn on the back porch.

We took a walk along the White river near downtown and had to stop for a picture. On the other side of the river is Muncie Central, where Great-grandma Syphers went to High school graduating 60 years ago this year! Wow! Also the school that was beat in the State finals by the smaller school in the movie Hoosiers.

Here is Kailyn and Great-grandma Syphers, Kailyn is wearing her off to grandma's outfit!

Brad and Alycia at a tea room outside of New Castle, IN. It is literally in the the middle of the corn fields. You would only know it was here by word of mouth. Great food and tea! Kailyn slept through her first visit to a tea room and Brad survived this girly outing! More pictures to come of our trip!

July 4th!

2009-07-22T09:19:00.000-07:00

Kailyn celebrating her 1st Fourth!

Grandma and Kailyn getting ready to watch fireworks!

Here are the Bensens in their red, white and blue!

I am trying to catch up on posting all the pictures that I have of Kailyn. Here we are with my mom and dad watching the fireworks at the fairgrounds!

Adventures in babysitting(dogsitting)

2009-07-12T12:52:00.000-07:00

I had to throw in a picture of Kailyn. Brad said this is her thug outfit. Her baggy pants and sagging showing the diaper.
Here is our beagle, Addie that we have been watching. Ryleigh has been sweet to her and tolerating her when Addie wants to be right beside her. Ryleigh is jealous when Addie is getting attention from Brad or I. Addie has fallen in love with Ryleigh and wants to be where she is at all times. The most interesting adventures have been walks and our trip to Lynn lake. Two dogs free to roam in a car can be challenging. At least on the way back they were tuckered out. Addie is a puller on walks so when you have two dogs, one pulling, and a stroller with a baby, one adult. When a squirrel passes all bets are off. We have enjoyed having her company and a friend for Ryleigh to play with for a little while. Soon Addie will be going home and we will only have our memories with her.

Beach Trip

2009-07-07T07:18:00.000-07:00

We headed off to Oak Island, NC after returning home from Richmond. It was a great time to get away and spend some time outside.

Here is Kailyn all ready to head out to the beach. Her hat was huge and floppy on her but kept the sun off her face.
Here is mommy and Kailyn by the ocean.

Kailyn's first dip in the ocean. She didn't mind it, no crying. The water was pretty warm. We also got a picture of her footprint in the sand.

Here is our family picture, front row, Amanda, Sarah, Alycia, Kailyn, Tammy

Back row, Chad, Brad, and Ron

Here we are by the ocean.

Visiting Richmond

2009-07-01T15:48:00.001-07:00

On Father's day, we headed to Richmond to visit Brad's side of the family to introduce them to Kailyn. Here is daddy and Kailyn hanging out together.
Here are Kailyn and Alex only 3 days apart and cousins. They posed for many pictures together.

Here is Alex by himself.

Another pose of the cousins. What fun we are going to have watching them grow up together!

Bath Time

2009-06-24T15:46:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures from a recent bath. Kailyn is less than thrilled about bathing at this time. She looks so cute with her hippo towel!

Pictures of Kailyn and Ryleigh on June 9th

2009-06-10T09:51:00.000-07:00

Ryleigh heard Kailyn crying and thought she would bring her kong over to share with her. It was a nice thought of her to try to share her toy.

Pushing her kong toward Kailyn.

I tried to get her to look at the camera but she found something else more interesting to look at on the couch.

Sleeping, my favorite activity.

We are adjusting to having our sweet girl as apart of our family. She is getting ready to turn 1 month old on Friday. The time is going by so quickly. She is doing good and is growing. She is sleeping 3 hours at a time at night so I am getting some sleep. We like to sleep in to make up for some rest for mom. Brad finishes up with school tommorrow so we look forward to having him around.

Our Baby!

2009-05-12T06:10:00.000-07:00

Kailyn Elizabeth Bensen has arrived! 5lbs, 14oz at 1:51 am. Alycia is doing great, as is baby. Doctors wanted to induce as they thought the baby was measuring small-- but they were wrong as proved when she arrived. Quick labor and 2 happy parents!

Trip to the Mountains

2009-04-21T15:29:00.000-07:00

Chimney Rock

Hiking in April with snow along the trail. I could not help but throw a snowball!

Brad looking out at the view!

Proof that I made it to the top pregnant! 33 weeks at the time.

Lake Lure behind me.

It was a great trip to Asheville, we were able to get away before the baby comes. It was refreshing to get away for a few days.

Trip to Richmond, VA

2009-03-28T16:42:00.000-07:00

Dena at her shower opening her gifts.

Here is the Chargers onesie and blanket that we got for our nephew. A picture was taken of Dena and I together but I think she has it so I will have to get her to send it to me.

Last Saturday, we packed up the car and headed to Richmond, VA to visit Brad's side of the family. I got to go with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law to her baby shower. It was a great time together. We got to spend some time with Brad's mom and taking her out to eat.

Our First Baby Shower!

2009-03-15T15:16:00.000-07:00

Here I am with the bouncy seat and booster seat that we received from a group of friends in our Sunday School class.

A very cute outfit, you can't see them here but there are little ears on the hood.

Here are from, left to right, Laura L and Taylor, Bianca, and Laura H

Here are, from left to right, Jillian, Debbie and Wendy. We also see the back of Sarah C head.

Here is a cute giraffe that winds up and plays music.

We are very thankful for our friends in our Sunday School, I was blessed to spend some time with several of the ladies in our class as they showered me with words of wisdom and gifts for the baby. We appreciate all of the beautiful gifts and words of wisdom that I will take with me as we begin a new season in our life.

This Week so far!

2009-03-04T16:54:00.000-08:00

We had a great snow day on Monday. Ryleigh was running circles in the backyard in the snow. She was loving it. Brad and I came out later and played with her and walked down the the gas station to get a newspaper. She would have stayed out in it all day! On Tuesday I had another OB check up. Everything went well and baby Bensen is continuing to grow, no ultrasound this time but will get one on our next visit in two weeks. I am at 28 weeks and counting. We are working on the nursery slowly but surely. That evening we went to our first Preparing for childbirth class at Rex. Brad said he has already learned alot and hope it will prepare us with what to expect on our big day. I need to get some pics of my belly up soon!

Baby Furniture

2009-02-26T18:17:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of our crib. Not in the final place in the room, we still have some work to so in the room.

Here is a picture of our quilt, bumper and crib skirt.

Below is a picture of our car seat and extra base that we got.

Here is our pack and play!

Hopefully,. this gives everybody an idea of what we have for our baby so far.

Ultrasound pictures of Baby Bensen

2009-02-15T17:03:00.000-08:00

Here is our little "Tarheel", you can't make out the toes in this picture very well. This is put up just for Amanda.

This is the 4D picture were you can see her lips, bottom part of her nose, then her hand is covering her face, just to the right of the hand you see her eye. Then to the right of her face is her other hand. She is snuggled up against me, that is to the left of her face, she wasn't really wanting her picture taken that day.

Here are some more of her, she loves to have her hand by her face.

The doctor decided to push my due date back to May 26th, this puts her at still small for her age but doing great. She is growing every time we visit the doctor so it looks like I will get another ultrasound when I go in March.

Snow 2009!

2009-01-20T15:11:00.000-08:00

Family photo in the snow!

A Beautiful home!

Ryleigh had a great time in the snow. She was not so sure about it first thing this morning but later she went out and played in it all day. We took these pictures after Alycia got home from work. Brad and Ryleigh enjoyed a fun snow day! Now we get to rest by a fire!

Ultrasound pictures

2009-01-18T18:22:00.000-08:00

Here are the pictures from our most recent ultrasound, 22weeks. She is growing!

Ryleigh's favorite activities

2009-01-18T14:43:00.000-08:00

Ryleigh has a tradition when I get home from work each day and that is waiting patiently for Brad to drive into the driveway. She takes her spot at the window and waits for his car to come up the road. I always know when he is coming up the road, she stands up on the sill and starts wagging her tail and when he pulls into the driveway she runs full speed to the door, barking anxious to greet him. I may help her out some days by telling her to go watch for Brad. Today she got the opportunity to try out a bone that she got for Christmas. I say the pictures tell the whole story.

What a busy week!

2009-01-15T17:15:00.000-08:00

I had a great birthday and can't hardly believe that I am 30! Yikes! It was great getting to celebrate with friends and Brad. Brad and I went to a Duke girls game last Friday with my parents. We saw Claire, on of Brad's former students, she is a cheerleader. On Monday I went to the doctor for a checkup. I got an ultrasound to measure the growth rate of the baby and she is growing. She is measuring a week behind were I am and that is ok, I might have a small baby. She was moving around alot in the ultrasound. We got to hang out with the Mehaffie's and share dinner with them last night! Little Isaac is soooo cute! We are looking forward to the long weekend. I hope to get a picture of the baby up soon.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T07:50:00.000-08:00

We had a great Christmas! We were able to head to Whitakers to see Alycia's family and went to a great Christmas Eve sevice with the family. On Christmas morning we found out that we are having a little girl! We are so excited and we are working on deciding on a name. On Christmas day we headed to Richmond, VA to visit with Brad's family. I had a cold throughout Christmas so I yucking through the all the traveling but was a trooper. On Saturday night we arrived home to do laundry and repack to head to Boone, NC. On Sunday we left with my parents and group from their church to head to Boone. On Monday Brad and a portion of our group hit the the ski slopes. It started out icey but Brad enjoyed his time on the slopes especially as the day went along. I stayed behind and took the rest of the group shopping. Then on Tuesday we headed out the the Samartian's Purse warehouse to sort, examine, tape, and pack shoe boxes. Brad got to go through the boxes to make sure their were no items in the boxes that needed to be taken out. I got to fit the shoe boxes into larger boxes. Trying to get 14 shoe boxes per box, which was challenging like putting a puzzle together. We finished all the boxes they had at the warehouse early and headed home. Tuesday was Brad's birthday so when we got back to Raleigh, we headed to Johnny Carino's for dinner and then headed to check out a movie. Finally home for a few days of rest.

Happy Birthday! Ryleigh

2008-12-22T15:52:00.000-08:00

On a second note our sweet girl Ryleigh turned one on Dec. 19th and enjoyed some Frosty paws!

Happy Birthday!

Merry Christmas 2008

2008-12-22T15:44:00.000-08:00

Sorry for my long absence of blogging. Our computer is dying and I don't have the patience to post pics. We are getting a new for Christmas so I hope to update pics then. We are going to be traveling to Whitakers and Richmond, VA to visit family starting tommorrow until Sunday. When we went for our doctor's visit the baby is looking healthy and developing well. The ultrasound lady was able to tell the gender of our baby and gave us an envelope with a pic and the gender typed on it. We are going to open it on Christmas Day so stay tuned. We are excited to hear that we are going to have a nephew by Brad's brother in May. Have a Merry Christmas!

Doctor's visit

2008-11-22T12:42:00.000-08:00

I had my first visit after completing my first trimester. Everything went well and we were able to hear the heartbeat. That is such a neat experience! We go back on Dec. 16th when we will have an ultasound to see if we have a boy or a girl. I am 141/2 weeks at this point.

Ryleigh's Halloween

2008-11-06T13:50:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of Ryleigh from Halloween! Doesn't she make a cute Candy Corn. She loved meeting al the kids that came to the door!

Beginnings

2008-11-06T13:10:00.000-08:00

Hey, Family and Friends! This is our family blog to keep you updated on what's going on with the Bensen family. Hope you enjoy!