Giving Thanks!

We're now back to the "same-old, same-old" at our house after a wonderful four day Thanksgiving Break! We have so much to be thankful for...most importantly, a healthy son. Unfortunately, I did not do a very good job of taking pictures (sorry for not posting any). Even though we lacked the camara, we were still able to spend time with both of our families, do some Black Friday shopping, and even take Grandma Debbie's Christmas card pictures. It was a weekend full of laughter (I think Mom, Stacey and I were in tears from laughing so hard), family time, down time, games, wonderful food, and lots of fun. It was sad to go back to work, but in three short weeks, we'll start all over again. As we close out November, I think back to all that we have to be thankful for...and I look forward to December and all the joy that comes with Christ's birth!

The Festival of Trees

Last night we took a little trip over to Danville, Illinois to see the Festival of Trees. Our friend Ashley has family in Danville and they invited us to come out and see what it was all about. Different businesses decorate Christmas trees and then display them in the civic center for the weekend. It was so beautiful, and there were so many trees!

Ben was absolutely mesmerized by all of the lights and decorations (although he was a little scared of Rudolf, Santa, and Frosty the Snowman that were walking around)....not sure pictures with Santa will be a good idea this year :)

If you ever get a chance to go, I would recommend it!

Ben and Reece sitting in front of the tree Ashley's aunt and cousin decorated

Ben posing in "Santa's village"

Ben and Ashley (I think Rudolf caught his attention...notice the skeptical look)!

The whole gang posing in front of the giant stuffed animal tree

It's Fall Y'all

This past weekend we went to a fall party at our good friend Ashley's house. It was such a great time, especially since my parents were able to come down and enjoy the evening with us. We enjoyed games with the kids, tons of delicious food, a huge bonfire, and great conversation with friends that we hadn't seen in a long time. My parents were so nice and decided they would take Ben back to our house for bed which meant that we were able to stay late and enjoy catching up with everyone!

Dinosaur Ben and his Grandma Debbie

Dinosaur Ben and Army Guy (a.k.a. cousin Max) hanging out in the Ranger

Ben watching the HUGE bonfire...we had to keep

moving our chairs back away from it!

The next day, Mom, Dad, Ben and I headed down to Indianapolis to watch my cousin Andy play football. He's a quarterback for Wabash College, and did an AWESOME job! Unfortunately, Wabash lost...but, we still had fun visiting with my aunt and uncle! After the game we did some shopping and then headed home to face another week of work :)

Here's a picture of Ben watching Andy play...he sat there for an entire quarter just watching the football players.

A little piece of history...

Yesterday was such a pretty day and we had some extra time in the evening, so we thought it would be a perfect day for some pictures. Pat (Andy's dad) had a shirt and bib overalls that were his when he was very little. His mother made them for him in the late 1940's. In 1982, Andy had his picture taken in the outfit. We thought it would be very special to have Ben's picture taken in the same outfit. So, we dressed him up and headed over to the farm. The outfit is still in excellent condition so we're hoping that this "tradition" will continue on with the next generation...

Three generations of Oppy's

(we didn't even plan the blue theme, but it turned out so nice)!

Ben (and his cute little behind) taking a walk with his daddy

Ben "smiling" for the camera

Driving the "B"...as you can see, Ben is always happy behind the steering wheel!

Ben and Papaw (the Farmall pedal tractor is also Pat's from when he was little)

Long Awaited Fall Break

As I'm sitting here starting my four day "Fall Break" weekend, I thought it would be a good time to post some random pictures of the little guy that I get to spend these four days with!

We have a lot planned; flu shots, playtime, dentist appointment, playtime, house projects, playtime, playtime, and more playtime.

I think this will be the best Fall Break that I've ever had!!!

Ben taking a little nap in the "bine-bine".

Ben and Addie decided it would be a good idea to unfold all of my laundry :)

Katie and Ben enjoying the cool weather!

Bath time is Ben's FAVORITE time of the day...I think this face says it all!

I think he was looking at some bugs on the ground...yuck!

Down on the Farm

Our free time these past few weeks have been spent in the fields. Of course, Andy is in 7th Heaven, and Ben seems to be too! I'm glad to see that we have a "little farmer" in our midst. He loves the "bine-bine" and he is absolutely mesmerized by anything that moves and has a steering wheel. We've been lucky to go to Grandpa Jim's and Grandma Debbie's the past two weekends to help. As you can see from the pictures, he's quite the little helper :)

Ben must think that he's going to get to drive the "bine-bine" someday...I hate to tell him that if Daddy's in the field then Daddy's driving. Maybe Ben will be the first person to get Daddy to give up the drivers seat...only time will tell :)

Ben just hanging out in the back of Grandpa Great's truck, watching Grandpa Jim cut beans.

Ben and Grandma Debbie getting ready to haul in some corn...I think he's mad because he can't be the driver :)

This is one of my favorites...he can hear his daddy down the road, and he really wants to be in the "bine-bine" with him. He stood by the window for the longest time, just pointing and saying Da-da.

On the mend

Wow...it's been quite a week/weekend at our house. Last Wednesday, Ben woke up and got sick with the flu...5 times!!! It was a long night, but he seemed better the next day. We played it safe, and stayed home Thursday and Friday because he was just not himself...very lethargic. Friday, we thought we were in the clear...BUT, Andy decided it was his turn to be sick ALL night!

Of course, Ben was back to his old self on Saturday...so, he and mommy spent the day running errands and trying to stay out of Andy's way. Andy was on the mend Sunday, so he and Ben spent some quality time in the tractor and combine. I got to spend some quality time with Clorox, Soft Scrub, my steam cleaner, my broom, and my mop. What a GREAT time!

Hopefully the flu bug has decided our house is not very hospitable, and has decided to move on (hopefully not to any of your homes)...we'll keep our fingers crossed!!!