August adventures

August is gone just like that.

I am happy to report that tonsils are no longer a part of my life

The kitchen is very nearly finished. Kind of.  It's usable.

We've tried to get outside and enjoy this mild summer

Jeannie humbled me on the golf course, although her driver and I are great friends.

And oh how we've loved the pool.  It's been wonderful to have right outside our back door.

Another project

We started off the month with a birthday celebration.  Happy birthday Jared!!!

 Then the real fun began.  We began the kitchen remodel.  You'll notice I say began, because the project is not yet complete.  The granite counters won't be installed until Monday.  This is quite significant because that means we don't have a sink or dishwasher until at least Monday.  And have not had one for about a week now.  Let's just say I'm being very wise with the dishes I dirty and thank goodness for paper plates.

We have learned since purchasing this lovely condo of ours that steel beams are not our friends and they will extend any project significantly.  Jared had to cut sections of sheet rock out and install wood behind it so the cabinets could be secured to something.  How were the previous cabinets held up before?  We're not quite sure.  Jared took one screw out of the old cabinet and a sheet of metal fell to the floor.  Anyway, the whole cutting sheet rock, sawing wood, mudding sheet rock and sanding sheet rock was quite the dusty endeavor. 

 

The kids enjoyed the freedom of having a cupboard with no counter

Thankfully, Grandma and Grandpa Bench came to help us out.  This is something where I can honestly say we could not have done it with out them.  How could anyone do a remodel with kids?  

We spent lots of time at the park while the boys worked

just rolling in the dirt like animals

Sierra got her nails done

Connors craze these days is states.  I challenge you to challenge him to a state capital contest.  I bet he'll win

The Gonzalez crew came down for the weekend.  Yay for cousins!

Both kids had so much fun with Grandma and Grandpa.  They got to spend some great time together.

I'll leave you in suspense to see the new cabinets until the granite is installed.  Exciting stuff I know.

Hodgepodge

Hodgepodge (noun): a jumbled mixture.
That's exactly what this post is.  Let's say June is the common thread.

We've been camping with friends

I thought this was funny.  Connor may be mad at me for this someday but Jared's the one who took the picture so I'll blame him.

An attempt at some Father's day pictures.

Jared spent a day at Yosemite

We've been to the farm

 Done lots and lots and lots of swimming

 She's still eating dirt

 Enjoyed the rain storms

 Gotten plenty worn out

 And enjoyed the weather before it got too hot

buddies

These two have become great buddies

Last day of Preschool

Summer has officially begun for the Benchs.  Connor had a great year of preschool and now we're ready to hit the pools!

 

And he got the really cool battle wound.

4 years old

Connor Bench is 4 years old.  He wishes he was 5 so he could ride the school bus but we're happy with 4 for now.  He continues to amaze me, especially the way his mind works.  I can not wait to see where he goes in life.  The other day he asked me if 2+2+2+2+2 was 10.  Indeed it was.  He then continued to ask me if it was the same as 5+5, 6+4...and so on.  Really Connor, when did you figure this out?  Lucky for Connor he has a mom who just loves math and is looking forward to math homework in the future.  He still loves reading and continues to suprise people when they realize he can actually read.  Connor also is in an upside down phase.  He loves doing somersaults, headstands and flips (see video below).