The Three Faces of Ben!

Wild Animal Safari

We spent a day in Winston, Oregon driving through the Wild Animal Safari. It was 97 degrees and Ben had never been in temperatures that hot before. It had been a while for mom, too! However, the bright, sunny day was a nice change from the cloudy, cool, 65 degree summer we had been having back home in Anchorage. Ben got to see animals that he had never seen before. There were giraffes, hippos, cheetahs, lions, zebras, ostriches, flamingos, and some kind of white deer, just to name a few.

After driving through the park, we got to get out and visit a petting zoo, ride a small train, and visit the gift shop. Ben set a record for the shortest amount of time playing in the children's park. It was so hot that he only lasted 5 minutes! He really wanted to go play in the elephant fountain. Luckily, he spotted a snow cone stand and told the lady operating it, that he was from Alaska and he was hot. She felt pity on him and gave him a snow cone!

Splashin' in the Waves

Ben and Daisha had a blast running on the sand, and being chased by waves from the incoming tide. Just being able to walk barefoot on the sand in warm water was fun for mom, too! Aunt Cathy spotted a live crab that the kids were totally fascinated with!

More fun at Grandma's!

Cousin's galore to play with made Ben one happy little boy!

Family Picnic

We enjoyed a family picnic at Grandma's house. In addition to all of the cousin's that Ben had to play with, he also had Uncle's to play with. Uncle Steve and Uncle John were lot's of fun!

Brand New Cousins!

Three new cousins have been added to our ever growing family. It was great fun to meet Tyson, Dylan and Kole for the first time. Their proud mommies loved to show them off!

A Trip to the Reindeer Farm

The day that Ben and Mommy were to leave for two weeks in Washington, Daddy got to take the day off to spend with us. We decided to head to Palmer to visit the Reindeer Farm. Do you know how to tell the difference between reindeer and caribou? Reindeer can fly! As long as you have food in your hand, the reindeer are your very best friends. However, when the food is all gone, so are they. The elk enjoyed eating the green grass that Ben kept poking through the fence. Pioneer Peak made the perfect backdrop to our beautiful day, even though fresh snow dusted the tops of the mountains...hinting of things to come.