The ridgity ridges.

Sunday, September 4, 2016

Camping in the Unitas

The Friday before Labor Day we went with some of Jared's family and my nephew Derek for a one night stay in the Unitas. It was beautiful!! So I can remember later we camped near the Cold Creek area. There were tons of fun ATV trails and we had a good time. The scattered showers made things a little interesting, but it was still great!

I wish you could see Ben's face better in this picture. He was so happy and LOVED riding on the ATVs.
He's such a Ridges boy!

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Hikers

Fall is in the air and I just can't handle staying inside when it's so nice out!

We talked Justin into going with us for a short hike to the Grotto up Payson canyon. Perfect day for it! Caroline walked the whole way and Ben walked the mile in and was carried out... he probably would've walked but it makes for a much slower pace.

Courtesy of photographer Caroline

Then a few days later I took two other nephews and my children to the "Y." The big boys went all the way to the top, but my kids and I just moseyed. We made it a few switchbacks and enjoyed the beautiful morning. They were good little hikers.

Month of the nephews!!!

We had a fun month getting to spend a little more time with my nephews this month...

Justin arrived August 9th after driving out here with Grandpa Leckie and stayed with us for about three weeks...

Derek arrived August 22nd and stayed here for 4-5 days before he got good and moved into his apartment at BYU...

And Dustin arrived August 30th and only stayed one night before reporting to the MTC.

August

Playing her violin.

Friday, August 5

He didn't even try not to look guilty...

Friday, August 5

Provo City Center Temple.

Tuesday, August 9

Playing with Grandpa Leckie at the Reservoir

Wednesday, August 10

Utah County Fair.

We saw the 4H horse show, the lego exhibit, the kids corner, a monkey show, and lots of sheep, cows, chickens, and Caroline got to hold a baby bunny. (If I hand't been trying to make sure she didn't drop it I would've taken a picture- so cute!)

Caroline's First Haircut

Saturday, August 20

Stealing Daddy's muckboots

Saturday, August 27

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Ben at 18 Months

Poor Ben. I did updates every month for Caroline until she was 2.... I can only hope I don't get any worse at record keeping. At any rate, Ben, Ben, Ben... it's a good thing he's so cute!

At his appointment on September 7th he was a little more than 18 months, but his stats were:

Weight: 24 lbs 5 oz (49%)

Height: 31.25 in (10%)

Still short and hefty.

It's alright, we wouldn't have it any other way.

Ben is a busy busy boy.

He climbs on everything.

He wanders everywhere.

He is still not patient when it comes to food- but handles waiting a little better.

He talks with his mouth closed, although he has started saying a few more words, "mama" "dada" "yep" "stop" "nana" (banana) "ball" "all done". Even though he doesn't really coherently vocalize much he talks a lot of gibberish and seems to understand most of what we tell him.

He loves to point to airplanes in the sky.

He barks when the neighbor dogs start barking.

He is so easy to put down for naps and bedtime and usually takes about a 2 1/2-3 1/2 hour nap in the afternoons.

He is oh so persistent. If he really wants something he is not easily deterred.

He and Caroline like to laugh at each other.

He will snuggle with mom and dad, but when Caroline tries to hug him he gets a little nervous.

He loves to swing.

He loves the sandbox.

He loves everything with wheels. He rides our little scooter around, he drives hot wheels around, he pushes the little people bus around, he loves riding in the ATVs. He's a wheel boy.

He likes to give high fives and knuckles.

He thinks its funny to run around with a blanket over his head.

He loves being chased.

He loves piggyback rides from dad.

He is so happy. It's usually pretty easy to get a smile, giggle, or laugh from him.

We love our sweet Ben!