A Bunch of Bennings

One of our outings this summer as a family was the annual Benning family campout. This event entails a bunch of Bennings (my dad's side of the family), camping at Sunset Beach in Northern California having a freezing good time. Every year it is super cold and we all huddle around the fire- you would think we would wise up and bring appropriate clothing, but so far my sister seemed to be the only smart one with a wool jacket and snow boots! Yes SNOW BOOTS at the beach- she was warm:)

We have had such a great time with our family. We really enjoyed seeing Grandpa & Grandma Great, Uncles, Aunts, Cousins, and just a few of our family members (only 45 people could make it this year).The weekend consisted of a few traditions that have lasted over the years. I say over the years because this event has been taking place since I was a baby. We all visited the beach which was super clean with beautiful surroundings, but I really came to appreciate my Southern California beach weather. Josh and Ezekiel dug a hole that Ezekiel later ventured into. Josh and Ezekiel also had a fun time playing catch. We had our family church service which has always been one of my highlights! There is just something about worshiping God as a family. We don't all live close enough and attend the same churches so when we gather it is such an amazing time to sing to God, hear how God is working in our family, and share the amazing blessing he has provided us with. This year we also had a baby dedication! We have welcomed 4 brand new little ones this year and will still have 2 more born before December. It was awesome to hear the blessings that the family members passed on to this little one. Last of all Ezekiel got to participate in the highly anticipated finding of the tootsie roll tree. Every year someone finds a tree covered with tootsie pops for the children! It is such a great time. This year there was a licorice bush for Ezekiel. God is good and he know our needs:)

We had such a great time with family and we came home tired, smelling of smoke, and reminded of what a great family God has given us.

Where Did All The Dirt Come From????

This seems to be the theme of our adventures lately. Every time I turn around Ezekiel has found dirt. His face, hands, clothes, and body seem to be continually covered in dirt. Perhaps its all the outdoor work, feeding the animals, pulling weeds, or just plain being a boy. So here is our little dirt boy!

Contractor in the Making

We have currently been spending time at my sister's house so that my dad can help Uncle Chip expand his patio. This has provided ample opportunities for Ezekiel to hone his boyhood. Tons of dirt, hammers, rocks, hills, and boy fun:) He has helped load, carry, and place bricks. He also had a few rides in the wheelbarrow. What a great time being a boy and loving God's creation.

STUCK

Today the title says it all! Ezekiel has a favorite word that he uses even when the circumstance doesn't really call for that exact word. Today the word was fitting for such the occasion. We were at Chipotle when Ezekiel tried to sit in his own special place. As you can see- it wasn't the best place to sit. Here he is- STUCK!

We also enjoyed sharing a drink. Fun times:)

Where We Have Been

We have been off on a few weeks of adventuring! The first place we found ourselves was at Mema & Papa's house in Tuolumne. Ezekiel LOVES the outdoors!!!!! We can't seem to pull him in:)

Ezekiel loved eating Popsicles two at a time!
We also spent some time in San Diego with family.
Some of our time has just been hanging out, having fun, making trouble, and as many messes as possible!

Festive 4th of July

We had a very eventful 4th of July. We are currently in Northern California visiting family. Hopefully we will see some friends too! It was a great day!

The first event was the Orinda 4th of July Parade. It is such a lovely town and the parade was as lovely as the town. Orinda is where Uncle Chip grew up so it was great to see him in the place he knows so well. The parade was full of local people and organizations. Not only was the environment full of happy people, there were dogs of plenty. Ezekiel was in heaven. Every person seemed to have a dog with them:) Ezekiel also got some treasures from the local police and firemen. Ezekiel loved looking at the old cars, but he wouldn't get in when offered! He never did wear his hat, but it seemed to make the rounds through the rest of us:)















What a great morning it was.

The rest of the day was spent hanging out and enjoying family. We did go see a fireworks show, but it was too late for Ezekiel and he slept through it without making a noise.

We had a great day- Daddy was dearly missed and we are counting down the days until he gets home:( Until then we will continue to stay busy with family!