What a Blessing

Here are a few pictures of Will in his blessing outfit and the blanket that Bens mom made. I can't believe how he is always alert and smiley. His first smile was on June 1st and his first giggle was the day he turned 2 months old (June 24th). I can't get enough of this sweet boys cooing! It's like he has so much to say and just can't get it to come out.

Oh Washington!

This years Allen family reunion was jam packed with fun and not so much fun! What a trip! It was so fun to see Ben's family again. We had a great time at Banks Lake, grand coulee dam, water skiing, slide shows, pinatas for both kids and adult, the annual talent show and great company with great food. Ben had fun hiking and boating with his fam and it was fun to see the laser light show at the dam- something I haven't seen since I was in high school. The kids had a blast with their cousins playing miniature golf and texting and just good ole' sittin' around. Owen felt like he had to defend all of his stuff from his cousin Courtney, and Riley just had fun following the big kids around. Jocelyn loved painting her nails with her aunts and cousins and giving hugs to everyone! Sunday was very special - we all headed to church in Ephrata where we blessed Will. All of ben's brothers were present- a first for one of our kids blessings. Afterward we headed to the cemetery to see Bens' dads grave and take family pictures. We also stopped in to visit Jamie- Ben's best friend. I warned my kids that Jamies mom was so sweet that we would probably be offered everything in her house to eat. Sure enough we left with bags of snacks, a quilt! and some lotions for me! My kids were impressed with how giving she was and what a great grandma she was. I don't think they would mind visiting her again. We had fun seeing old friends. Vacation-What more could you ask for? We actually got more than we asked for when a few of our kids became sick again. What is it with washington and the Allens that make us sick????!!!!! Owen was hit the hardest with severe stomach cramps and diarrhea. He was just plain miserable! The only good thing was he laid around and I was able to keep track of him! But oh did it stress Ben and I out- we were sure we were headed to the emergency room! The ride home was eventful to say the least. It's been a week and a half and he still is recovering. Poor guy! Why is vacation so exhausting??? Fun and exhausting! Now back to real life and work for me- yuck!

Ben and I survived on these......

His own network show

Tonight was Ethan's big night to redeem himself. Yesterday he made a banana cake that has been lovingly deemed by his dad as the banana miscake! The thing didn't rise-not a bit! and the flavor was by far not favorable! So today he decide to try again and Success! So tonight during night games with the neighborhood kids a debate ensued. His chocolate pudding bundt cake was awesome and as of 1/2 hour ago won a bake-off against cookies from the girl across the street. How cute it was to watch the group of kids chant and argue (nicely, but loudly) over which was better. I've gotta say so far I love the pre-teen stage! It's anything but dull! Who knew that boys could be as moody as girls????!!!!