THE TRAVELING GARDNERS

Maybe I am just really missing Dan. But, I think this picture of Grandma Reva holding Benjamin totally reminds me of a little Dan. What do you think? I can't believe how fast Benjamin is growing up. This picture looks likes he is just sitting and hanging out like a little adult. Dan - can you believe that he is holding his own toys now? It was a long hard day of playing in the bouncer. And sitting in the car seat while mommy shopped. Oh also, tummy time was a lot of work too. Whooo, I am tired just thinking about it! It's pool time at Grandma Reva's and Grandpa Tom's house. So, after the weather stayed triple digits for a whole week, my mom and Tom decided to get a mini pool. Ben liked it. He loves the water. Our little Nemo. Also, if you can tell - my shoulder is slowly but surely healing up. It's going to be a nasty scar. That's okay though! Really! I'm okay with a scar! ;) Uhhhh Grandma Reva...I don't think I am old enough to boogie board yet. Mo...

Here are some pictures of Benjamin around my Mom's house here in San Diego. If you scroll down to the bottom picture, you will see my Mom's precious poodle looking a little depressed. I have so many toys, I don't know which one to play with first. Big Dog Ben! So cute huh Judy? I am so ready to eat solid food.... and I will start with my hand! I am so confused Mom, do I like the Padres or the Cubs? The Padres Ben! The Padres! Like Father...like son. Cashmere looking down on Ben so depressed, becuase the Benjamin has taken over the house.

With this crazy triple digit heat wave we have been doing anything and everything to stay cool. Mostly hiding in pools and air conditioned houses! A few days ago we went to Nicomi's sisters pool! Benjamin's first real swimming experience. We got it on film, but no action shots on camera. This picture below is little baby jesus...I mean baby Ben staying warm wrapped up in a towel. ;) Hanging out in the jacuzzi with Nicomi after the pool. Do we not have the cutest little baby boy?????? I took this picture especially for Dan. Doesn't he look like a little golfer Dan? :) Benjamin mid sentence, "Wait not ready for my picture yet mom!" "Mom do you mind? I'm trying to do my yoga in the nice cold AC house." Benjamin learning how to read his new "moon" book that my Mom got him.

While my Mom barbeqed with special Aloha sauce, the manly men aka: Tom, Daniel, and Ricky worked on some "home improvements." They are taking down the old fence. Rebuilding a big retaining wall. Taking out the deck. Replacing that with a sturdy one that can hold a new jacuzzi that they are planning on putting in. I sat back and relaxed with Benjamin and Cashmere.

So after an emergency c-section, Ben in NICU, skin cancer surgery, long flight with Ben throwing up on me, Ben screaming for hours after flight due to painful ear ache, ingrown toe nail, heatwave with 110 temps, and damaged infant items from flight........pampering and relaxing was WAY over due. Meanwhile back in Hawaii, Dan is golfing, relaxing, eating frozen dinners and all the ramen noodles he wants, and renting manly movies and video games when he can. Miss you Dan!!! I love this picture. My Mom picks up two of her favorites and goes to stand in front of the fan. On this day it was 107' in the shade! My Mom got a new sparkly pink phone cover. The picture doesn't do it justice! Ben is relaxed! Cashmere is sitting in front of the fan. Can you tell she is relaxed? I got pampered and got my eyebrows waxed at a posh little place called Anastasia of Beverly Hills. My mom spoiled me and brought me to get a spa pedi with french tips. Don't they look pretty?

Miss you Daddy!! Miss you Dan!! Benjamin and mommy in the backyard while Grandma Reva b-b-ques. Daniel burping and feeding the Ben. Can you tell he has been christened by Ben on his shoulder? Charlie and Benjamin in a close up! My Mom and Ben just enjoying each others company. :) I don't know who is having more fun. My Aunt Bonnie, cousin Katlyn, and newest little addition my cousin Monica's baby girl Charlie(short for Charlize) swinging in my Mom and Tom's comfy swing. My cute mini cousin Trevor. And you all know the Benjamin! This is a picture of him relaxing in my Mom and Tom's backyard.

Ben is shocked at what the temperature it was. It was a hot day today! 114'!!!!!! Yucky! Where are my trade winds? Papa Jr relaxing on the 4th of July. Grandma Reva giving Benjamin the old burporoonie! Benjamin in one of his patriotic outfits. My Mom's neighbor is letting us borrow baby toys while we are here. Grandma Sue and Daniel figuring out how to put together one of the pack n plays. Thank you Tom! He built these great shelves for Ben and I! Grandma Sue playing with Ben. She's so funny. She kept taking off his shorts saying that it was too hot. ;) Benjamin wearing his Monterey shirt and spiffy new sunglasses. That's all folks! Safe and sound in San Diego, and missing Dan.

This is Ben in the car seat going to the airport. Benjamin played on his activity gym and as you can tell wore himself out. This is his new way of sleeping. He covers his eyes and sucks on his fist or thumb. Thank you very much Judy! We had so much fun watching 3 D Spy Kids with our cool glasses. And as you can see Ben is too cute with his glasses. Benjamin having some tummy time on his new quilt from Grandma Reva. Look at the neck strength on him! Good job Benjamin!