Foodie!

Bennett had the joy of staring solid foods. I understand the 3 phases of matter (solid, liquid, and gas), but "solid" foods for babies are hardly solid.
We started with rice cereal. It's like mush.
You'd figure the Asian in him would LOVE rice. Not so much.
I wouldn't say he hates it or refuses it, but he is still not quite sure it's his thing. He opens his mouth, gets his hands in his mouth, swallows some, drools some, spits some, turns his head from side to side, smiles at us, sneezes it all over us. He does it all. One can never know what to expect, but as long as you are patient, it is quite entertaining.
We just keep trying 3 x a day...it's bound to click one day.

Sunday Softball

We just started our new season of softball. We've been playing coed softball on Sunday nights for quite some time and really enjoy it! It is the perfect way to end your weekend. We have gotten pretty good! We usually do pretty well in the regular season and then not-so-well during playoffs. We have been division champs...just not as often as we'd like.

Our team name: Bits of Real Panther....so you know it's good!
(If you know where that is from...bonus for you!)

We have changed our uniform over time...and Bennett even has his own!

2007

2008 & 2009

2010

The Neverending House Projects

As home owners, we find that there are always little projects around the house and yard that we are trying to do.
Luckily, we both really enjoy them!
We have realized that we just need to focus on a few things at a time.
The latest was painting: bookshelf in the nursery and fireplace


Before (maple)

After (white)

Before (gold)

After (black)

Sea World

We had the opportunity to go to Sea World recently. Luke's work, COX, had their company picnic there, complete with a delicious all you can eat BBQ buffet. We haven't been to Sea World in quite some time, so we figured we'd buy the discounted tickets and go! A bonus: the tickets included a return visit within a month! We enjoyed spending time with some of Luke's friends from work and showing Bennett the creatures of the sea.

Family pic

Although we enjoyed lots of exhibits, the sharks might have been a favorite!
There is just something about watching sharks move that is both
beautiful and extremely disturbing.
I guess that's what you get for living and surfing in California.

A few highlights:
petting the huge rays - they are so slimy
watching the sea lions bark and get fed
a tank full of piranha during feeding hour - talk about vicious
sleepy polar bears
penguins playing follow the leader back and forth on the ice
puffins swimming (flying) through the water

We were able to go see the Shamu, dolphin, and sea lion shows.
Bennett did pretty well, even though he had no idea what was going on.
Although we remember them being much more spectacular
and they kind of left you wanting for more,
it still was a fun treat.

Overall, a successful day!

Back to School

Well...back to work for the school year. Bennett now enjoys his Mondays and Tuesdays with Luke and every other Wednesday with Mammie (Luke's mom)! He is loving the variety! The job sharing in 4th grade is wonderful for me...I get the best of both worlds!

Turtles too!

We also got some turtles for our pond. Three to be exact! Luke randomly salvaged a dying turtle at work and then we bought him two friends. They are enjoying swimming and hiding in our pond. We are hoping that they help control the mosquito fish population. One can only hope!