Thanksgiving with the Szabos

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving in Oceanside at Luke's parent's house.
They always have a delicious meal...but this year the turkey was extra delicious! They brined their turkey and wow! It's the way to go.
As always, it was fun to catch up with everyone. We forgot to take a pic of the 3 of us before it was B's bed time...Bennett tried his best to hold it together.

Jordy, Darcy, & Jolie

Uncle Wayne & Aunt Lisa

Cousins Ashlee & Mekenna

Grandpa Ernie & Gayle Szabo

Grammie & I

Bennett driving his ATV

The gracious hosts...Dad & Mom Szabo

Darcy & I

Bennett trying to grab Jolie...she wasn't too sure about him!

COUSINS!!!!!

"My little turkey"

Helmet design

We decided to add some color to Bennett's DOC band.

It looked too sterile and medical all white.

There are so many ways to design them, but what better design than a...
BASEBALL!
We got inspiration from his official major league baseball that he got from the Padres game we went to last season. I drew out some plans, set up shop, and got to work!

Bennett enjoying his new and improved DOC band!

Visit to Thousand Oaks

Kelly & Bennett went up to Thousand Oaks a few weeks ago to visit the fam. We stayed with the "Izu grandparents" and just relaxed! We were able to spend some time with G.G. Pond (great grandma), and Chris & Jill came down from Santa Barbara. We had a delicious early Thanksgiving dinner together and some much needed hang out time.

Even though it was a short visit, it was well worth it!

Hanging with Uncle Chris & Aunt Jill

Grandpa helping with the toys

Reading with Great Grandma

Plagiocephally

Plagiocephally is just a scientific term for flat head.

When Bennett was itty bitty he always slept with his head turned to his right. Now that babies are supposed to sleep on their backs, this happens a lot more often than you would think. We did daily neck exercises, tried to prop him on his side when he slept, and tried to keep him off that right side...but no luck. He has a flat side of his head.

Since his short hair can't really cover it and middle school kids are ruthless, we decided to look into fixing it. After a couple of appointments and doctors visits, we now have our solution...

Bennett's DOC Band

The DOC band (helmet) just holds on the more prominent parts of Bennett's head and allows growth into the flat area. He has had it on for 3 weeks now and he doesn't seem to even notice that he's wearing it. It is amazing how much his head shape has changed already. We think that Bennett will probably have it on for 2-3 months.
Stay tuned for updates!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We are so thankful for all of the many blessings God has given us!
If you are reading this - you are one of those blessings. Thank you for being one of our wonderful family members or part of our group of amazing friends.
We are so grateful for you all! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Go Chargers!

Monday Night Football! Chargers vs. Broncos!

Carving Pumpkins

We had The Stones over for dinner before they left to go back to Haiti.
Jessica & I carved pumpkins (which is one of my favorite things about Halloween & my birthday).
Yes, it was November 1st, but who's keeping track?!?

Halloween

Bennett as our rooster

For Halloween we had a little party at the Palmquist's house. As a yearly tradition, we all dressed up. It sure is fun to see what people come up with each year, and this time it was even funnier with the little ones. Thanks for hosting Palmquists!

Darcy (cat), Jordy (leaf blower), Jolie (ladybug)

Marisa (bee), Leif (yellow jacket), and Canon (frog)

We dressed as a cheesy family portrait.
You know you all have some type of picture with the whole family in jeans and white shirts, sitting in a park or on the beach with your jeans rolled up. Don't lie!

Brandon & Jessica were able to come back from Haiti to spend some time with friends and family. Brandon (dressed as a cheesy dad) and Jess (dressed as a cheesy missionary) came to help us celebrate. It sure was good to have them back!