Newport

This is the third year that Kristen's attended the OSPA fall CME conference at Newport. Some may remember that last year, at this same conference, we found out we were expecting. Fast forward one year...
Mom & Benjamin

Our family, minus Sadie. Sadie spent the weekend at Grandpa & Grandma's farm. This particular weekend at the coast in October always has amazing weather- 65-ish and sunny.

Benjamin & Dad

Benjamin's first time touching sand.

Benjamin's pillow nest in the hotel.

Good times at the beach. Will travel again soon!

Date Night

We have been fortunate enough to go on a date night every month since Benjamin was born. First month was to see Harry Potter, the second month was dinner out at the Brickhouse in Redmond, and this month we went to the Oregon State Fair to see the David Cook concert. We are so lucky to have parents who love to watch Benjamin! We dressed him appropriately to go to the Gehring home. :)

Three Months!

Benjamin is growing SO fast. He was 16.1 pounds on 9/9/09. He is learning to smile (which melts our hearts!), grab things with his hands and is interested in toys and books now. Lights, fans and mom and dad's faces still are his favorite things to look at. Ben is also getting better at tummy time and can keep his head up for quite a little while. We're still working on the whole sleep thing, so don't ask about that... He was a "colicky" baby, but he is starting to turn a new leaf and is content to be put down now, much to mom's relief. Mom has also learned that she cannot eat chocolate as it upsets his tummy. Bummer! He's worth it though...we love this little cutie and feel blessed every day to be his parents.

His "bird face."

Renabe's Wedding

The new Mr. and Mrs. Rieke were married at Timberline Lodge on August 31, 2009. CONGRATULATIONS RENEE AND ABE!!!

Our new family; The Riekes.

The Collins Family.

Hands-on daddy.

Luke played

the guitar for

the ceremony.

Benjamin was the

"ring bearer"

and was perfect

during the whole

ceremony.

We love you guys!

The

groomsmen

The girls

Dancing with my favorite baby.

Hike on Hood

The day after the wedding we had breakfast with Abe (Renee had to go to work!), the Walkers, the Lanes and Kristen's mom and dad. Afterwards we went for a walk around the lodge and explored Timberline a little.

First Vacation

We spent a week in Redmond at Luke's mom and dad's home with Kristen's mom and dad. We went swimming, played mini golf, visited Bend and the High Desert Museum and went on lots of walks and relaxed.

Sitting on the table while we ate dinner.








Sleeping in the stroller while we played mini golf.

Hanging out on the waterfront park in Bend with Grandma Kathy.

First Dip in the Pool

Paul and Carrie's Wedding

Your aunties love you Benjamin! Family picture; I might just frame this one.

The beautiful bride and her bridesmaids.

Second month!

Smelling the flowers with Mom. Swinging in the hammock with Dad.

Baby burrito Benjamin revisited.

Benjamin's first hike; Multnomah Falls.

Thanks Aunt Kristi! I love my orange shoes!
We love his smiles!
Sweet, sweet baby.

One Month Old!

I plan to utilize this lower lip for 18+ years because it definitely gets a boy what he needs, and fast! Worried Old Man face.

O-U-T!
Little Boy. Big Bed.

I'm still kinda little for this swing. I get all scrunched up.

Daddy.

Cousins

I just love this picture of Ben and Viv. I love how excited she gets to hold "Baby Luke".

Four Generations

Snuggling with the Grandmas