Just The 2 Of Us

Christmas 2007

2007-12-26T14:14:00.000-08:00

This Christmas was great! Michael got the Dance, Dance Revolution for Wii and has really enjoyed playing with it. Michael was so excited for Santa to come. He left the reindeer celery, carrots, and oats on the front lawn and cookies, M&Ms, and a Diet Pepsi for Santa. I thought he would NEVER go to sleep that night! On Christmas Day, Granddaddy, Gena, and Jesse came to eat with us and spend the night. It was a really nice day and we enjoyed their visit. We look forward to next Christmas when everyone can be home again. Happy New Year everyone!

Halloween 2007

2007-11-09T12:24:00.000-08:00

This Halloween was great! Before we went out trick-or-treating, we had our traditional Halloween dinner- Taco Soup! Kris & Nick and the Simpsons came over to eat with us.

This year for Halloween, Michael decided to be Boba Fett, from Star Wars. As you can see in the first picture, his friend John also decided to be Boba Fett! We had the twin bounty hunters trick-or-treating together. Of course, they didn't wear the helmets very far; they were too blurry to see out of, which impared their running from door to door! It was a great night to be out. It wasn't too cold or hot and the boys got a lot of candy. What a fun night!

Pumpkin Patch

2007-10-22T10:15:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Michael and I went to a pumpkin patch with Kris and his son Nick. The boys had fun picking out pumpkins to carve. We ordered pizza, carved pumpkins, and made sugar cookies. It was a fun night. Kris put the pumpkins on the front porch and put candles in them. They looked great! I love fall!

School Walk

2007-10-16T11:47:00.001-07:00

On Friday the 5th of October, Michael participated in the General Greene school walk. He was awesome! He decided to run instead of walking, and ran 26 laps (which is equivalent to almost 4.5 miles). He definitely has the Benson "Track Star" blood in him! It was amazing to see him keep running, only stopping after each lap to have his card marked. All that running and his hair still looked good! What a cutie! 3rd grade is off to a great start!

A day at the lake

2007-09-14T06:50:00.000-07:00

I haven't taken many pictures lately, but this is one I got with my phone when we were at the lake last weekend. This is Michael and Nick (Kris' son). This is not long after Michael and Nick had tried to share the tube and ride together. Let's just say the tube isn't designed to have two people on it! Michael slid off the side and was holding on for dear life and his dignity (he was holding onto his swim trunks with his toes)! It was funny only after the event was over!

School has started and Michael is enjoying 3rd grade. He has a great teacher, Ms. Ralston, from Scotland. Michael loves her accent! Scouts has started back and Michael is enjoying that each week. Not much else is going on here. I will try to take more pictures soon!

A Harry Potter Night!!!

2007-07-25T18:04:00.001-07:00

On Friday, July 20th, Michael and I went to Barnes & Noble for the biggest night of the year-the Harry Potter book release party! It was so much fun! We both got "sorted" and found out in which house we belong. You can see the picture with Dumbledore, who did the honors with the "sorting hat." We ran into Haggrid during our scavenger hunt and Michael got to see Snape (obviously in his younger years) at work during his "potions class." We also had our palms read and couldn't believe how right the fortune teller was! She had us both pegged! Apparently we missed Voldemort, who showed up around 10:00. But we did see Ms. Umbridge, pink-pink-pink, on our way out! It was a fun night and no, we did not stay until midnight for the book! We are still on #6, so don't tell us how #7 ends!!!

Aloha!

2007-07-15T19:34:00.000-07:00

Well I am back from my Hawaii trip! It was wonderful! Even with a little work to do while I was there, I managed to sight-see as much as possible! I went to Waikiki beach, shopped at the International Market, hiked Diamond Head (amazing), went to the Polynesian Cultural Center (absolutely wonderful-you can see me trying to learn the hula!), attended a luau (of course I didn't eat the pork!), and went to Pearl Harbor. I even attended church on Sunday morning (since I was still on east coast time and I was wide awake by 5 a.m.)! It was interesting to go to another ward so far from home. It was a beautiful old tabernacle-style building. That day there happend to be a missionary farewell. After sacrament, the whole ward went out in front of the reflecting pool and sang a song to her and put leis on her up to her nose! It was very touching to see. It was a packed week and I am finally getting over the long plane ride and readjusting to the 6 hour time change. It was much easier to get on their time zone than to come back to mine! I met a lot of great people while there and would love to go back really soon! Enjoy the pictures!

Just random pictures that Michael and I took recently...

2007-07-05T16:24:00.001-07:00

I know I go from no new blogs to three in one day! I just have to do it when I have the time! These are some pictures Michael and I took recently. I included a cute picture of his cousin Caty-Lynne that stayed with us for a week. She was truly the "princess" while she was here. She and Michael have a lot in common and played well together. We enjoyed her visit! The last picture shows three of Michael's Webkinz. He loves collecting them and has a great time playing on the Webkinz website. He is our little computer wizkid!

Fourth of July

2007-07-05T15:58:00.000-07:00

We had a pretty good 4th of July this year. Mom and I went on our annual 4th of July Belk's shopping trip that morning (we couldn't resist the sales!). Then we all went to lunch at Salsarita's and over to the Battleground Park to see some of the Revolutionary War reinactment, cannons and all! After wandering around the park (and getting lost in the woods) we found our car and headed home to rest for the afternoon. Unfortunately, dad, Michael, and the dog are all on antibiotics for sinus infections, so everyone was ready to rest after our trip through Nathanel Greene's encampment! Later that night everyone felt much better and we went to see the fireworks. We were joined by some friends from church and we had a great time playing with sparklers, making s'mores, and watching the fireworks! It was unseasonablly cool for July and not humid...we are still wondering where that weather came from! However, we enjoyed it, because today it was back to our usual HOT, HOT, HOT!

Michael's Baptism

2007-07-05T15:46:00.000-07:00

Well I finally got the pictures from Michael's baptism on here! It has taken me long enough! What a wonderful event in our family to have Michael baptized by his dad. It was nice to have the family together to celebrate such a wonderful time in Michael's life. Here are a few pictures from the special day. I cannot believe he is 8 years old. Where has time gone?

Following the baptism we had a party to celebrate Michael's 8th birthday and my graduation from the Master's program at UNCG. It was a Cinco de Mayo party (since it was the 5th of May) and so appropriate since I LOVE Mexican food more than anything in life, except Michael of course! May was a good month!

Our Wonderfu Disney Trip!

2007-05-16T11:49:00.000-07:00

Michael and I just got home from Disney World! It was a wonderful trip!! Our favorite place was Epcot. Michael loved it so much, we had to leave Animal Kingdom early so we could go back to Epcot for a second time!

In the first three pictures, we are in China. I honestly think we spent over two hours there. Michael was absolutely taken with China. We ate lunch at a great restaurant called "Nine Dragons" and watched the movie about China in the round theater. Michael tried his hardest to get me to buy him the entire gift shop in China! We also saw some Chinese acrobats that were amazing to watch! China was a bit hit!

The next pictures were from France, Michael's other love of Epcot. He met Justine, one of the French girls working in the gift shop. They became instant friends and before we left, Michael was learning some French, wearing a beret, showing off some artwork like a French artist, and even getting a kiss on the cheek from the lovely French Justine!! We even ran into Belle from Beauty & the Beast while in France. Michael and I have decided that when he is older, we will start our international travel with a trip to the real France!!

This next picture is at Mission: Space, a ride that we had to go on not once, but twice! After the ride, which was a simulation of flying to Mars, we got to be part of a team that competed against another team of "astronauts." It was really fun and Michael talked about it the rest of the night!

Also in this posting are pics from Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, MGM Studios, and Sea World. MGM was the second favorite of Michael's, as it had the Indiana Jones stunt show! Still, nothing compared to Epcot!

I think we will both always remember this vacation together. It was just the two of us and it was the time of our lives!!!

Easter 2007

2007-04-13T12:15:00.000-07:00

Well I am finally posting a new blog! Believe it or not! It has been crazy around here lately-imagine that! Will and Keely came for a visit and as you can see, Will tried his hand at GameCube with Michael! What a cute kid!

Mom and dad had a deck built in the backyard. It turned out beautiful. Michael and the neighbor kids think it's there stage! You can see Michael, Hannah, Claire, and Olivia doing thier "acts" for us! Of course, Michael thinks he can make money by charging the "audience" for drinks from our refrigerator. That kid is always looking for an opportunity to earn some cash!

Here are some pictures from Easter. We had an Easter egg hunt for several kids and it was cold! At least it was sunny! They all had a good time.

Our Big Snow!

2007-02-07T11:06:00.000-08:00

As you can see, February 1st rang in with our BIG snow for the season! A whopping 1/2"! School was cancelled (not sure why) and Michael was dying to get out in the snow. He built a mini-snowman (that he could hold in his hand)!

Even Biscuit was sporting her winter duds and loved standing out in the flurries. But, by 11:00 the fun had ended and it was just rain and mud. Oh well, at least Michael got to wear his winter coat, snow boots, and gloves (finally)! Maybe winter will bring one more storm, and this time, give us a little more snow!

2006-12-22T08:49:00.000-08:00

It's almost Christmas and Michael is SO ready to open presents. He has tried to talk me into opening a present early, with no success! At the top of the Christmas list this year is a skateboard, a lime green one. So, we will what Santa brings! We are going to Robin's house this year for Christmas and Michael is very excited about seeing Bri.

Yesterday Michael went to the allergist and was finally diagnosed with asthma. He had allergy tests done (about 75 skin punches on his back and about 12 needles on his arm) which revealed that he is very allergic to house dust and mold and has a slight allergy to dogs/cats and cows milk. Sorry Biscuit! Michael was so worried that we would have to get rid of Biscuit, but not so! Michael now has an inhaler (Advair) to take morning and night and Zyrtec to take each night. So, hopefully this new medicine will help him not be so miserable with allergies. Now if we could just order winter weather and stop having 70 degree days and rain in December, it would be nice! Merry Christmas everyone!

No Front Teeth!

2006-11-15T12:41:00.000-08:00

As you can see from the pictures, Michael no longer has any front teeth! He sounds so cute when he talks! I guess this year he really can say, "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth!" Not much going on here, just getting ready for Thanksgiving.

Halloween-Harry Potter Style

2006-11-08T14:20:00.000-08:00

This year Michael was Harry Potter. It was not a fun Halloween this year, as Michael was sick and only got to trick-or-treat at a few houses. We did make it to the "scary house." Michael was sick with his bronchial spasms (very much like asthma). He left his class party early to go for a breathing treatment. Then by dinner time, he had his head hung in the toilet. I felt so bad for him. He cried a little and then fell asleep in my lap on the bathroom floor. Around 6:30 he pulled himself up and got on his costume. He was determined to go out, at least to "scary house." We walked half a block and them I gave him a piggy-back ride back home. Some friends from the ward felt bad for him and brought over candy for him, since he couldn't trick-or-treat. They even brought Snickers, his favorite! Oh well, there's always next year!

The Biker

2006-11-08T14:10:00.000-08:00

Michael finally learned the art of bike riding. He got a new bike for his birthday in May, but has had a hard time riding it. He learned on his cousin's bike, but now has gotten the hang of his own bike! He is so excited to know how to ride without help. He is still learning the whole hand-break thing! These pictures were taken in the church parking lot last weekend.

2006-10-14T17:47:00.000-07:00

Well, as you can see, autumn is here! We were in the backyard today and I decided to take some pictures of our crazy little dog. She loves to play soccer! So I decided to dedicate half of my post today to her! (This is your 15 seconds of fame Biscuit!)

This picture shows off the natural area that mom and Michael worked so hard on. 1000 lbs. of topsoil and lots of pine needles later... it turned out beautiful. They are very proud of their area. I am thinking of having an engraved plaque put out there with their names on it! j/k!

It was an eventful evening too. Michael lost his first top tooth tonight at dinner. It was hanging by a thread and he FINALLY let my dad pull it. He didn't even know it was out until he saw dad holding it. Until next time...

Pinewood Derby - The Harry Potter Car

2006-09-20T12:12:00.000-07:00

Michael and my dad built a car for the Pinewood Derby this year! Michael was so proud of his car, which was of course, a Harry Potter themed car! It had a wizard hat and Harry Potter stickers! It really looked cool. He picked out the color and painted it all by himself. He was a little upset that it didn't win, but at least his looked the best...at least we thought so!
Pinewood Derby

Mowing the Grass (but a little taller)!

2006-09-08T16:21:00.000-07:00

Well, Michael learned how to mow the yard tonight! He was thrilled to help Papa mow and didn't want to stop! I'm thrilled too, of course, because now when Michael and I move out, I have someone to mow our yard! I figure in a few years, he should be able to do it all by himself!

I couldn't help but include the old picture of Michael from 2001, when he was only 2! He has grown up so fast! Until next time...

Michael and His Dad

2006-09-02T20:33:00.000-07:00

Patrick came today to visit Michael and they had such a good time just hanging out. Michael got to practice riding his bike and talked his dad into buying him a new game for his Game Cube (he has a way of doing that with everyone)! Michael got to choose what they ate for dinner, and of course, he chose PF Changs! He ate enough rice for half the country of China! Oh well, he has said for years that he is going to China on his mission so he better start learning how to use chopsticks and getting used to the food! The day went by too fast, as usual, and they ended it with a game of Scrabble, which they recruited me to play. It was a hard choice (Scrabble or school work) so I played with them! Michael loves his dad!

2006-08-29T20:04:00.000-07:00

Well, school has begun and Michael is officially in 2nd grade! He is so excited about school and loves his teacher (thank goodness)! I am back in school too and this semester has taken off with a bang. I can barely catch my breath!

Michael joined a golf team last Saturday and seems to like it. I was his caddy! He thought that was funny! He goes every Saturday for 7 weeks. They have an hour of "golf clinic" where they practice putting and chipping and hitting balls at the driving range. Then the last hour they get paired up and they play some holes on the course. They are learning golf etiquette and rules of the game. I learned more than I could have imagined as a caddy! Michael was excited to rake the sand traps; in fact, he was more interested in that than hitting his ball! I hope he will learn how to slow down a bit and enjoy the game of golf! But what can I say...he's seven!

Sorry there are no pictures on this posting, I forgot to take the camera to golf last week! I will get one on here soon! Until next time...

Michael's New Pet

2006-07-31T19:14:00.000-07:00

Well, we added a new member to the family! Michael decided it was time to get a second pet, so Biscuit would have some company. So we got a fish! Michael named him Harry (after Harry Potter, of course)! As uaual, if one is good, a dozen would be better...Michael is already planning to get another fish, as Harry seems lonely. Michael also has informed Ooma that when we move out, we are going to get a gerbil, too! That will complete the Benson Farm! I guess I can't really say anything; he definitely got his love of animals from me! I think we should get a cat and Biscuit agrees. What do you think?! Until next time...

Our Hill Cumorah Pageant Trip

2006-07-26T15:09:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, Michael, Bri, Ooma, and I left for upper state New York. It was a LONG drive up, as MapQuest sent us on the scenic route, literally! The advantage was that we were able to see some of the most beautiful country that I have ever seen. Michael and Bri couldn't tell you about much of the scenery, as they were too busy watching their DVDs or playing their gameboys...technology; sometimes it gets in the way of living.

The first picture is at the pageant on Saturday night. It poured rain just before the performance but let up as the pageant started. It only misted a little during the show and by the end, there was literally a section of sky just above Hill Cumorah with the stars showing, but clouds everywhere else. It was awesome to see!

The second picture was in the Sacred Grove behind the Smith farm. Michael and Bri seemed to enjoy going around the farm seeing the log home where Joseph lived as a young man. We also were able to see the Palmyra temple, as it was located just down the road from the Smith farm.

It was a trip that we will never forget! In more ways than one! The drive home did not take as long, thank goodness! The boys were, well, they were boys! They played and argued and acted more like brothers than cousins! There were a few times that Michael almost got dropped off in Pennsylvania to live with the Amish! We were all glad to see the North Carolina state line!

Old Salem

2006-07-16T12:27:00.000-07:00

Michael and I went to Old Salem in Winston-Salem, NC on Friday. We had a great time and Michael enjoyed seeing how people lived long ago. His favorite was the "neccesary" (outhouse) which you can see in the first picture! He was extremely concerned about spiders and snakes crawling out of the hole! We both decided we were glad we live now, with flushing toilets!

Michael got to play "dress-up" in clothes from the past and try out a child's bed. He was also glad he has a mattress and air conditioning! In the center of Old Salem is a water pump which Michael loved drinking from. It was a HOT day (93+ degrees & humid) so the water was a nice treat!

Until next time...

2006-06-19T17:12:00.000-07:00

We went to the beach last week and the kids had a great time! Michael and Bri loved jumping the waves and riding their boogie boards. We went to MagiQuest and Michael and Bri got to choose their own wands! They loved it!

Michael had a big week at the beach. His uncle Brian taught him to ride his bike without training wheels and to tie his shoes! We were so proud of him! We went to eat pizza to celebrate!

Well, summer is here! We are looking forward to
longer days, swimming, and catching lightning
bugs! Until next time...

Turning Seven

2006-05-06T17:02:00.000-07:00

Well, Michael has officially turned seven! He was so excited for his birthday party this year. He had a Harry Potter birthday theme and we had the party at Castle McCulloch. The kids got to pan for gems and "gold" and went on a mini-tour of the small castle. We finished up with pizza and cake and opening presents. It went better than expected! I am used to it pouring down rain EVERY birthday party that Michael has, so this year was a pleasant surprise! I can't believe in one year, Michael will be turning eight and will be getting baptized. He is growing up so fast.

Happy Easter!!!

2006-04-16T14:48:00.000-07:00

We had a great Easter this year. Robin, Brian and their kids came for the weekend. We went on a picnic Saturday and the kids rode their bikes in the park. Michael, Bri, and Caty-Lynne played in the small waterfall/creek and got very muddy! But they had a ball.

On Sunday, the kids woke up to a candy trail left by the Easter Bunny, all the way from their beds to their baskets! That was fun trying to keep the dog from eating the candy! The Easter Bunny brought Michael a book, candy, and a CD he's been wanting, Aly & AJ. After church we had an Easter egg hunt, and Ooma made this year's hunt even better by putting money in some of the eggs! Michael of course got the most eggs and the most money! You mention money, he's motivated!

And the fun keeps on coming...

2006-04-02T21:32:00.000-07:00

Well, as if pnuemonia and a trip to the ER with a cut face weren't enough, today Michael woke up sick and had to go to the doctor. Today's diagnosis was with asthma, probably from his seasonal allergies. So two and one-half hours later, after a breathing treatment and a Rx for an inhaler, we made it home. Michael has to use the inhaler for the next 5-7 days and we will see how he is doing. Why is it that children get sick on the weekends? Oh well, such is life. Until next time...

Never A Dull Moment

2006-03-21T12:52:00.000-08:00

Well, yesterday afternoon was quite eventful. Michael decided to use the coffee table as a stepping stone from the couch to the leather recliner. Needless to say, he slipped on the coffee table and broke a glass vase, which cut his face up in several places. It scared me to death, but I stayed calm so he wouldn't get more upset. After a pricey trip to the ER, he ended up with two steri-strips. He was thrilled that he didn't have to have stitches! Well, that's about it for us here in G'boro. Until next time...

Revolutionary War

2006-03-20T19:19:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, Michael, Papa, and I went to the 225th anniversary of the Revolutionary War, here in Greensboro. Michael really enjoyed seeing the reinactment and walking around the field after the "war" to see the soldiers in uniform.

Until next time...

2006-03-15T13:11:00.000-08:00

Well, two of Michael's favorite things lately are his cousin Will (who is visiting for a few weeks) and reading the "Magic Treehouse" series. As you can see in the picture, Michael jumped up first thing this morning (even before he combed his hair) and wanted to feed Will! Now if we could just get him to change a poopie diaper! I also noticed that Will is one of the few and the proud to be allowed on the "blanket." Anyone who knows Michael, knows that he doesn't share his blanket with just anyone!

Not really anything exciting about me! Same old crap, different day! I am plugging along in school and I am in the middle of a hectic semester. I am ready for summer! Until next time...

My Little Phantom!

2006-03-08T10:59:00.000-08:00

Michael is home sick today with a fever and has decided to be the Phantom, too! He is obsessed with the Phantom of the Opera! You can hear him singing "opera" at any given time all around the house, in the car, even in the shower! In addition to a scientist, he says he is going to be an opera singer! I tell him to go for it! I just hope he didn't get my singing ability, or his dad's for that matter!!

Ugh!!! Don't you just hate it when your kids are sick? Michael isn't so sick that he will lay on the couch and rest (he would have to be in a coma) but just not up to going to school. Hopefully tomorrow will be better! I can always hope! Well, that's as exciting as it gets here today! Until next time...

Didn't want to be the only one without a blog!

2006-03-07T10:45:00.000-08:00

Well, Michael and I decided to create our own blog, for all the world to see! I am not sure how often it will be updated or how exciting it will be for others to view, but we'll try it anyway! Our biggest announcement lately has been the loss of two little teeth--by Michael of course! As you can see in the pic, this was the first one to go! He is really growing up and will be turning 7 on May 1st. I am continuing on with grad school and the semester is really getting crazy! I am so thankful that I will be done this time next year! Until next time...