Well, Benson definitely didn't learn to walk over night, but sometimes it feels that way! These little guys grow so quickly! He never really grew out of the natural reflex to walk so from about 4 months he has wanted to be on his feet walking with our assistance. Now out of habit, he has had a hard time letting go of our hands to walk on his own. Last week we started walking him around holding only one hand. Then today, when Matt was out of town, Benson and I went to Emily's house to play with Chloe and Easton. I noticed Benson was more confident standing for longer on his own, mostly as he watched Chloe walking around. When we got home, Uncle Bryan, my brother (who is staying with us), walked Benson around the yard hanging on to only his shirt sleeves. Tonight after I got Benson ready for bed, I walked him down the hall holding on to the back of his pajamas (barely), and when I let go he kept walking for about 5 steps on his own! I can't even describe how excited I was, I screamed with delight! Then I suddenly felt so sad that Matt wasn't around to see it! So Bryan filmed a few more attempts for Matt to see when he returned tonight.
I debated showing Matt the video and thought I would just help Benson walk in the morning and have Matt think those were his first steps. However when Matt got home I couldn't help but show him the video. Now we can't wait for him to wake up and try it again tomorrow, and the next day, and the next! He is such a joy!
By the way, Benson LOVES to be with Uncle Bryan (you can see it in his eyes in this video) and he lights up whenever he is around - they are becoming great buds.
Lisa and I were talking the other night about how fun it would be to have a slide for Benson. We had a small mishap with our toilet (ha! "mishap" - Lisa interjecting here - Let's just say this "mishap" caused flood #3 in our basement!) and while we were at Home Depot looking for a repair part, we found a scrap bin of some wood that was just enough for a basic slide. The original plan faltered and we had to rig it up to work, but it seems to be okay. Someday, we'll put a better finish on the MDF surface as well as properly cover the 2x6 rails down the side. For now, Benson is loving learning how to use it! Here's a quick look at his slide.
Happy 24th of July! In Utah, we celebrate Pioneer Day. We celebrate the date of July 24, 1947 - when the pioneers first entered the Salt Lake Valley after a long and difficult journey from the East. They have forged a lasting legacy of courage, hard work, and perseverance that we will forever be grateful for.
Today, Matt took work off to join Lisa and Benson at the Hogle Zoo. Unfortunately, when we arrived, certain animal exhibits had been closed due to the rebuilding of an African Safari. We assume that the Lions, Zebras, Camels, etc. are all apart of that exhibit which will be complete for next year. There were still many animals to see though and Benson was in awe as he watched each of these different animals move and make their noises. He especially liked the monkeys as they jumped from tree to tree as well as the sea lions/seals gliding through the water. The zoo also had a Lego Exhibit. There were several stations (5 or 6?) where animals had been built from Legos Check out the polar bear in the picture below. It took thousands of Legos to make him!
We finished the day off going to the Butlerville Days firework show (Cottonwood Heights 24th of July Celebration). The fireworks were fantastic and we were lucky enough to find the Haycocks nearby to share the time with. Happy 24th!
Our family has set a goal to go on a hike every available Saturday that we can. We are so blessed to live so close to the mountains where trailheads are only minutes away. With an 11-month old who needs to get back for his morning nap - we couldn't ask for anything better.
This week we went to Lower Bell Canyon Reservoir. A good friend in our ward recommended it to us as a close and short hike. and so we threw our gear into the car and up we went. The hike was a little steeper than expected, but nothing difficult. The lake in the morning sunlight was beautiful and the ducks from all across the lake came to greet us as we made our way down to the waters edge. From a ridge just west of the lake, we were also able to take a couple of panoramic pictures. Beautiful place!
Panorama of the Salt Lake Valley
Panorama of the Mountains
Directions: Just 50 yards east of the intersection of Wasatch Drive and Little Cottonwood Rd in Sandy, UT, there is a small parking lot. This is the Granite Trailhead. Once on the trail, it is very straightforward and you just hike along for about .6 miles to the small lake up top. You can stop there or continue up Bell Canyon another mile to find several small waterfalls and eventually the Upper Reservoir.
