11 month milestones

We have a walker! On July third, Hunter took his first steps! Three exciting, and a little wobbly steps from momma right to dadda. Dustin and I were so amazed. At first Hunter's line of thought seemed to be, "why walk, when I can crawl?" He took his time getting there and continues to only want to walk when he feels like it. When we hold his hand, he holds on for dear life and sometimes I wonder if my fingers will fall off. :)

Playing in the Water

Besides walking, Hunter continues to talk to us. He doesn't have to say real words to let us know he has something important to say. He continues to babble and throw some real words in too. His favorite thing to do now is sit on daddy, smack his face and say, "wake up!" It's hilarious, I know I shouldn't condone hitting but you'd laugh, too!

Just a Swingin'

Hunter needs lots of attention and physical things to do now. He gets bored easily and loves to play with toys and try new things out. His most recent discovery is climbing. He loves to do this, he tries to climb on the tv stand but its a little too tall for him right now, and he also enjoys trying to get on the couch and then gets pretty angry when he cannot. I think the most shocking new "discovery" for mommy and daddy, is Hunter's fits. They are crazy! All I can say is that Hunter knows what he wants. :)

Hangin' Out in his Diapie

We will keep you posted on the happenings with Hunter as he grows and learns!

11 month milestones

Our trip to Iowa

On June 7th, we boarded a plane to the good ole mid-west! This time our stop was Iowa. Flying with Hunter was an experience that I'm glad Daddy was able to share. Had he not been there I might have gone insane. Hunter did a really good job, but a mobile baby in a confined space equals exhaustion. Even Daddy was tuckered out from the trip.

Two Grandpa's and a Grandma

While we were in Iowa we got to see Grandpa Randy, Grandpa and Grandma Benson, Aunt Nee and Unlce Phil and cousin Jade. Hunter advanced with his vocabulary, in other words showed off his mad skills, to the family. He said words and phrase like buckle, pickle, where ya goin, and no momma! He crawled all over and showed Grandpa and Grandma just what he could do. He also gave Sammie and the other doggies a run for their money! :)

Four Generations of Benson Boys

We also go to meet Dustin's other grandpa, Grandpa Gerard and his Aunt Amy and family. It was a good trip but too fast. We only got to stay four days. It was much needed break though and we got to catch up with everyone.

Grandpa Randy and Hunter

Hunter's 10 month milestones

On June 2nd, Hunter was ten months old. Now the count down for his first birthday has officially began! He's getting so big! He said his first word "hello" when he was nine months. He now has added quite a few words and phrases to that list including; hi, no (his favorite, especially when paired with momma), hey there, elmo, back off, and the other day he told daddy to "wake up", then followed up with a smack in the face. As Hunter grows he is learning that things don't always go his way. That's ok though, he continues to amaze us with his intelligence, and mannerisms. He's a great baby, who knows exactly what he wants. :) Hunter can pull up on the furniture and pretty much reach anything he wants now. If you don't want Hunter to have it, then you should probably lock it in a box, because he WILL find it!!! He also walks by holding on to the furniture or your hand. Hunter has really progressed intellectually, he has favorite toys (his music table, tunnel, my phone...) and knows how to make them work. The cutest thing he does is sit down with a toy and it seems like he's studying it. Very adorable! More updates on our little man to come.

Busy, busy bees

May was a super busy month for us! Daddy came home from his training, Aunt Kaley came for a visit, we saw the SeaLife Aquarium for the first time and Hunter went for his first swim!

Daddy came Home!!!

On May 18th, Daddy came home after four and a half weeks away, doing training operations in the desert. We missed him dearly! Hunter and I both felt relief when he came in the door! The same day, Aunt Kaley arrived for a visit from Missouri! We filled the time she had here with lots of fun things, and a bit of relaxation as well!



When Dustin got home he wanted to take Hunter to see the SeaLife Aquarium at Legoland. It was exciting for all of us! Aunt Kaley joined in the fun and Hunter was fascinated with the pretty, colorful fish!

SeaLife Aquarium

Aunt Kaley and Hunter with Jellyfish

Although it was pretty chilly while Kaley was here visiting, we made it a point to head to the beach, even if it meant we were laying out in sweat pants!!! It was worth it, the beach is always relaxing. And I know Kaley enjoyed. It's easy to take it for grated when you live here.

Aunt Kaley and Hunter on the Beach

Aunt Kaley also got to go swimming with us, it was Hunter's first time in the pool. At first he wasn't really liking the experience. The first time, he didn't really warm up to the "giant bathtub" theory I had going, but now that it's July, he's getting there!!!!

Hunter's first Swim

Hunter's First Easter

Easter lasted more than one Sunday for us. We started by heading to the Easter Eggstravaganza down at the Community Center on March 27. They had lots of tents set up for family fun and information. Hunter had lots of fun. He got to sit on his first pony, ride in the stroller on a beautiful day and he even got to meet McGruff the crime dog! We stayed for a couple hours, but skipped out on his Easter egg hunt, we just didn't think much would come of that. :)

On Easter Sunday Hunter woke up to the presents the Easter bunny brought him; sandals, new bottles and new pacifiers. Not that he really cared. Although I loved the sandals :)! We got all dressed up and headed to the Saddleback Easter service to watch Pastor Rick broadcast from the Angels stadium. We weren't brave enough to go to the actually stadium. We finished the day by eating lunch with the Sapps. Great day and fun for Hunter!

Sadly we didn't get a picture with the "real" Easter bunny, but the inflatable one will do!

Daddy's Graduation and USMC Color Guard

On March 19th the Marine Corps Color Guard and Silent Drill team came and performed on base. We joined Amanda and Bailey to go watch the performance. It was amazing! They were fantastic, and so disciplined with their actions. No one messed up, every step was in sync. They played songs and Hunter loved this part. The commentator also gave historic information as to how the origins of the Color Guard came about. (Sorry to disappoint, but for the life of me I can't remember the history.)

The silent drill team performed after the Color Guard and this was my favorite part. They were amazing with their guns, which at one point, they spun around and threw in the air. Hunter got a little restless during this part, most likely because the music had stopped.

It was a nice time and something that everyone in the Marine Corps should see.

On March 26, Hunter and I went to watch Dustin graduate from his Infantry Mortar Leaders Course. We watched Dustin receive three awards including the Gung Ho award, his peers voted him the person they would most like to see combat with. Awesome! We are so proud of Daddy! And best of all we're excited to finally have him home and back on a schedule. At least for the time being. Dustin will leave on April 15th for four and a half weeks to train in Yuma, Arizona. We will miss him!