Catching Up

The Achatz house has been so busy! Ryan is still studying hard . . . and working when he doesn't get called off. I started teaching night school this school year and LOVE it! Ryan can be home with Bennett when I work, and I really enjoy my students and feel like I'm making a difference to them. I also substitute when our schedules allow for it, usually a few days a week. Now that I finally have a SECOND, here's a little of what we've been doing this Fall.

Just playing.


Bennett met Great Grandma Clough for the first time when she got home from her mission this Fall. Here is our 4 generation picture.



Climbing on things.

The day Bennett learned to stand up in his crib. He is so proud of himself.
Tuckered out


Bennett started closing his eyes when he sees the camera, probably because he knows the flash is coming. Between that and him moving around more, it's hard to get a good picture of him.
We all walked in the CCFA's "Take Steps for the Cure." I didn't end up raising any money :(, but it was still fun to go and be part of a good cause that is personal to us.
Bennett and Daddy walking for Mommy.

My little brother Justin came to visit with his girlfriend Rachel. While they were here, we took them to Table Rock, one of our favorite spots in Boise.
One of Bennett's new favorite things is turning on and off the TV. At least he only gets a blue screen.
Ryan turned 34 this year! I actually put all 34 candles on the old man's cake.
Bennett was a little monkey for Halloween. . . but most people thought he was either a lion or a bear. Ryan and I had fun taking him trick-or-treating. He HATED his hood, as you can tell.
Bennett loves books, which makes his English-teaching mother so proud. Here he is taking a break so he can block out the flash.

Bennett's Moves

Labor Day Weekend

During Labor Day weekend, Boise had a hot air balloon festival. We ended up going twice because we went as a family one day and then later in the weekend when Ryan's parents came to visit. It was so beautiful!

Watching the hot air balloons fill up with air. Brrrr.

Taking off . . .

oooooohhh aaaaaahhh

We also took Ryan's parents to the old Women's prison and then to Table Rock. Here are the boys checking out the view.

Team Achatz

Ryan and Bennett with Patti and Walt.

1st Birthday!

I can't believe Bennett is already a year old! This can't be happening so quickly. :( Since Bennett won't remember his first birthday, the celebration was for us. Here's what went on . . .

Daddy taking Bennett for a ride on his new toy. . . that's not a riding toy, but he had a blast.

Opening a present. He has no idea what's going on.

We had an airplane birthday party for Bennett that night. Ryan and I made an airplane cake (that also sort of resembles a fish) and some candy airplanes.

I made this collage with pictures of each month of Bennett's first year and made everyone see if they could get them in order. They said the hair threw them off.


Distinguished guests.

Most babies stuff cake in their face on their first birthday. Bennett just dumped his. Cake schmake!

We love our little Bennett . . . as anyone who frequents this blog can see. We are so grateful he's in our family, and we look forward to many more birthdays with our little guy.

Trip to Grandma's x 2

After Bennett's birthday, we took a trip to see both Grandmas and Grandpas. Here's what we did. . .

Eating snow cones with Grandma in the park in Soda Springs.


Cousins. Little Bowen is so laid back and oh so cute!

The kids playing wii.

Chilling at other Grandma's house.

Bennett loved the little dogs and chased them all over. Here he's wondering why they can't come out to play (they probably don't want to!).

Bennett's first taste of ice cream. After he got over the cold shock, he went back for more.

We had Achatz family pictures since everyone was together.

Bennett: "Too many girls! Make them go away."

. . . and the little boys, Brayden, Hunter, and Bennett.

Going for a motorcycle ride on Uncle Jerel's bike. . . or imagining one.

Hanging out with cousin Brooklyn.

While in Logan, we went to the zoo. I didn't even know Logan had a zoo! We saw an animal named "Bennett's Wallaby," which was our favorite.

Summertime!

Bennett gets cuter and more fun all the time! Here are some of the things we've been doing together.

Swinging on a hot Boise day.

Ryan tried to stick Bennett's feet in the river, but Bennett wouldn't have it. Check out those great abs.

Achatz family at the Boise River

At the Boise Art Museum on a free day. Yay!

Bennett enjoys opening and closing doors and playing peek-a-boo . . . with Mom, Dad, and his toys.

After cooling off at a friend's pool.

One way you can play with blocks.

We went to the Boise State scrimmage game, when the team plays each other to kick off the season. We had a blast but didn't know who to cheer for.

He should be sleeping, but he's peeking out at Mom and Dad instead!


All that playing makes Bennett a tired boy. He falls asleep in the funniest positions sometimes!

Like this . . .


. . . and this

and my favorite . . .