Bench Fam Rocks

Emma's First Time on Santa's Lap

noreply@blogger.com (Troy and Kim Bench and Family) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:21:00 +0000

The Nutcracker

noreply@blogger.com (Troy and Kim Bench and Family) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:09:00 +0000

It was the girls' first time to the Nutcracker. They loved it.

Eating downtown and seeing the sights.

We had to bundle up. It was cold outside!!!

Classic!

noreply@blogger.com (Troy and Kim Bench and Family) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 03:59:00 +0000

This is how it is around our house at Christmas time. I think he was really meant to come to the Scrooge family instead of the Bench family and someone messed up in Heaven--is that possible?

It's a Tradition

noreply@blogger.com (Troy and Kim Bench and Family) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 23:19:00 +0000

The BYU vs. Utah game is, of course, the biggest game of the year. Dad always runs his BYU flag around Draper and we try to take the boys to the game. One of these days we'll start taking the girls. When Anna asked who Cosmo was, we decided it's time to start.

noreply@blogger.com (Troy and Kim Bench and Family) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:10:00 +0000

What is it about 4 year olds that makes them so great? Is it their disney sounding voice? Is it their excitement for everything (everything but healthy food)? Or is it their wonderfully trusting, loving, hugging abilities? What ever it is, I wish it could last forever.

Thanksgiving Feast

noreply@blogger.com (Troy and Kim Bench and Family) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 01:52:00 +0000

Digging in.

The spread

Troy, we really have to get you an apron like that!

Grandma B

The teenage table Cece and Emma being silly

Millie and Kaela being even sillier

The football crew

Elena and Matt

Jordan's Eagle Court of Honor

noreply@blogger.com (Troy and Kim Bench and Family) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:36:00 +0000

Cute Jord. So proud of him!

This quite possiblly could be the biggest court of honor in all of scout history.

18 scouts received their eagle awards.

Ben Woodruff presented the eagle to us in a whole new light.

Look close to see the eagle behind them.

Getting pinned. Thanks Fred.

Jordan's scout committee.

Bishop Dave Killpack did a great job!

Jord with Aunt Tami

Me and Jord (proud mama)

The cousins. They are always there to supoort us!

Grandpa and Grandmas are awesome!

"The Brothers" as Emma calls them. Check those braces Matt!

Happy Haunting

noreply@blogger.com (Troy and Kim Bench and Family) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:42:00 +0000

The costume that never was. Don't you love those costumes that kids come up with that never make it out the door? Matt's mullet version of Stockton was hillarious, but it lost out to Spiderman in the end.

Kaela was a zombie and Anna was, well, I'm sure you can guess. This is the morning of the school parade, so of course costumes will change a few times from now til the end of Halloween night.

Emma finally found a fair replacement for the bunny costume. She was convinced it was a duck costume regardless of how hard we tried to convince her it was a chick. Bok bok or quak quak, which will it be?

Kaela's zombie costume was great until it started unravelling. By the end of the parade she was down to her skin colored skivies, so she called me to bring her some clothes.

Emma walked in the parade with Anna this year. She even lasted the whole time. Way to go Emma.

Anna's loot from her class Halloween party.

Okay, it's Halloween night and the starting line-up is the chick (or duck), Spiderman, a ghost (our first ever), and the football player.

Anna's friend McCall was so funny as an old lady.

Lauren, Bridger, and Emma were making their rounds. Dad said Emma had to be in the lead. Big surprise. We might nick-name her "Emma Incharge".

Sorting the loot. She was first home of course.

Big Emma and Kaela came home for a breather. That's when Kaela switched from a ghost to a princess, all in a matter of seconds. She tried just taking off the ghost costume, but I convinced her that no one would give her candy unless she was in a costume. Thus, Belle replaced Ghost for round two.

Jordan and his buddies even paid us a visit. Funny how costumes evolve as kids get older. Jordan's costume was his orange sweatshirt, grey sweats, and a ski mask. Sam and Jayden were the super hereos.

Emma got tired of sorting her candy and decided to school Caitie and her friends in a little Karate chopping.

We finally made it up to Price's party for some of Teralee's home-made chicken soup and Robyn's lasagna. Pokahantas and Cleopatra were great hosts.

Every Halloween we have our Halloween Hot List (favorite costumes of the year) so here they are:

This kid had a little trouble getting through the halls during the parade.

Greg Matis never ceases to a amaze us.

Bet this guy was tired of carrying that pumkin around all night.

And last, but certainly not least, we ended the weekend with our very own orange snickerdoodles. Kaela and Emma are quite the bakers!

Cabin Fever

noreply@blogger.com (Troy and Kim Bench and Family) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:23:00 +0000

Some friends invited us to their cabin over UEA weekend and this is what we did:
Jumped on the beds

played Monopoly Played Uno

Took pictures

Rode ATVs

Ate

Fixed food

Did a puzzle (which we never finished--not even close)

Hung out

Matt got sick

Played Risk

Watch TV (and Conference) and just had a generally good time. No pun intended.

Life's Little Moments

noreply@blogger.com (Troy and Kim Bench and Family) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:31:00 +0000

This was one of those nights where you just have to stop and "smell the roses!" It was later in the evening and I hadn't heard Emma and her friend Lauren for a while. When I peaked my head in Emma's room, this is what I found. They were reading stories and eating pop-tarts in bed. It was one of the cutest things I think I've ever seen. Emma loves pop-tarts and she loves reading.

The Marathon

noreply@blogger.com (Troy and Kim Bench and Family) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 01:00:00 +0000

Until a couple of years ago, I never thought I would want to run a marathon. Then, one day, while driving the Alpine Loop to see the fall colors, I thought how fun it would be to run through the mountains while training for a marathon. I wasn't sure just when I would feel ready to do it and I definitely wouldnt have done it this year if it were'nt for my running friend Joanna. She attended the Iron Man Cor de Leine (how ever you spell it) to watch our other friend compete in her first Iron Man this past June and when she came home...she was fired up. I call it the "finish line effect!" You can't help but want to get up and move when you watch all those people cross the finish line of a race. The first time I felt it was while watching Troy compete in the Spudman Triathalon in Burley, Idaho. I remember thinking..."if some of these people can do this, so can I"

And now, after training for 3 months, I (we) did it. On September 19, 2009 we ran the Logan, Top of Utah, Marathon. I call it "Joanna's Marathon" because she was the driving force. She was the reason we all got roped in to doing it, and I'm so glad we did! Thanks Jo!

Here I am, wearing my medal proudly!!!

We were so happy when we saw Troy, Aaron, and Scott at mile 18. It was the best little pick-me-up we could have asked for.

We started together and finished together! I love these girls!

ooooh, chocolate milk never tasted so good!

The legs were a little wobbly, but we felt pretty good--a lot better than we did after our training run of 22 miles.

My man who loves and supports me. He inspires me with his drive and discipline. Love you T-bone!!

BYU vs Oklahoma Game and Victory Run

noreply@blogger.com (Troy and Kim Bench and Family) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:24:00 +0000

Dad just couldn't resist taking the flag on a victory run around the neighborhood. Me, Julie, and Joanna stayed home and cheered them on. Rhett was cute to blow bubbles with Emma. He's a softy at heart. Todd Kartchner heard the commotion and came to join in on the fun. Kinnon and Jordan and his buddies finishing the victory run. Even Kaela got in on the action. Troy, Todd, Aaron, Kinnon, and Kaela. It's fun when BYU wins! Anna opted out of the victory run.

Football Pep-Rally

noreply@blogger.com (Troy and Kim Bench and Family) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:59:00 +0000

Matt and Chase. Boy, how Matt loves pictures! The waffle making crew Coach Price and Tbone Kaela's second round We've got some fun coaches and parents. The pyramid that never was Jordan came straight from his practice Me, Joanna, Coach Lee's wife, and Tara. Trevor and Emma. Emma, remember to play hard to get! Kaela giving me her best picture smile!

Emma's First Day of School

noreply@blogger.com (Troy and Kim Bench and Family) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:39:00 +0000

We love love love Super Start!

She loves putting her tuition check in the mailbox!

Swim Lessons with Becky Thomas

noreply@blogger.com (Troy and Kim Bench and Family) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:27:00 +0000

For years I have wanted to get the kids in this swim school with Becky Thomas. I finally got it together enough to get someone signed up (lucky Emma)! Wow! Becky and her method of teaching is amazing. I guess her mom, Jan Thomas, has run a famous swim school in California for years. Becky lives here in Utah and does a round of swim lessons at her home here after she finishes up the summer at her mom's school in CA. We got lucky to get Becky as Emma's teacher. She was amazing and Emma loves her. Thanks Becky!!

Graduation Day.

"I'm in charge!"

Finally Four!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Troy and Kim Bench and Family) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 00:03:00 +0000

For at least the last 8 months Emma has been asking when she is going to be 4. It's hard being an August birthday--I should know! Hers is even later than mine though, August 29. Sorry babe! We sure had a fun time celebrating down at Dear Lizzy's though, didn't we!?

We were minus a few. Jordan was in Alpine jumping bikes into a pond with friends, Kaela was with the Price's at a party and I think Matt was at the same party with Easton. So, the Half-Family party was what we did.

Emma loved her "Dizzy Lizzy" drink.

Anna preparing for her waittressing days.

I love the little speckles of chocolate cupcake on her chin. She's such a beauty!

Fashionista.

Fabulous hat Anna Banana

Dad doing what Dad does best!

Time for presents

She couldn't wait for those mini littlest pet shops.

Grandmas and Grandpas always sweeten the day with some loot! Thanks guys!

Kaela, always giving, gave Emma a book she picked out herself in Jackson Hole and a dollar bill. She's always got to slip in a little cash.

Back in the Saddle, so to speak!

noreply@blogger.com (Troy and Kim Bench and Family) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 23:45:00 +0000

First Day of school went off without a hitch. Kaela loved her purple shirt and matching purple shoes. That girl is Puplicious!!

Anna got hot (well, she already was) in her new Abercrombie sweater that she just "had to have".

Matt's first day of 7th grade left him sleeping on the couch until football practice.

Jordan is all about the naps right now. Think that growing thing is happening.

Girls Trip to Jackson

noreply@blogger.com (Troy and Kim Bench and Family) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:30:00 +0000

I hadn't been to Jackson Hole for over 15 years, so when my friend Robyn and her friend (now my friend too) Angie Bleochel invited me to go on their girl trip there, I was thrilled. Angie took her little boy Boston, Robyn took Savi, I took Kaela, and Lacee came stag. We stayed at Angie's parent's cabin up there. It was beautiful and so fun!!

The view from the kitchen window.

Boston. What a doll!

It was Kaela's first time fishing. Thanks Angie for showing her the ropes.

We just couldn't get anything to bite.

Angie helped the girls paint rocks. It was quite the hit and they brought home so many fun and colorful creations.

We enjoyed reading while the girls were painting.

Robyn and Savi being crazy monkeys

Everyone but Boston slept up in the loft. Even though the water was cold, Kaela and Savi had a good time in the river.

Baby Boston had a good time too!

We loved this joint. Their hot turkey sandwiches are scrumptious!

Tea Party

noreply@blogger.com (Troy and Kim Bench and Family) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:30:00 +0000

Tea Parties with Aunty Letty are the best. She brings her bags of goodies, scarfs and hats, and we all have a blast.

A tea party just wouldn't be a tea party with out a hat!

Frog Fest!

noreply@blogger.com (Troy and Kim Bench and Family) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:51:00 +0000

This week's adventure was the junk/fish stand. Hannah and Kaela started out selling odds and ends from Keala's room. Some where along the way, they got the idea to sell fish and frogs from the pet store. Being the nice mom that I am, I took them to Petco to get some critters. The frogs they wanted ended up being more money than they thought, so Kaela just got one for her self. The 13 cent gold fish would be in at Petco on Friday so they decided to come back for them then. But, until then, we had a new pet to care for. We went home, ready to set up the frogs new abode, and were surprised to find 20 anxious frog owners waiting in line on our driveway. They were sadly dissapointed to learn that we only had one frog and it wasn't for sale.

Some of the future frog owners stuck around to see Kaela's cool spotted fire belly frog.

Friday finally came and the gold fish were a hit. Hannah ended up getting a spotted fire belly frog herself and she and Keala decided their frogs would marry. Matt got a fire belly as well and they all lived happily in the big plastic box out in the garage until Peyton, the neighbor boy, decided to take the frogs for himself. The kids recovered them three times and after the third time they couldn't find Hannah's frog. Distraught. Hannah and the girls made "Lost" signs for the frog who's real name is Max, but to keep his identity confidential, they called him Buddy.

Here's the girls with one of the signs. They put up 5or 6 of them all over the neighborhood.

So funny!!

Draper Days Parade and Carnival

noreply@blogger.com (Troy and Kim Bench and Family) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:11:00 +0000

We're too sexy for our shades! The boys went to the carnival that night and this is what they came back with.

It's such a fun tradition...All the kids have their bags for collecting candy. It's really what the parade is all about. This was our first year without Dad and Jordan here. (still at scout camp). Matt had to take the four-wheeler down and find us a spot.

Emma C and Kaela (and Emma's crazy dad in the background)

Um, I think that stroller is a little small for you Riley and Matt!

I think it got a little too loud for Emma once in a while.

Kaela's 8th Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Troy and Kim Bench and Family) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 01:38:00 +0000

Cute Kaela. She is such a giving girl. We love her sooooooo much! She is one of those Mother Theresa's in the making. She is always doing nice things for people. She is either giving money to a beggar on the street, making a card for her sick primary teacher, wanting to buy someone in the family a nice birthday present (with her own money), or making a new friend out of a total stranger on the beach (child stranger mind you). She is a sweet, generous, loving little girl! Happy Birthday Kaela. We love you!!!

For her birthday meal, she wanted to go to IHOP. Wow, what a treat! She wanted to eat breakfast there and then go back for the kids eat free special after 4. Some how I convinced her that it's really just a breakfast place so we didn't have to go back for round two.

She also wanted the family birthday activity to be a trip to Cowabunga Bay. Dad and Jordan were at scout camp, and Matt had heard it was lame, so just us girls went. The lazy river was fun, but the slides were freezing. For all the money that place charges, you'd think they'd heat the water a little bit. I couldn't even convince Emma to go on a slide. Too bad. We'll have to go to Seven Peaks next time. At least we can say, "been there, done that" when it comes to Cowabunga!

I love this pic of Kaela thanking Matt for his gift. This is exactly what happens everytime the girls try to hug their brothers. "The Brothers" as Emma would put it. Jordan is getting a little better, but Matt, well, his face says it all.

Anna and Kaela still manage to share the love once in a while. Oh I miss how they used to be best friends. That will come back again after the clothes wars years, won't it?!

Darling Jordan picked out some shells and a vase for Kaela's shell collection. She loved it.

The sewing machine....a world of fun awaits her! She is my Craft Queen.

The Oreo Cold Stone cake. Yum yum!

The best part of the cake, right? Emma can't wait for her birthday now!!

Sundays

noreply@blogger.com (Troy and Kim Bench and Family) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 22:12:00 +0000

It's Sunday and Anna and I are just fooling around with the Blog tools. We'll see what happens.

Fourth of July at Springdell

noreply@blogger.com (Troy and Kim Bench and Family) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 20:29:00 +0000

Every year we go down to my Mom's to celebrate the Fourth. We paintball, run the river, play in the pond, have water fights, and eat. We have a big breakfast and then a big dinner. The Moms usually head to the Freedom Festival Craft Fair and the Dads take the kids down the river. We do a lot of hanging out underneath the gorgeous Springdell trees. It's the best!

The boys were not afraid of that ice cold water.

There were some pretty sweet moves on the rope.

Grandma B and Anna

Doing some of that hanging out

Kirk launching his potatoe rocket

Elena and Anna

Even Wagna got in on the water fight

Emma was showing off her letter skills

Jenny took Emma for a ride.

Thanks Jenny!

Getting the balloons ready

Emma liked those frosting coated 4th of July cupcakes.

Anna and Elena made pets of their balloons.

Kaela really enjoyed the water balloon fight!

Fun Times with Friends

noreply@blogger.com (Troy and Kim Bench and Family) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 20:23:00 +0000

Kaeal and Emma

Bree, Anna, and Cambria

Sarah, Anna, and Addison being crazy