Bench Family

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Down, Set, Hike

Matthew on a tank right

Dad calling a play on a time out

Jordan on an interception

Finally, back to blogging. After Maui we had to dig our heels in and get packing. We moved to our new house on August 18th. It wasn't far--only .5 mile away. It was hard, as moving always is, but good too. We love our new house and neigborhood and are grateful for the many friends and family who helped us with the move.

The kids had been sad about leaving the old tramp at the other house--no other tramp could ever be as bouncy--but when they discovered frogs under the new house's tramp they quickly forgot about the other one.

School started a week later and the kids are all back in the groove of life. Football is going full force. Troy is helping coach Matt's team and Jordan got on a great team too! The girls all start dance tomorrow and we're so excited to have Emma joining in on the fun. They are always so fun to watch at this age (3). Emma also started preshool and is loving every minute of it.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Troy's 20th Year Reunion - Go Huskies!

Kim and Troy ready to "reunite" (Thanks Nat for the style!)

Jill Milne and Jodie Stiles at the after-reunion party at our house.

Mark and Michelle Owens.

The kids even got in on things. Amanda Owens, Anna Bench, Dax Milne, Matt Bench, & Dallen Milne.

Rick and Kristi came all the way from Duluth, Georgia. It was so fun to have them here! Keri Swapp is behind them.

Michelle and Samantha Owens

Mark being a sport.

Brian Swapp, Darren Milne, & Greg Weichers.

Nick Owens and their cute little puppy.

Jordan Bench

Jessica Owens, Kaela Bench, and Maran Milne.

Troy snoozing on the couch. It was passed his bed time.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Aaaahhhh Maui!

For our 15th anniversary and Kim's 40th birthday we took a trip to Maui.

Our first day on island we took our friend Jane's advice and went white water rafting. It was a blast and a good way to get started: snorkelling at Molikini, rafting around the lava coast, and swimming with turtles. It was a rough ride. A lady on our raft about broke her nose when the raft came down hard on a swell. We had a great time but were just a bit sore the next day.

Snorkeling with the turtles just off the coast of Wailea.

Here we're at one of the first stops along the road to Hana. The warning signs say it all when it comes to traveling in Hawaii. Driving a jeep made it a little trickier to have belongings.

We had to take a picture somewhere in Hana to prove that we actually made it there. The drive there was so beautiful and the town of Hana is so charming. We loved it!

The upper trail (pipiwai) at Oheo Gulch beyond Hana was well worth the trip. The bamboo forest was incredible and the 800 foot waterfall was refreshing.

Showering off in the falls!

Here are some of the lower 7 pools beyond Hana. Some days you can actually swim in them but that day they were closed.

Eating at Mama's Fish House was another highlight of the trip. I think everyone we talked to about going over there said, "eat at Mama's Fish House." We're glad we did. The Mahi Mahi was so good!

Outside Mama's Fish House. Troy ever posing for Kim's pics!

Parasailing off the Kanapali Coast was great!

This is Big Beach. Great body surfing. It's also right next to Little Beach which is the nude beach on the island. Interesting!!

This is the view from our room. We loved it out on the balcony!!

The last day of our trip we came here, to Honolua Bay. It's not a very crowded beach which we liked, and the snorkeling was better than at Molikini. We swam with turtles, humuhumunukunukuapuaas, and found our own little private beach in a cave. So fun!!

Friday, July 18, 2008

Kaela's Birthday Party at Young Chef's Academy

Waiting for the bash to begin: Abigail, Anna, Emma, Kaela, and Elle.

Beautiful Birthday Belle

mixing and stirring

and stirring

and posing

Kaela's Birthday Party Continued

Finally, their own bowl and spatula to lick.

Chef Victoria modeling and measuring

smiling

and licking

and opening!

Kaela Turns 7

It was Kaela's birthday this week. She turned 7. It's hard to believe this tall, beautiful little thing is growing up so fast. Here's a pic with Grandma Barbara, who came bearing gifts!!