Just us and the animals.

Note to self: If you ever want some private time with the zoo animals and staff, go on a rainy week day. Almost awkward at times, we were definitely four out of the thirty five people there. Which was amazing. No crowds, no lines, private viewings, private shows, private interviews with the trainers, and tip-toeing past the flamingo "chat with zoo keeper" time because we felt bad we weren't stopping to hear his shpeal. We touched sting rays and fed giraffes and brushed goats. We had a picnic in the pouring rain. We were the only "archeologists in training" at the dinosaur pit. Needless to say, it was fantastic.

We'll be back, Fresno. If it ever rains again.

Hello One Year Old Bennett!

Talk about the fastest year of our lives.
Bennett Scott you are a one year old!
We don't have a baby anymore and we are just shocked that you are 12 months old.

You are still the sweetest, happiest, eeeeasiest kid ever.
You love everyone, especially if they have a beard or glasses. 
You'll wave and talk to the people we pass by and give them the biggest dimpled grin they've ever seen.

You clap, dance, play cars, and love to throw balls. 
You love to flip through books, look at the pictures, and talk about them all. 
You can say 'please', 'more', and 'all done' in sign language! It's pretty much the cutest thing ever.
You say "da-dawg" and "woof"!

You are still an incredible eater and sleeper. 
You'll eat pretty much anything but prefer bread. You love your two naps and your zebra friend to keep you company. You play with his tail and mane with your fingers as you fall asleep just like Graham did.

You are a goof troop. You "jig a buh!" and "yook a dat" all the time. "Tee-ka, tee-ka, tee-ka". You really have so much to say. When you are caught doing something you're not supposed to do, you cock your head to the side against your shoulder and give a sheepish grin. It's unbelievable. You know full well what you're doing, too, because then you wait with your hand out until we call out your name once more. And out comes the charm again...

You are a snuggle bug. And I'm soaking up those head-on-my-shoulder moments. They will be gone before I know it. Or maybe you'll always be my snuggler...Fine by me. 
You love your daddy and seriously light up when he enters the room. Especially when he's been at work. You point and crawl as fast as your little knees will take you.
 
You also are enamored with your big brother. If he even just looks at you or talks to you, your whole face lights up. You want to play what he's playing and you're actually pretty good at it. You don't take his things. Most of the time you just want to play near him. He over reacts a bit but he's learning. Lucky for him you are a tough cookie and not much phases you. You don't whine when he takes something from you and you actually offer anything in your hands to him when he comes over. 
You adore Graham and think he is hilarious. He'll get there, bud. Give it time.

Bennett Scott, you are a true character. And so stinkin' cute.
We have loved seeing your go-with-the-flow personality unfold and your goofiness follow suit.

Happy birthday, son.
What a precious addition you are to our family.
We thank the Lord for you daily.

We love you, littlest.