High Capacity

I was doing a little laundry today. I started the water and added the soap just as Ben started screaming. So I picked him up and started to do two things at once. I set him on the side of the washer to try and cheer him up a bit. Heliked the feel of the warm water so much that he kept arching his back to get in. I kept letting him in just a little bit more, just a little bit more, until he was finally in. So I stripped off his diaper (which was all he was wearing in the first place) and let him play for awhile. He absolutely loved it and I sent Cassidy after the camera. He was so upset when I pulled him out, but perked up quickly when he got in the warm (suds-less) tub.

How the Watsons watch conference

Trying to get 4, well 3 kids to watch conference is quite a task. During the Sunday morning session of conference, the girls decided to make comfy spots on the floor to watch. They were being really great! However, (why must there always be a "however"?) Ben was not so cooperative. He thought they were hanging out on the floor so he could jump on them, pull their hair, step on their heads, etc. etc. etc. All the little jobs that a little brothers must do. Kaylie spent the night so she got the wrath of Benjamin too.

Trip to the zoo with cousins

Today, between conference sessions, we decided to take an outing to the zoo. It's the first time Ben has ever been. I called and invited my two sisters. Laura came with her grand-daughters, Jocie and Maddie, and Brady, my brother-in-law brought Kaylie and Graycie. It was a great day, not too hot, not too cold. It wasn't very crowded either. Here are a few of the hundreds of pictures we snapped today.

Our Zoo Crew Ben checking out the tigers

The tigers' view of Ben

Cassidy, Ben, and McKenna

Gettin' big...

Ben was more fascinated with the water than the animals. This is the otter pond.

Dirt...also more interesting than animals

I think my parents have a very similar picture of me and a lion fountain taken at Hogle Zoo when I was a kid

Such a cute little picture of my little munchkins.

My brother in law took this picture at the same time. Funny "behind" the scenes picture of how we got the shot.

All the kids.

Get me outta here. (make sure and check out the video)

All parents who have tried to get "cute" pictures of a TON of kids at once have gone through this! I just think it's funny because we look at everyone's perfect pictures and sometimes we think that's how their lives are. But this is a much, much, much more accurate portrayal of my life!

My little family (minus daddy who was home changing the oil in the cars)

Kenna feeding the STINKY goats

Ben wanted to give it a try but doesn't understand why he can't eat it too.

This is one of my favorite pictures. Graycie HATED this penguin which Ben thought was VERY funny and kept laughing at her. (be sure to click on this picture to make it big so you can really check out the facial expressions of Ben and Graycie)

Ben feeding the goats the first time.

Wild-man Benjamin

I've got an active little son. About a year ago, my former bishop's wife sweetly told me after relief society that she sure felt sorry for me. She informed me that I'd have a handful once he started walking. Well, when he was about 11 months he started cruising from the ottoman to the couch. From then on it was full speed ahead. I wouldn't change a thing (my life just calls for a few more naps). Last weekend Laura and I hit a couple yard sales. Ben found this little trampoline and wouldn't get off. $5 well spent! He now has a little bit more productive outlet for his extra energy. (Sorry about the lack of pants, it's a common look here though. When you jump they just fall down,)