Fletcher's Flyover

Last night Bennett and I went to a local high school football game to watch Fletcher do a flyover after the National Anthem. The guys flew in and parked the helicopters on the football practice field and let everyone check them out. Bennett loves getting up in the helos and looking around. As a bonus, there was a fire engine parked nearby....that's big time in our books! The firemen were gracious enough to let Bennett climb into the driver's seat and go to steering. He made himself right at home, even handing the fireman his sippy cup to hold....had to free up both hands to maneuver. Needless to say, both Bennett and I are very proud of the work Fletcher does and it was such an honor to get to watch him perform upclose.

Bennett Golfing w/ William

I'm just learning how to upload videos to our blog. This one is a few months old, but wanted to post it, so Papa could see Bennett's golf skills.

Bennett's 1st Day at Preschool

Today was a big day in the Tidwell house....Bennett started his preschool program. We got up this morning to a down pour and tornado warning, but that didn't put a damper on Bennett's excitement. I was so proud of him walking into class. He strutted down the hall with his backpack on waving at everyone. He walked right in and found his favorite toy (the police car).....and there you have it....no tears....no "momma wait"....nada. When I picked him up, he was in different clothes....guess our diaper leaked on day 1 of school. I got a picture of the drawing the class created. Great job, buddy!

Make New Friends Day

Bennett will begin a little preschool program at our church this year on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This week was the open house to meet his teachers and today was "Make New Friends Day" in his classroom. His buddy, Alli, will be in his class and we're very excited to watch them learn and grow. Alli's mom and I are friends from sunday school and the kids really enjoy each other. I took a few pictures of Bennett making himself at home in his new classroom. By the way, where did the summer go? I can't believe it's school time already.

My Little Boy

My cousin took these pictures of Bennett when we were in Texas a couple of weeks ago. She emailed them to me and as a sappy mom, I saw how he's more a little boy than a baby anymore. He starts his little weekday ministries/school program next week. I'm so excited for him. I know he's going to enjoy the teachers and other children. As my psychotherapist cousin (another cousin) told me when I asked for a "free diagnosis" on Bennett's future...with a grin he said, "Well, he's very energetic....and VERY social". Just wanted to share those big brown eyes with you.

Our Last Day

It's amazing how fast time flies when you're having fun. Our last day was beautiful....a little cooler and pleasant. We've grown up taking pictures on these rocks, so we wanted to start the tradition with Bennett. He kept calling them "balls" and I guess from his point of view they do look like giant balls. He ran and played until he couldn't go anymore. We headed back to the cabin, but had to stop off for a picture on the bulldozer.....I'm sure that's not the appropriate name for this type of machinery, but it's the best I could come up with. We never slow down long enough for TV, but Bennett actually sat and watched a video with Nina before dinner. Thanks Nina and Pa for a wonderful time at Camp Meeting 2008. We can't wait for next year!

Exploring the Chinati Springs

Well, we never actually found the Chinati Springs. Ronny had read an article in his Texas Highways magazine, so we went looking. Our directions must have been a little off because we ended up on some unpaved offroad sad excuse for a road......BUT we did get to catch this view. And Bennett was all about the adventure (not that you can tell from this picture). We got back in time for Bennett to play on the saddle and check out the fish fry with Pa.

Day 2

Day 2 we took a ride to look for deer. Obviously, there was some discretion over who was going to drive us. We had a nice shower and were pleasantly surprised to find a rainbow.

Day 1 at Bloys

Our first day we spent a lot of time just hanging out and recovering from our travel exhaustion. Bennett helped Pa put up the swing and he got social with people passing by. We sat on the porch much of the day and enjoyed the view of the Davis Mountains. Hard to believe there is a place in Texas when the weather is cool in August, but it was. Bennett and McKenzie played house in the home Chico built out of a refrigerator box. Gotta get creative in the stix. :)

Our Annual Trip to Camp Meeting

For as long as I can remember, we've spent the first week in August at Bloys Camp Meeting in Fort Davis, Texas. It's one of my favorite weeks of the year. My stepdad's grandparents began going years ago and it's a tradition my family has come to love. This year Fletcher was unable to join us, so Bennett and I made the trip just the two of us. Pa and Nina picked us up at the airport in Midland/Odessa and we spent a week out there enjoying family and friends we wait all year to get to see. Bennett was wide open playing with his buddies and having ice cream and cobbler after lunch and dinner. I took a bunch of pics, so I'll do my best not to bore you. These are from our first night there and Bennett was getting the feel of his new dump trucks and bulldozers in the cabin with Nina and Pa looking on.

Playing in the Sprinkler

Somebody left the sprinkler on outside and we took full advantage of it.

Fun in the Sun w/ Daddy

Bennett and Fletcher are fish! They played and played in the water. They took a break to dig in the sand, but then headed back to the ocean. Bennett loves getting to spend time with his daddy and we can't wait to get him home!

Back to the Kids Park

While waiting for Fletcher to get done with his day, Bennett and I headed back to the kids park. We met our pals William and Monica there and it was hot day! Really hot! Bennett made friends with a group of girls sitting in the shade. Smart fella!