The Bensons: New Adventures!

Peter just submitted his application to Pacific Lutheran University for Graduate School which is located in Tacoma, WA. This was the only one we got done before the deadline unfortunately, but we feel like the whole process was pretty overwhelming and now we definitely know what to expect for next year if we don't get in this year. He's working hard and still loving his job, which makes the prospect of not getting into Grad School much more bearable. Being 2nd Counselor in Elders Quorum is a great calling for him and is stretching him in all the right ways. Being in an area that allows for a lot of missionary opportunities and with a lot of new converts (we'll have 3 more baptisms over the next 3 weeks), has lit a fire in us to reach out of our comfort zones and play a more active role in the Lord's work. Peter's still an amazing husband and Dad and his little girls adore him and smother him with hugs as soon as he walks in the door.

I have been doing Boot Camp since the beginning of the year two mornings a week and have been loving it! It's been wonderful to get active again and start to get back into shape. I've missed being able to play basketball and volleyball and hope to get back on the court soon. I'm still trying to get a hang of balancing three little ones and housework. Some days I feel like Wonder Woman and others...not so much. I've been released as the Nursery Leader (I have mixed feelings about this) and have been called as the Achievement Days Leader. I've only been to one activity so far, but we have about 20 girls so it gets pretty hectic and loud. I love being a mom and hopefully I'll find my stride with it. I'm still madly in love with my perfect match and thank the Lord daily for bringing him into my life.

Olivia is a Sunbeam! I can't believe she's in primary already. It's been a rough transition for her,as was nursery, but hopefully she'll get used to it soon. She is still in love with horses, swords, and really any animal, but mostly horses. Her imagination is amazing, and I never get tired of listening to her dialogue with all of her animals. Livy loves being the "biggest" sister and she frequently reminds Jane about this fact. She's so great with Anne and helping to get diapers and throwing away the dirty ones. Olivia has learned most of the words to "What Makes You Beautiful" by One Direction and loves to dance and sing to that song. She also loves singing "I Am A Child of God" so at least we have some good balance =). All in all she's still my sweet spirited little girl and we love to see her growing up and seeing a glimpse of who she will become.

Jane is still our little, spunky firecracker. She has really taken Anne under her wing and feels it her duty to make sure she has a toy in reach at all times. Peek-a-boo is also her favorite game to play with her baby sister. Jane is happy (most of the time) to go along with whatever game Olivia's made up, which most of the time, consists of Jane being Angus (my brother's dog) and fetching things or going for walks. Haha! It's so great. Jane is our little thinker and loves to read books and take things a part to see what's in them and how they work. I really think she's going to be a little smartypants, and not just in school. Jane can be the sweetest little thing, but her temper can get in the way of all that sweetness when things aren't going her way. She's learning to express herself better with words but we still have a way to go. Jane definitely keeps us on our toes and is such a bright light in our lives.

Anne is four months old! Where has the time gone? Anne already fits into 6-9 months clothes and has now successfully rolled from back to tummy and tummy to back multiple times and is mastering the art of wiggling to get off of blankets we put her on. She has discovered her little voice and we get to have fun little "conversations" with her often. She's also starting to laugh and giggle frequently and Peter's the best at getting her to do so. Anne had a bout with RSV this last month and is finally over that and back to her normal smiling self. She's been such a wonderful baby and has made my fear of having more kids disappear (knock on wood). Our whole family is just so in love with her and we've been so blessed to have her sweet spirit in our home.

In other news, we just got to visit Idaho not too long ago for my youngest brother's farewell. I can't believe he's leaving for his mission in just two days. I'm so proud to say that all five of my brothers have served missions. It's going to be sad knowing the next time we go to Nana and Papa's house, Tom Tom won't be there, but I know he'll be where he needs to be and where he's meant to be. So proud of you little brother and can't wait to hear about all your amazing adventures!

Best Friends!