Fall is certainly in full swing and all of the Bennetts in Hawaii are glad that October is pau (done). Last month was completely nuts with all of the parties, projects, and obligations that we had to attend to. The start of October was a bit more relaxing as Cory was on Fall break so we were able to get to the beach a few more days. Anyhow, here are some photos of the last month or so. It is nice to look back on these as it reminds us how important it is to just stop and take time to enjoy life...especially when you live in such a beautiful place as Hawaii.
Enjoying Fall break at Lanikai beach
Time for a snack
Digging out a huge fort
lounging at Ko Olina
Chicken Joe's (from Surf's Up) famous line: "I can feel it in my nuggets"
On Cory's birthday we found out that our second child will also be a boy. We were all quite happy to hear that he is looking fine and seems to be in perfect health. Leif has decided that the baby should be called "Boo" after the character in Monster's Inc. even though this character was a girl. Regardless, it made for a clever addition to Amanda's second costume for this year (see below). The due date looks to be March 23, 2010.
Beautiful baby "Boo"
Contemplating birthday cake
Happy 34 Dad!
One of the things that had Cory swamped was the annual Hawaii Association of Middle Schools annual conference in October. Cory is a board member, president elect for the upcoming year, and volunteered to run/present a "learning lab." Terry T., one of Cory's most respected colleagues, agreed to co-present and it was so nice to share this experience with her. Cory is hopefully nearing the end of his course work for his PhD, too. He met with his committee the other day and they agree that he is ready for is comprehensive examines and it looks like he will be writing them over Christmas break. So, if anyone is planning a vacation please do not come during this time as Cory needs to be extremely focused on this exam (answering four questions each answer being about 15 pages long).
Cory's presentation at the H.A.M.S. annual conference
We also made our traditional trip to the pumpkin patch. Each year it gets so much better. This time Leif was able to pick out the pumpkin he wanted all by himself.
Found a good one!
2007--10 months old
2008--22 months old
2009--34 months old
Leif painting his pumpkins
Amanda went gang-busters trying to make birthday gifts for Leif's friends, our Halloween costumes, and product for the Honolulu Mommies craft fair that was held during the HM Halloween party. I don't know how she pulled it off but she did (super mom I guess:). Unfortunately, Leif was scared of the Kermit shirt she made and we ended up being ghosts again for Halloween.
The costume that never was
This is as close as Leif got to being Kermit
Animal and Kermit at neighbor's costume party
Miss Piggy and Kermit at the same party
Honolulu Mommies annual Halloween party
The fruits of her labor
Getting ready to carve pumpkins
It's trick or treat time!!!!
Momma and baby "Boo"
Leif and Dad scoring big on Halloween booty
The only jack-o-lantern we made...guts were "stinky!"
We hope your fall has been less hectic than ours and sincerely hope that you might have a chance to come visit us in the near future (though Christmas is likely not a good time this year...see above). So, until then,
aloha!
Cory, Amanda, Leif, and baby "Boo"